by Jacob Chance
“Hey, you were the one who started it.”
“Really? Because I seem to remember a heel against my ass urging me on, like I was a horse you were riding.”
Heat rises to my cheeks, making them even more flushed than his kisses did. “Good point.” I’ll concede on that.
“Besides, we have to behave, or we could tip over. I can guarantee that neither of us wants to swim in this foul water. It’s pretty to look at, but I wouldn’t dip my toe in there for fear it would fall off.”
I appreciate him trying to come up with a plausible reason for us to keep our distance, but we both know the real reason is that we both lost control and things got heated too quickly.
He begins paddling once again, and we fall silent. Flipping my sunglasses down over my eyes, I occupy my time with the gorgeous scenery. Especially the view directly in front of me.
Shaw’s biceps bunch under his skin each time he sinks the paddle into the river and my stomach somersaults in response. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of looking at him. I mean, we’ve known each other all these years and it hasn’t grown old yet. Pretty good odds that it’s never going to happen.
Oh God. I’m going to crush on my brother's best friend forever. Catching a glimpse of my future, it’s not looking good.
Years from now, we’ll get together for holidays and, of course, Marshall will insist on inviting Shaw—only he won’t be alone. He’ll have his beautiful wife with him, and I’ll still be single. I’ll hear them sniggering about my life-long crush, and I’ll want the floor to open up and swallow me. His beautiful wife, feeling sorry for me, will aim pitying glances my way.
I shudder, pulling myself from my negative musings.
Shaw continues guiding us along the river. Stretching my legs out in front of me, I tip my head back, letting my face soak up the sun’s powerful rays. I feel so fortunate to be spending this gorgeous day with my longtime crush. Even worrying about the future won’t put a damper on any time I get with him.
I can’t believe he kissed me again. It’s a dream come true.
Does the kiss mean that he likes me likes me?
Or that he wants to date me?
Maybe it doesn’t mean anything at all.
Maybe in that moment he simply felt like kissing me.
Jeez. Why does love have to be so difficult?
“Are you hungry?” Shaw asks, snapping me out of my introspection.
I lift my head and shrug. “I’ll eat if you’re hungry.”
“I’m always hungry.” He smiles sheepishly. “Let me take us a little farther upriver and there’s a nice area we can hang out while we have lunch.”
“Is this the place you bring unsuspecting girls?”
“You’re the first.”
“Ooh, I feel special.”
“You should. I was serious when I told you I’ve never brought anyone else here. This is something that started out as a family activity when I was younger. But now, it’s something I do for fun. It’s relaxing for me, and as a plus, it’s a great upper body workout.”
Gazing at his arms, I admire the bulging muscles. “I can see that.”
“Here’s a good spot to be while we chow down.” He places the paddle in the space behind him and grabs the cooler he packed. Opening the top, he pulls out a bottle of pink lemonade and hands it to me.
“You’re awesome for this.” I shake the bottle.
“You haven’t realized it yet, but I’m awesome for a lot of reasons.”
“And so humble too,” I scoff.
“Come on. I’m joking.”
“So, you’re not really awesome?”
“No, I meant the part about you not realizing I am.”
“I think it’s time to fill your mouth with food instead of lies.”
Reaching into the cooler, he removes a ziploc bag, holding it up in front of him. With his large hand wrapped around the baggie, I can’t tell what’s inside. “You’re going to think I’m even more awesome when you see what I made for you.”
Hmm. Curiosity kicks in, and I stretch my arm out. “Hand it over, please.”
He smirks knowingly, as if he’s about to change my life, and then sets the bag down on my waiting palm.
I gasp, then smile. “You made me egg salad?”
“I did. My house smelled like the entire hockey team was farting nonstop for an hour straight.”
I giggle. “Sorry, not sorry. Egg salad is worth the smell.”
“I’m not sure I’d agree normally, but since it’s for you, it’s all good.”
Opening the bag, I remove half of the sandwich and take a bite. “Yum,” I mumble, my mouth full.
He laughs and removes his own lunch.
“This is amazing. I can’t believe you made this. Are you pulling my leg when your mom did all the work?”
“No. I really made that for you.”
“You even put lettuce and tomato.”
“Don’t ever accuse me of not caring.” He tips his sandwich at me and then takes a bite.
The smell of bologna wafts my way as I take in the thicket of greenery on the nearby shore. I watch two rabbits running in and out of the shrubs, playing. Breaking off some crust, I throw the bread onto the grass, but they ignore my treat, preferring to keep on with their game of tag. “Oh well, I guess a bird will eat that if they don’t.”
“Don’t rabbits prefer vegetables?” Shaw asks.
“I don’t know. Maybe? I’m not sharing any more with them. This sandwich is too good.”
He grins. “All this,” he points, starting at his face and scrolling his index finger downward, “and I make a mean sandwich too.”
“It’s a sandwich, not a seven course meal.” Albeit a great sandwich, but still, we need to keep things in perspective. He makes puppy dog eyes at me. “Don’t look at me like that. It won’t work. I’m not feeding your over inflated ego anymore.”
He shrugs. “It was worth a try.”
Chapter Eight
Shaw
Being with Maddie is effortless and fun. She’s different from the other girls I know. I don’t have to worry about what I say or do. If I want to be goofy, I can, free of any judgement from her. I love her sense of humor. She gives as good as she gets.
Over the years, she’s seen me at my worst, so I don’t feel like there are any expectations placed on me for how I should act or behave.
“Does your dad know you’re spending the day with me?”
“Nope. He wasn’t home when you picked me up, so I left a note saying I was hanging out with a friend.”
“Won’t he ask you which friend?”
She tips her head from side to side as she thinks. “He might, but he might not.”
“If he does happen to mention it, will you say you were with me?”
“I’m not sure. Do you care either way?”
“Say whatever you want.”
“I’ll see how I feel in the moment.”
“Do you need to be home by a certain time?”
“Nope. You can keep me out until you’re sick of me.”
“Then I’d never give you back.” I wink.
“Smooth.”
“Thank you.” I cram the remaining piece of crust that I’m holding into my mouth and unzip the cooler. Swallowing down the half chewed chunk, I clear my throat and grab a bottle of water. Twisting the cap off my bottle, I place my mouth on the rim. Drinking greedily, I chug down half the water. I didn’t realize until this very moment how thirsty I am. All the paddling in this heat, combined with the high humidity, makes for a better workout than I recalled.
She sips from her lemonade. “Ahh, that hit the spot. Sitting here watching you paddle really worked up a thirst.” She winks adorably.
I react with a smile. “There’s plenty more if you need it.” My gaze traces over her flushed cheeks. “You’re looking a little red. Did you put on sunscreen before I picked you up?”
She presses her fingers to her cheeks. “I did, but my cheeks ar
e stinging a little. Maybe I’m getting a sunburn.”
I rifle through my backpack, pulling out my favorite B.U. cap. “Here.” I guide the hat onto her head, pulling the front down to shade her uplifted face.
“Now, between your sunglasses and the cap, you should be all set.”
Her lush mouth turns upward with gratitude. “Thank you. You’re awesome for bringing an extra hat. ”
“I’m awesome for a lot of reasons.”
“I think I’m having deja vu,” she jokes. “Are you planning on tooting your own horn whenever we spend time together?”
“Somebody’s gotta point out my good qualities. You don’t seem to notice them.” I pretend to sulk.
She snorts. “Oh please, spare me the sob story of how difficult it is to be unappreciated like you.”
I open my mouth to reply and we lock eyes. Hers are mirth-filled and have me barking out a laugh. She sniggers and it turns into a full on series of giggles. “Okay, you got me. I couldn’t say it with a straight face,” I confess.
“Seriously, it was really thoughtful of you to bring me a hat.”
“I know how hot it can be out here. And you’re so fair, I didn’t want you burning up.” She stares at me with what looks like adoration, but I must be misreading her expression. That can’t be it. I swear she barely tolerates me on a good day. I’m not sure my feelings are reciprocated—except when our lips are joined together. Then she likes me just fine. Maybe I need to kiss her more to remind her of the powerful chemistry that flows between us. I know I’ve never experienced anything like it before, and with her limited dating experience, I doubt she has either.
She begins eating the second half of her sandwich and I want to kick myself for missing the opportunity to lock lips with her again. But it’s still early afternoon and there’s plenty of time left in our date before I need to bring her home.
“You’re working tomorrow evening, right?”
“Yes, from five until closing.”
“Want to do something on Tuesday?”
“What do you have in mind?” she questions.
“Wait a sec.” I hold up my finger. “You need to know what we’re going to do before you agree?”
“Maybe.”
“My company isn’t enough for you? You need bells and whistles too?”
“Bells and whistles aren’t necessary but they’re appreciated,” she teases playfully, and then her expression changes. Her forehead pinches together in a small, vertical crease.
“What’s wrong?” I question.
“What are we doing?”
“I’m not sure what you mean. Can you be more specific?”
“Last night we talked about possibly having to come clean with Marshall when he comes back.”
“We did,” I agree.
“You’re asking me out again. Does that mean you want to date me, or are we just friends?”
“I don’t know about you, but I don’t kiss my friends with tongue.” She laughs. “Not even my female friends. No matter how many times they ask.”
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, I’m sure they all ask you. All the time, too, I bet.”
I sigh as if the weight of the world is on my shoulders. “You can’t imagine how often it happens.”
She leans forward, shoving my shoulder. “Be serious. I want to know where I stand with you. Are we just friends? Friends who kiss? Or are we dating?”
I understand that she’s no different than 99% of the female population and she wants a label for our relationship.
“We’re dating. At least that’s my hope. Are you okay with dating me? Do I need to list off some more of my positive qualities before you answer? I can take my t-shirt off and flex my muscles for you.”
“Oh my God, enough already. Give me a chance to answer you.”
“I’m waiting.”
“I like the idea of us dating.”
“Does that mean I can take you out on Tuesday night?”
“It does.”
“Even if I haven’t figured out where I want to take you?”
“I guess it’ll be okay.” She pretends to be put out.
“I’ll come up with something fun. Maybe I can find a party for us to go to.”
“A party?” Her eyebrows practically pop up to her hairline. She obviously doesn’t understand that I’m teasing her.
I laugh. “I was joking about the party. I know you’re not a fan of them.”
“Not the ones you and my brother go to anyway.”
“I’d rather find something for the two of us to do that doesn’t involve being around a crowd of people.”
“You just want to be able to kiss me. You can admit it.”
“I wasn’t planning on denying it. I’m nineteen, and I think about sex pretty much twenty-four seven.”
“You do?”
“This surprises you?”
“Yeah… well, no… I don’t know. I hadn’t really thought about it.”
“Well, I’m telling you.”
“Now I’m curious if you’ve done the deed.”
“If I’ve had sex?” I ask. She nods. “I have.” Her lips part with surprise. “You look shocked.”
“I guess I am. I assumed you weren’t like Marshall.”
“Just because he bangs anyone he can, doesn’t mean I do.”
“I know. But you are popular and good looking. Plus, every time I’ve been to one of your games you’re always surrounded by girls after.”
“This is why people shouldn’t assume things. And by people I mean you.” I tap the tip of her nose with my index finger. “I’ve slept with one person.”
“You’re right. But I’m glad I asked you.”
“I’m not saying I’ve never messed around with other girls, but I haven’t actually had sex with more than the one. What about you?” If it’s confession time, I want to know her secrets too.
“What about me?” She’s defensive.
“Don’t get worked up. I just figured if you can ask me about my sex life, then I should be able to ask you.”
“What do you think?” Her sarcasm is thick.
“I’m pretty sure I just got through telling you it’s better to ask than assume. I’m trying to be polite here.”
“I’m sorry. You’re right.”
“Excuse me? Did you just say I was right?” I hold my hand up to my ear.
“Ha, I did, but don’t get used to it.”
“You also apologized.”
“Yes, I did.”
“I don’t think any girl that I know, besides you, has ever done either of those things.” Reaching forward, I take hold of her hand. “Marry me right now.”
She giggles. “You’re hilarious.”
I might be joking with her, but I’m smart enough to know that Maddie’s the marrying type. She’s a nice girl—the kind you proudly bring home to your parents.
“You dodged my question pretty smoothly, but I haven’t forgotten.”
“What question?” She plays the clueless card.
“Have you been with anyone?”
“I’ve kissed other guys, but that’s all.”
She’s kissed other guys? Why does her answer bother me? She’s eighteen and she’s beautiful. Of course she’s been kissed. All the guys probably want her.
“Exactly how many other people have you kissed?” I try to keep my tone even, lest she realize the green-eyed monster wants to make an appearance.
“How many have you kissed?” she fires back.
“I asked you first.” I resort to elementary school behavior.
She haughtily points her little nose in the air. “I’m not answering until you do.”
“I’ve kissed around ten girls. Maybe more.”
“How do you not know?”
“I’m not keeping a chart in my room. Or writing it down in a journal. And a few times I was drunk.” I shrug. “I’m a teenage boy. We don’t always think with the right head.”
“Maybe you had sex with s
omeone else and you don’t remember.”
I chuckle. “Trust me, I wouldn’t forget that, no matter how drunk I was. It’s your turn to fess up. How many smooches are we talking about?” I pucker my lips and make kissing sounds.
She laughs and holds her hand over my mouth. “Stop it and I’ll tell you.”
I press a kiss to her palm before she peels her hand away.
“I’ve kissed four other guys.”
Four? When has she had the opportunity to kiss these dudes?
“Who were they?”
“Oh, no way. I’m not telling you so you can share the information with my brother.”
“I wouldn’t tell him.” I don’t sound very convincing to myself, never mind Maddie.
“Riiight.”
“Okay, I probably would. But it would be fun to give some shit to the guys you locked lips with.”
“Which is exactly why you’ll never know.”
“Never is a long time, Maddie.” I’m confident in my ability to get their names from her at some point.
“Not long enough for me to tell you,” she retorts stubbornly.
“What do you say we explore some more before we head back to the dock?” I give in for the time being.
“Sounds good to me. Are you sure your arms can take all this paddling?”
“These arms?” I flex both. “What do you think?”
“I think if your ego gets much bigger, your head will explode. And a lot of good those big muscles will do you then.”
“So, you’re saying you think I have big muscles?”
She shakes her head. “You would only hear that part.”
I pack away our trash and place the paddle across my lap. “You know, I’m suddenly feeling weak. How about a kiss for extra strength?”
She looks at me and doesn’t react. I place my hands together and mouth ‘please’, looking as charming as I can.
Her mouth hints at a smile as she leans forward. We meet halfway, fitting our sun-warmed mouths together like connecting puzzle pieces. Slowly and softly, my tongue glides along the inside of her bottom lip. She tastes like sunshine and lemonade—my new favorite flavor. Which is fitting because she’s quickly becoming my favorite person. Every kiss we share outdoes the one before, which confounds me because when I’m lost in that moment, each kiss seems beyond compare.