Lying in bed, I couldn’t help but smile at the text. I hoped to get him in the woods again, but I expected I’d need to beg and plead. Knowing he’d willingly trudge through the forest filled my chest with a sense of pride. I stared at the glow-in-the-dark stars covering the ceiling. They had all but lost their shine, but they still transported me into a clearing where I could see a thousand tiny twinkling orbs.
Something had changed, as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I eyed the lantern on the wall. I wasn’t sure what it meant, not entirely.
I took a risk.
Charlie: With you.
Nick: Big softie.
Nick: Tomorrow. Bright and early.
Charlie: Tomorrow?
Nick: Adventure waits for no man!
It was time to let go of the past and start a new adventure.
THE ARMOR RETURNS
Sitting on the tailgate of Pop’s truck, my legs swung back and forth as I waited for Nick. The morning had the remnants of winter, a chilly breeze sending a shiver up my spine. Overhead, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. In my black tank top, I basked in the sun's warmth. I couldn’t have asked for a better day to head into the woods. This time, I packed snacks, but we’d be spending the afternoon fishing for trout. We’d see if he considered himself an outdoorsman while he descaled fish.
I could hear the muffler as he turned the corner. Before he and Lacie headed back to Vanguard, we’d need to take that poor machine to a mechanic. The thought of his leaving gave me pause. In all the commotion and hustle, I hadn’t thought about what came next for us. Would it include late-night phone calls and arranging visits? I could have dwelled on the uncertainty, but something told me we had an adventure ahead of us. We’d figure it out one camping trip at a time.
“Have you been waiting long?”
When he got out of the car, I whistled. “Somebody did some shopping.” Boots. Wool socks. He even found himself a rucksack. “Let me guess. Seamus?”
His back straightened, hands on his hips. “I’m ready for anything.”
“Iodine tablets?”
“Check.
“Sleeping bag?”
“Check.”
“Knife? Flint?”
“Check and check.”
“Spoon?”
When he smiled, his entire face lit up. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Swiss Army knife. “Going to carve one.”
I hopped off the truck, grabbing my bag. I don’t know if Nick could have said anything to make himself sexier. I stopped just short of running into him. I thought about waiting and seeing if he’d make the move. The thought came too late as my arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him in close.
I leaned in, kissing my burly outdoorsman. His body relaxed until his arms circled my neck. It had all started with a spilled slushie and a stolen kiss outside Bingo. Now, it wasn’t rushed. Our tongues explored, putting on a show for the neighbors. I wanted everybody, especially him, to know how much I wanted this.
He pulled back. “What’s gotten into you?”
“Fresh air.” My lip curled. “And the thought of you naked by the fire.”
The confusion on his face turned to shock, eyes wide. His cheeks burned red as he buried his face in his palms. He said nothing as he climbed back into the car. “Get in before things get dirty in your driveway.” Glad to know he had considered that option, too.
I tossed my bag in the back and climbed in. With a loud bang and a rumble, the car backed out of the driveway. It was impossible not to steal glances at Nick as he drove downthe street. Without the curse weighing him down, he remained present. I looked forward to spending the night under the stars with this version of him.
“Turn right here.”
