“How about I take you home?”
“Oh, you really don’t have to. I don’t live that far.” She barely looks at me as she folds her blanket up and stuffs it into her bag.
“I know I don’t have to,” I look at her with what I assume are pathetic puppy dog eyes, “I want to.”
“Do you promise not to kidnap me?”
“I promise not to kidnap you. I think the whole town would have my ass served on a silver platter if I dared to even think about it.” That gets a chuckle out of her as the rain starts to hit abit harder. “I’m parked just over there.” I point to my red truck. “On the count of three, start running.”
“Wha—”
“One, two,” I grab her hand in mine, “three. Go!”
We both take off in a dash as the rain begins to come down relentlessly. I thank my past self for parking far away so I have this time with Maisie. She makes me feel like a kid again.
I slow down my pace and she looks at me with wonder in her eyes as I stop.
“You’re crazy! It’s pouring!” she yells at me, trying to drag my hand towards the parking lot.
“Remember being a kid and running around in the rain?” I watch as the rain starts to dampen her hair and clothes. I can’t help my wandering eye as it lowers to her peaked nipples. But I’m herbest friendso I quickly look away. “Let’s be kids again.”
“I’m going to turn into a prune!” She giggles as she sets her bag and blanket on the sidewalk next to us.
“We can be prunes together.” I take her hand back in mine and spin her around. It amazes me how easy it is to be around her, like I’ve known her my whole life.
I take her other hand and spin us in circles. Her laugh is intoxicating, I can’t stop smiling over the pure happiness on her face. Rain dripping down her face, her hair now soaking wet. I want this moment forever engraved into my mind.
Spinning.
Circles.
Rain.
Maisie.
I’ll take every second with her that she allows me to.
I know she was nervous about today but right now, she looks carefree and happy. If I need to spend all my waking hours dancing with her in the rain to keep her like this, then I will happily do it and die a happy man.
“Washington’s weather is so funny.” She swipes her soaked hair behind her ear. “Who knew it would be pouring down rain after being so sunny the last few days?”
Before I get a chance to reply, she slips and falls into me. I catch her to break her fall. She fits perfectly in my arms, like we’re matching puzzle pieces.
I look down, rain drops falling down the slope of her nose, her sparkling blue eyes beaming up at me. I can almost feel her heart beating against my own.
“I’m so sorry.” She tries to steady herself out of my grasp, but I hold her into my body tighter.
We stand in silence, rain pelting down on us, yet we don’t move.
My hand moves to her face as I trace my thumb across her cheek, a rain drop falling down her flushed cheeks. I want to trace every freckle on her face.
Her eyes close and so delicately, I watch her chest rise and fall at my touch. I could stand here like this for my whole life, but I know I need to get her home.
Reluctantly I ask, “What do you say I drive you home now?” She nods in agreement and I take her hand as we run to the truck, her laugh echoing through the rain the entire time.
I follow her to the passenger side door even though it’s absolutely down pouring. Only an asshole would let their girl—best friend—open their own door.
“You’re getting soaked!” she says with a trace of laughter in her voice that only makes me smile more.
