Page 36 of The Sky Between Us

“Yes, there are even blue roses or lilies, orchids, iris, forget-me-nots and morning glories,” Hazel listed the flowers with a dreamy expression painted on her face.

With a laugh erupting out of me, I had to control myself. “I know all about morning glories, baby.”

Hazel playfully smacked my arm and shook her head with disapproval. “You are such a guy.”

“You are only noticing it now?” I smirked back at her, making her laugh. It was the most beautiful, yet rarest sound I’ve ever heard. The notes of her laughter tugged at the strings of my heart, making them ache. I wished I could make her laugh more often.

“Is this part of your twenty questions?” She mocked me in a childish way. Such a strange attitude for a girl who not so long ago was being all bitchy.

“Nope.” Running my fingers through my half-dry messy hair, I continued. “I assume you like flowers.”

“That’s not a question,” she kept her childish mocking. “But yes, I do. I used to get many flowers from dance competitions and birthdays and any special occasion. My dad always said flowers are a waste of money as they die within three days, but I love the smell of fresh flowers in my room, and the colors they bring to the space. They just make me instantly happy. It’s stupid, I know…”

“No,” I rushed to contradict her, placing my hand on top of hers and squeezing it.

That tiny contact made me hungry, despite devouring half of my cheeseburger. But I wasn’t dreaming of food, I was fantasizing of her. Need arose in me and our innocent touch wasn’t enough. Images flashed in my mind, her naked in my bed. Skin to skin, our bodies entangled. My brain became preoccupied with envisioning our first time, the way her body felt under me, the smell of her hair as I buried my face into it and the various noises she made while I was inside her became my priority. I didn’t like the guessing. I needed to know.

“I know girls who don’t like flowers.” Her voice dragged me out of my daydream and suddenly I remembered we were in a restaurant surrounded by people, talking about flowers. “But a bouquet makes me happier than jewelry. It’s the thought that counts.”

I bobbed my head in agreement, but my brain checked out. My eyes remained glued to her lips, as she slowly ate away her meal.

Appreciation rose in me by knowing these small, almost insignificant details about her.

“What about Sky?” I risked, voicing the question that bugged me the most.

“What about him?” she asked casually, while dumping some more ketchup on her plate.

No matter how calm her voice remained, her eyes shone with love and admiration, she couldn’t fake that.

“He is a mean little player,” I muttered, unable to bring myself to ask her directly what I wanted to know.

“Yeah.” Hazel nodded, but didn’t offer any more details and I couldn’t force myself to push her for more details.

“So… you really don’t like soccer?” I diverted the topic, making her snort.

“It’s fine. I can’t say I hate it as it plays a huge part in dad’s and Sky’s life, but I’m not a fan. I found that soccer players are dicks. No offense.”

A dry laughter escaped me. “None taken. Yet you joined the dance team.”

“They don’t dance at soccer games, I checked. Only football and basketball,” she smiled.

“Thought you would love to watch me dominate the field, score all the goals and cheer me on every step of the way.” My mouth curved down as I teased her, and I blinked at her with my cute puppy eyes.

“Been there, done that and I don’t want a repeat,” she rolled her eyes as she patted my face with sympathy. “You remind me of a puppy who just wetted the floor.”

A laugh exploded out of me and she joined in. Several heads turned in our direction but I couldn’t be bothered. Being in our own little bubble felt good.

“Very manly image, Hazel, thank you.”

She blinded me with a beautiful wide grin, her eyes glimmering with mischief and my heart did a weird little dance in my chest.

“Anytime you need an ego boost, I’m at your disposal, captain.”

I needed her more at my disposal, not just for an ego boost.

“Nice,” I smirked at her, and she suppressed a giggle as she turned back to the food. “You do know, I always need one, so there is a high possibility you will not get rid of me?”

“Oh well.” Hazel shrugged as she chewed on some lettuce. “Guess we are stuck with each other. Outside, and inside of a Starbucks too.”

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