For a secret fling, this all feels much heavier than I thought it would.
A rough, calloused hand finally grasps mine. I accept it, smiling to myself. Even my ex never held my hand when we walked together.
“So…”
“This was fun,” I say a little too quickly.Idiot.
His face snaps to mine, eyebrows pinched. “It was, yeah.”
“I know this was all just for fun, but getting to know you this week has been…”
“It’s been nice,” I say, knowingnicedoesn’t quite cut it.
“It has been. I might miss you a tiny bit when you leave.” Luke pinches his fingers together to show just how small.
My heart thumps heavily in my chest. “Yeah, I mean, you’re not too hard on the eyes, so I’ll definitely miss that a little.”
He presses his hand against his heart. “Is that all you care about? My rugged good looks? I feel so objectified.” Mock horror coats his voice, eyes wide as he stops me on the sidewalk.
“There isn’t anything else you’ll miss?” His voice drops seductively.
Everything. I will miss everything.
I tilt my head from side to side, pretending to consider things. “Fine. I’ll miss the lake. I found the lake and nature to be surprisingly soothing. And I’ll miss the town. The people were so… welcoming. Like, they really seemed to care that I was here and wanted me to feel a part of this place. It’s amazing.”
Luke waits, saying nothing, just nodding in agreement. The sky is clear, moonlight splashing against the features of his face, highlighting his cheekbones and the line of his nose. Individual strands of hair fall into his face, so I reach up and push them from his forehead. His face leans into my touch.
“And I’ll miss…” My hand drags down the side of his face, thumb rubbing his cheek. “Josh.” I let my hand drop.
A surprised bark of laughter bursts from him as a wide smile splits his face. It hurts how handsome he is.
“Yes, well, Josh will miss you too.”
We walk the rest of the way in silence. Trying to ignore the sadness attempting to creep its way into my heart, I focus on how good it’ll be to go home to my apartment. My space. How nice it’ll be to fall back into a routine that makes sense and a life that I’ve worked hard to create. Trading crickets for honking horns, and a sky full of stars for a city full of lights.
We make it to the pillars that frame the entrance of the house. Small spotlights shine on the plaque that readsThe Huffman House, the other on the address. Just inside the pillars, it’s dark aside from the moonlight, and Luke pulls me to the side of the driveway, where it seems even the moon has forgotten to shine.
His hands cup my face, fingers winding into my hair. “Trip.”
There’s a desperation in his voice as he pulls my face closer to his.
“Liv,” he whispers against my mouth, lips lightly brushing against mine. I grip the fabric of his shirt between my fingers. And then he’s kissing me, unlike any kiss we’ve shared before. This kiss isn’t exploratory, hasty, or fueled by lust.
No.
It’s familiar and safe. The kind of kiss that brands itself on your heart to remind you where home is on the days you feel lost.
The moment ends, and Luke wraps his arms around me, tucking my head under his chin. His chest is warm against my cheek, heart thudding in my ear.
Maybe this time it’ll be different. These friendships feel real, our conversations built on more than fun nights and shared experiences. Do I tell him I hope he’ll visit if Josh does? And what if Josh doesn’t? What if we make all these excuses and reasons why a seven-hour drive just isn’t convenient this time but “definitelynext time, we’ll make plans and stick to them.” Can my heart handle that kind of letdown again and again?
“I bet you’ll be glad when you can get back to your everyday routine, with no secrets kept.” I lean back so I can see his face.
“I’d be lying if I said the guilt wasn’t eating me alive, but I don’t regret a thing.” He tucks the loose hair behind my ear, his thumb brushing my cheek.
“I should get to bed. Long drive tomorrow.”
Luke is silent for so long I wonder if I actually said the words out loud.
