There’s no reason for me not to go.
Everyone already thinks he’s my boyfriend.
Before I find another reason to doubt anything, I text back.
Me: I’ll be there.
Axl: All right, now that’s settled. I still want to see you. How about lunch? Red Barn Kebobs. I’ll pick you up.
As much as I love seeing him on ice, the whole public charade still scares me a little, but kebabs are totally my language. It’s an easy place to have lunch, and so perfect because it will give me a chance to be honest with him. Hopefully, he’ll laugh it off, and we’ll be able to move on, leaving this mess behind us.
Me: I’ll be ready whenever you are.
I take my time getting dressed, loving this whole change of pace lifestyle of being in Mapleton. As a teenager, I was in such a hurry to bust out of this place, hoping to make my mark on the world, that I never took the time to appreciate it. I tug on a bright pink sweater with a boatneck and adjust it several different ways. I’ve never been the girl to be able to wear a one-shoulder sweater and actually look poised. After years of having people dress me, I learned a few tips, one being that no matter what you wear, have at least one thing that you love. That enjoyment will elevate your mood, and that will overflow to your confidence.
Today, I need all of the confidence I can get. Pink is my favorite color—always has been and always will be—and I’m wearing pink in confidence.
Leaving my hair down, it falls naturally into beachy waves. I run a brush through it but don’t fuss any further. I know I’m about to meet Axl—the trembles in my palms tell me that much over and over—but I don’t have any desire to get overly made up. Maybe it’s because we’re going to a place called Red Barn, but I am ready to be regular me.
After making my way out to the porch, I sit on the swing, letting the tips of my toes graze the deck as I playfully move the swing back and forth. The memory of last night is on a big screen in my head. It doesn’t take long before Axl’s blue truck comes barreling down our narrow dirt road, crawling to a stop right in front of Bill’s bush. I bite back a giggle as I recall the sneeze.
That could have gone so badly!
Who would have guessed my dad’s wild monkey story would ever come in handy?
Axl jumps out of his truck, and I run to meet him. As we narrow the gap between us, I slow my steps, feeling a pause. Axl said something last night that made my heart squeeze tight, and I’m unsure if things might be awkward today. He doesn’t slow his stride, taking me right into a giant bear hug. I smile like I've never smiled before as he presses a kiss to my forehead, inhales deeply, and whispers, “You smell amazing.”
“You might be having those kabobs on the brain a little too much.” He snickers at my joke, but I don’t join him. I should be celebrating with all the fizzy bubbles of a new crush, but instead I’m flooding with guilt. The way his eyes graze over me with such pride, I wish I would have done what my gut told me to do and called Bill first thing this morning. I didn’t because I couldn’t be sure he wasn’t at the rink. I trust he’s careful about things, but I can’t risk Axl overhearing anything. I need to make sure when we do talk it’s private.
“Is there anything you need to warn me about these kabobs?” He laces his fingers between mine, and we stroll slowly down the drive, stealing glances at each other every other step.
“No, they’re fantastic, despite the scandalous origin story. Since they’re cooked over an open flame, most of the fat drips off, making them surprisingly healthy.” We arrive at the passenger side of the pickup, where he opens my door and reaches around, placing a hand on my hip. I assume he’s going to help me into his truck since it’s awfully high up, but instead he spins me around and slowly pushes me until my feet glide all the way back against the side of his truck. He playfully secures me there with his hand still on my hip. Not wasting a second to move in, he places his other hand on my chin and lowers his mouth until his roguish smile hovers over me, but neither of us move. We’re so close, that I can see each tiny dot wherehis whiskers were recently shaved, and even a few uncreased smile lines that don’t deepen with his usual smile. There’s a glint of excitement in the corner of his eyes, causing exhilaration to barrel into my chest. My emotions clog my throat, and all that pressure makes me feel as if my chest is about to cave in at any moment.
I’ve never had anyone look at me like this before, but I can’t take in the moment with this massive secret. My lips quiver as I test out words of confession. Before I can get anything out, he lowers his lips to mine, extending them into the sweetest of tender kisses, which becomes my undoing.
Kissing him is a reset button—a hard reset that wipes all my thoughts instantly, and the only thing that matters is the now. He and I and whatever this is, it all molds together so beautifully.
When he pulls away, his gaze dances over my face before he upgrades his smile to one that’s more feral. Before I know what’s going on, he scoops me up and places me in the truck. I force my jaw not to hang too low.
He’s treating me like a princess.This is the man I’ve dreamed of my whole life, and I'm ruining this moment with these obsessive thoughts. I need to tell him about the money, and hopefully we can laugh it off.
The sooner, the better.
It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid.
“Axl.” My voice is small but not weak. “I want to get some—”
“Hey.” A voice echoes from the porch. I cut a quick glance in that direction, but I already know it’s Sam, and he almost always has a water gun. “Where are you two sneaking off to?”
“Get in the truck!” I scream, grabbing Axl’s wrist, and yanking.I could kill Sam right now for interrupting us.Just one time I would like a little privacy!
Axl seems confused but eventually gives in and helps me pull him inside, rolling right over the top of me to find the driver’s seat. I slam my door as fast as I can before pounding my finger on the automatic lock button, trapping us inside. “Sorry.” I puff out waves of laughter as I try to get in a deep breath. “I didn’t mean to become unhinged on you, but Sam always has a water gun.”
Axl tips his head back, and a deep belly laugh rolls out. He casually reaches behind his seat. It looks like a stretch at first.
That’s what I tell myself.
A little odd.
