“Shh. Don’t tell anyone,” she says with a smirk before getting up to throw two more logs onto the fire. Sparks fly up, drifting into the clear night sky and disappearing into the stars.
She crouches down right next to the pit, rubbing her hands together and then holding them out near the fire, the flames dancing in her pupils. I could get used to nights like this, just Nora and me and something real simple like a cozy campfire.
“Where have you been all my life?” I ask, watching the orange glow dance across her face.
“What do you mean? We’ve been dating for like two years.”
“I mean before that.” I shake my head, thinking about all the time I spent wondering if there was someone out there for me. “I mean, like… forever.”
She comes over and sits down next to me, taking my hand and kissing the back of it.
“I’m here now.”
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Was there anyone before me?” I ask, nervous to hear the answer.
“Honestly?” She lets out a heavy sigh. “Yes. I did fall for someone once before.”
“Really?” I ask, trying to mask my jealousy.
She nods, staring into the fire. “Her name was Miss Gwen and she was my kindergarten art teacher.”
“Nora. I thought you were serious!” I say, almost shoving her off the wooden bench we’re sharing. She laughs as she rights herself, then the two of us get real quiet as she looks at me.
“Nah.” She puts her elbow up on the back of the bench and pushes my hair behind my ear, sending a shiver down my neck that makes her laugh. “You’re the only girl for me, Stevie Green.”
It’s music to my ears.
I close my eyes and nuzzle my cheek against her hand that’s even warmer than the fire. “Ireallylike you,” I whisper, wondering if what I’m feeling is actually stronger than that.
“I really like you, too,” she replies.
My eyes open for a split second as her lips meet mine, confirming the pine trees surrounding the deck block the view of any neighbors. She kisses me softly, and my hands wrap gently around her neck.
“And I like kissing you,” I tell her, taking a breath as my stomach rises into my chest. She smiles and then slides her hand around my waist, pulling me back into her.
I grab onto the front of her sweatshirt and lean backward until my back is flat on the hard wood of the bench. Her left leg plants between both of mine as she lays her body weight down on me, the fire crackling in the background.
My hand trails from her shoulder blade down to her lower back, pressing her closer to me. She pulls my bottom lip down with her thumb, her tongue slipping into my mouth and then back out again. I don’t know what two plus two is right now, but I know I want her to do that again. I tilt my head toward her, wanting more, but my hips jerk involuntarily as I do and all at once,we both go tumbling off the bench onto the deck with a thud.
“Oh shit.”Nora’s groans turn into laughter as I try to push myself up off her. “I wasn’t ready for that one.”
“Sorry.” I laugh, my cheeks warming. “Umm… that was fun.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself,” Nora replies as we both sit up, leaning up against the bottom of the bench. She checks the time on her phone. “I should probably get going. In case your parents get back early. It’s almost ten thirty.” She drops one side of her mouth into a frown.
“Why don’t you stick around and say hi. I mean, I’m allowed to have friends over.”
“Did youtellthem you were having a friend over tonight?”
“Well… no, but—”
“So then they’ll wonder why you didn’t. Look, I haven’t seen your parents since the hospital and it’s late, I should really…” Nora points over her shoulder.
“All the more reason to stay with me, then. What if I hide you in my room? We’ll be really quiet and careful, and I’ll sneak you out in the morning. Please?” I wrap my hand around the inside of her knee.
