My teeth sank through the bread before the guilt crept in. I quickly realized that Woodrow wouldn't be able to eat what I did. His tastebuds wouldn't dance to the same tune as mine. But the smile was still on his face as he took the second bite from a banana.
“Is it weird that I'm up a tree and eating bananas?”
“I don't know, monkey-boy.”
He almost laughed again, but stopped himself, shoving the third bite into his mouth.
“I suppose you like monkeys anyway, right?”
“I like all animals. A lot of them are nicer than most people.”
“That's probably true.” I took another bite. It was so good—too good. “Do you like to cook?”
“It's just a sandwich.”
“Prepped to perfection.”
He couldn't stop the laugh this time. Couldn't stop the pain in his throat. Dropping the banana peel into the container, his fingers moved to his throat and gave a light massage.
“I like making things for you. I like the idea of you enjoying something from me.”
“Well, the sandwich is very appreciated.” I took another bite,savoring it, before saying, “But so is your company.”
The smile on his face stayed there as the sun rose and fell. As morning became day and day became evening.
Clouds filled the sky, darkening it as the sun traveled to visit other parts of the world.
I had no idea of the time. I hadn’t glanced at the shiny face of his watch once, and neither had he.
We lay, side by side, staring up at the rustle of trees. The peaceful love song of two birds above caressed our senses. And I found myself smiling, even as he’d gone silent for a moment.
“I’m sorry it wasn’t a better date. One day, I’ll take you somewhere better. You can pick anywhere.”
“Oh, really?” I turned on my side, a challenge in my voice. He followed suit. The smirk hiking the right side of his lip told me,challenge accepted.“A masquerade ball.”
“Deal. We’ll go to a ball. Dress you up like a princess, and dance all night.”
“Dress me up like one of Nessie’s dolls?”
“Like one of the ones she gives to Woody. They always end up naked.” He laughed as I shoved a hand into his chest, but not too hard because I didn’t want him rolling off the edge.
The playfulness that gave me my first kiss was back. Back and ready for more excitement. “You wanna stay with me tonight?” The playfulness muted, making way for hope.
I opened my mouth and sucked in a breath. Sensible me screamed about how fast things were moving. The other side of me, whatever that was, wanted to already be lying in his arms.
“Won’t your parents object?”
“They don’t have to know everything. They never know we sneak out.” He shifted back into his previous position, his head propped up, resting on his fist.
“I share a bedroom with Nessie. I woke her last night coming in. I told her I’d been to the bathroom.”
“Then you’ll have to be quieter tonight.” He bit his lip, playfully determined to entice me. “It doesn’t have to be anything more than it is. A cuddle and a late-night chat, which my parents have alreadyencouraged—”
I stopped him there. I didn’t want to hear him playing it down. I wanted more than chats. More than cuddles. . . I wanted everything.
But the guarded part of me wouldn’t admit to anything of the sort. Anything that could again cause me pain. So, instead, I only said, “I’ll have to take a bath first.”
And then he smiled again.
