I was trying to think of something else for us to do so that Austin didn’t have to go home when we came to a stop outside the gate of Ma’s house. I turned his way, my heart skipping a beat when I saw hesitation in his gaze that told me he didn’t want the night to end either.
I tipped my head up to see the clear star-filled sky above us before looking back at his face. I had to blink a few times to make sure that I wasn’t seeing things because his eyes were roaming my face and there was a soft, warm smile on his lips that I hadn’t seen before. Imagined, yes. Experienced, no. It warmed me from the inside out and I had to lock my knees so that I didn’t melt into a puddle at his feet.
“Wanna go hang out in the tree house for a bit? Don’t feel like goin’ to bed yet.”
Austin cleared his throat. “Think it’s better if we get some sleep, Char. Gotta get up early in the mornin’ to help Dad with the chores.”
“Oh,” I replied, not hiding my disappointment.
"I can see you tomorrow though," he replied, buoying my spirits as he took a step closer to me.
Then he made my whole life complete by reaching over and lacing his fingers with mine, my skin vibrating with something I’d never felt before. He lifted his other hand and tipped my chin up with his fingers. “Had a good night with you, Char,” he said, his voice rough and deep.
I almost blurted it out then, almost confessed that I was in love with him—my best friend, the best boy I'd ever known and everwouldknow.
But somehow, deep down, I knew it wasn’t the time. I needed to wait until IknewAustin liked me or not and when I knew this wasn’t just a one-sided crush. I wanted to know that it was real and that we were the soulmates I believed we were.
Standing there, staring deep into each other’s eyes, we didn’t say a word. I felt like I was crawling out of my skin, my heart pounding a symphony against my chest as I fought hard to stand still and wait for what Ihopedwas about to happen.
“Ever been kissed, Char?” he murmured, leaning so that I could feel his warm breath washing over my skin. All I could smell was that woodsy manly cologne he wore whenever we went out. It was my favorite smell in the whole world.
My tongue felt ten times too big for my mouth, so I just shook my head while his gaze slid down to my mouth before slowly moving back to my eyes.
“Always wondered what it would feel like, you know…” he said, almost mindlessly, like he was as lost in the moment as I was.”…to be your first kiss. Wanted it to be me. Make sure you’re treated right.”
“Please,” I whispered as he reached out and gently cupped my jaw.
The world stopped spinning and it was like we were the only two people left on earth. I held my breath as he slowly leaned in and brushed his lips against mine. It was a tentative, exploring caress. Soft, sweet, and absolutely perfect. It was what I hoped would be the first kiss of many.
After walking me to my door and kissing my cheek one more time, he said goodnight and left. I pretty much flew into my bedroom, maybe even danced.
Later, when I couldn't sleep, that is when I scratched the CG 4 AG into my desk. I know my mom saw it, I didn’t try to hide it, but she never said anything about it. Sometimes I wish she had because then maybe she would’ve pushed me to be honest with myself and him, and maybe we’d be together now.
But for days afterward, there was absolutely nothing in the world that could wipe the goofy grin off my face. Not until study, life, and my dreams got in the way, and Austin never told me whether he loved me back. Then again, he never knew I loved him either.
I reachthe top of the stairs leading to the bookstore. One of the benefits of having a dad who owns a bookshop isallthe reading I got to do growing up, and now that I'm back in town for good, I'm looking forward to enjoying an endless to-be-read pile again.
As I push the door open the small bell jingles, announcing my arrival. Dad looks up from behind the counter where he’s doing paperwork, a warm smile spreading across his face when he spots me. "Hey, sweetheart. Didn’t expect you today. Not complainin’ though.”
I snicker and move toward him, walking into his open arms for a big bear hug. "I’d hope you wouldn’t complain. Iamyour only daughter, aren’t I?”
“One and only. It’s good to see you. How was your shift?" he asks.
I sigh and shake my head as I pull away from the hug, moving to lean against the counter. “Long but good. Had its ups and downs. Mrs Wallace gave birth to a beautiful baby boy though. Only just made it to the hospital in time. I had to meet her in the driveway outside and deliver him in the backseat of Mr. Wallace’s truck.”
“Oh wow,” Dad says with a chuckle. “Bet you don’t get stories likethatevery day.”
"Definitely my first backseat birth, that's for sure. Mom and baby are doing well though, that's all that matters."
Dad’s expression softens as he reaches out to squeeze my shoulder. “Damn proud of you, Charlie. You worked hard to get where you are, and pleased as hell you’re back home where you belong. Still not used to you bein’ home permanently though.”
“Aww shucks, Dad. You tryin’ to get rid of me already?” I tease.
“Nope. You’re not allowed to leave again. I forbid it as your father,” he tries to pull off the stern dad routine but we both end up laughing.
“I’m happy to be home and there are no plans to leave again for anythin’ other than a holiday or a spontaneous road trip. I want to get settled and I want to do that in Spring Haven.”
He studies me and the longer he does it, the more furrowed my brows become. “Hmm…”
