I rummage in my backpack for my sketch pad. It falls open at the page where I drew Dean, the first time we kissed. Rain streaks down over the drawing, blurring the sharp lines of Dean’s jaw. I should move over into the covered area, but instead, I sit there, allowing myself a few tears to mix with the rain.
I couldn’t admit to my sister what happened with Dean. She’s too young to know about him teasing me at high school. Maybe going back to the city is the best plan. I can hibernate, or become a nun, and nobody except Dean and I will ever know what he did.
“Aren’t you worried about ruining such a handsome picture?” A deep voice says behind me.
I jump, twisting around. Dean stands with Poupon under one arm and Moose by his side. The rain has made his dark hair even glossier and his eyes are bright. He’s even more gorgeous than in the picture. My stomach leaps.
I push down the feeling and turn back around. “I don’t care about the picture. What are you doing here? And why is my sister’s foster dog with you?”
“Mr. Moose wanted to come with Poupon for the ride. And I needed company. You want to tell me why you’re hightailing it out of town?”
“Not really. Isn’t it obvious?”
“Did someone break a vase at the museum?” He walks around and sits on the bench next to me.
“I’m not in the mood for jokes, Dean. I met your replacement, Charise. Nice lady.”
“Oh yes, she’s a friend of my aunt’s. Demon on the karaoke machine. Look, I wanted to let you know this morning–”
I shake my head. “You don’t have to do this in person. I know what you’re going to say. It’s just incredibly weird you’ve brought two dogs along to do it.”
The smile drops from his face and he runs his hand along his jaw. “Goldie, what do you think I’m going to say?”
“You’re going to say ‘we had one night, it was great, but let’s be friends, blah, blah.’ What other reason would you have for skipping out this morning? Smooth moves. I liked how you arranged a replacement old lady volunteer.” I cross my arms in front of my chest.
“That’s what you think?” His voice is softer than usual. Poupon walks across the bench and gets in my lap, huddling against me to shelter from the rain.
“What else am I meant to think?” My voice breaks.
Dean reaches out his hand and brushes the hair away from my face. “I was coming to ask you to move in with me. Don’t go.”
“You changed your mind quickly.” My chest is tight.
“My mind was always made up. The first time I saw you in high school, Iknew. But I was young and stupid, I couldn’t handle those big feelings. I’m sorry I teased you. But I’ve been given a second chance and I’m determined to get it right.”
“I’m so confused. Why did you go this morning?” The small dog starts to snore in my lap. Moose walks around and leans against me on the other side, looking down curiously at Poupon.
“A bunch of guys are down with the flu. So I had to do an emergency shift. I didn’t want to wake you up. When I got to the firehouse I realized I didn’t even have your number to text you. So I went up to your sister’s place straight after work and…”
“Are you being serious? You’re not joking?”
“I love you, gorgeous Goldie. Always have, always will. Stay with me. Stay and let me spend my life telling you how perfect you are. Let me look after you. I promise you won’t regret a single second.” He leans closer to me.
“I don’t know if I can believe you or not. I haven’t had the best luck recently.” I sniff, a tear rolling down my face.
“Let me turn that luck around.” He plants a kiss next to my lips, holding my chin in his big hand.
I gaze into his eyes. There’s nothing but love there. He isn’t joking about this. A warm tide rises within me and I move my head to kiss him, nestling in closer. As his mouth moves on mine, I start to relax.
I come up for air, laughing. His eyes are bright as he looks at me, grinning.
“Two things, Goldie.”
I nod, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“One, let’s get you out of the rain.”
“It’s a deal. What’s the second?” I ask.
