He shrugs. “I don’t know if you’ll be impressed with it, either.”
He turns me by the shoulders and looks into my eyes. “I think I know a place you’ll like. Come on.”
We get back into his car and he drives off. The roads are still busy, but I can see the ocean in the background and then I catch a glimpse of the Ferris Wheel. “Are we at the Santa Monica Pier?”
He smiles. “You recognize it?”
“Yes, it’s just like the pictures.”
He parks the car and we walk down the wooden pathway. There are vendors and tons of people milling about. It’s busier than I had imagined, but I still enjoy walking and seeing all the stands. Casey holds my hand as we look through the merchandise.
A particular yellow knit bag catches my eye, and Casey notices. “Let me get this for you.”
“Oh, I don’t need another bag.”
“Of course not. But I want to get it for you.”
He pays the lady double the asking price and I smile. Casey has always been very generous with the people he cares about, maybe not with his time, but definitely with his money. I wonder if that would be enough for someone like me. I’m not so much into gifts as I am into acts of service.
I shake my head. It’s silly of me to even worry about such a thing. We’re not a couple.
As I look across the pier over to the soft sand below, I recall one of my favorite movies. “Hey, isn’t this where Apollo and Rocky race?”
“I’m not sure,” says Casey.
I smile and tug his hand. “Come with me.”
Casey’s smile deepens and the red in his eyes is much lighter now.
I throw off my shoes and squish my toes into the sand. Closing my eyes, I sigh at the exquisite feeling.
Casey caresses my cheek and I open my eyes. He isn’t smiling anymore. “You’re so beautiful when you’re happy. It’s as though I can feel it in my own heart.”
His head leans down and I know he’s going to kiss me, so I literally run away.
“I’ll race you,” I say and pump my arms as fast as I can. I’m panting and sweating when I turn back and see Casey jogging behind me. “Come on!” I yell back.
He shakes his head and then he sprints toward me. My eyes widen at the speed in which he shortens the distance between us.
I run faster but it’s no use. In less than a minute, Casey sweeps me off my feet, pulling me to his chest, and I’m squirming in his arms. “That’s not fair,” I protest with a fist to his chest.
He laughs. “Why not?”
“I slipped in the sand.”
“You did not slip.”
I grin. “I know.”
He’s staring at my face, my mouth, and I feel the energy rise between us. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I pull myself up and then slowly slide down his body. He pulls me closer when my toes touch the sand, his hand behind my neck, and I can no longer resist.
I kiss him.
His lips on mine are soft, warm, and sweet. He nips my bottom lip with his teeth and then soothes it with a swipe of his tongue. “Casey,” I moan, and he kisses me harder. My tongue explores his mouth, tangling with his, and he groans and breaks free.
We’re both panting and I can barely catch my breath. His eyes are brilliant now, shining with light from the sun’s rays. “I’m so glad you came to L.A.,” he says, stroking my hair. “I’ve really missed you.”
“I missed you, too.”
