I practically race down the stairs, eager to get our evening started. “Let’s go,” I say, reaching out for Hannah’s palm.
“Is Arson coming?” Hannah asks, turning back to where Arson is curled up on the couch.
I shake my head. “Nope. Tonight, it’s all about us.”
Hannah offers me a soft smile, but I can see the excitement burning in her gaze. We head out to the truck, and I help her in, making sure she’s buckled before getting in the other side. Ron drew a map out to another section of their land for the best place to see the stars. The sun is starting to set in the distance, so it's the perfect time.
I grab the map off the dashboard where I stashed it and take another glance.
“Is that a paper plate with a map on it?” Hannah asks with a laugh.
“Yep,” I reply. “Ron couldn’t find a piece of scratch paper, so this was the best option according to him.”
“I mean, whatever works, right?” she replies.
“Exactly.”
I drive to the road that will take us past the main house, and when we pass, they are sitting out on the porch swings, waving and smiling at us. I follow the map to a field about a mile from the house. It’s a bare field, only some tall grass with a tree line on the far corner. It’s perfect for tonight.
Hannah shrieks as we drive straight to the middle of it, a smile growing wider as we bounce over bumps. When we reach a good spot, I shift the truck into park, turning the key and unbuckling my seatbelt to slide across the bench seat. I cup Hannah’s cheeks in my palms and kiss her.
I care so deeply for her, and I know it’s only a matter of time before I speak those three little words into existence. I can only hope that she’s ready for them, and feels the same way.
35
HANNAH
Thomas’s lips on mine are starting to feel like home. I feel so safe in his arms, so protected and warm that the thought of being without him hurts. He’s planned this amazing night for us, and I appreciate it more than he knows.
The last few weeks with Thomas have been magical. That’s the only word I can use to describe it. He’s made me feel things I didn’t know were possible. He’s made me feel more confident in my body, in my sexuality than ever before. I love who I am with him, and even though there’s a niggling voice in the back of my brain telling me that it won’t last, and that it’s all temporary, I am soaking up every bit of it while I can.
Part of me wants to stay in this little bubble forever. I’m scared that once we go home, I’ll be left behind in the dust. Left to my own devices again. He’s done nothing to make me feel this way, but my brain won’t stop telling me that’s what will happen.
He’s been the perfect gentleman too, ever since that night I faked it. He’s making me come every chance he canwith his hands. He’s taking it slow, though, never pressing for more, or making me feel like he only is after one thing with me. He’s taught me how to give him pleasure with my hands, and while I’m a bit nervous to do more, I’m also ready. I want him.
Thomas leans away from our kiss. “Come on,” he says, scooting toward the driver's side door. He gets out and I follow, opening my door and meeting him on my side. “I have something else to show you.”
He takes my hand, leading me to the bed of the truck. He opens the tailgate to reveal a little oasis. I can’t believe I didn’t notice this before. There’s fluffy blankets and pillows piled high, leaving the space looking comfortable and cozy, and not at all like I imagined.
“Thomas,” I breathe, a smile breaking out on my lips.
“You like it?” he asks.
“It’s perfect.”
“Hop in,” he says, gesturing to the back. I do, and he follows, crawling up behind me. I lean up against the back of the cab, a pillow behind my back. Thomas sits right beside me, his arm automatically resting around my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I tell him. “This is perfect.”
“Just like you,” he replies.
I shake my head, looking down at my legs.
“You know it’s the truth,” Thomas says, his finger finding my chin to get me to look up at him. His familiar blue eyes alight my soul, and I know he means it.
“Thank you,” I repeat. He’s helping me believe it more with each day that passes.
Thomas presses kisses to my nose and cheeks in rapid succession, making me giggle. “What are you doing?”
