Page 20 of Time To Live Again

“Olive.” She glances at me, and I look directly into her eyes. They’re sparkling from the lanterns. “Sitting here with you has absolutely nothing to do with my job. I choose to be here. Iwantto be here. Okay?”

“Okay,” she says with relief in her voice. “Now tell me something else.”

“One more thing about this tree. When I was a kid, I’d sit on the grass underneath it. One day, I came out and this bench was here. After that, I figured it was meant for me because whenever I’d come out here to relax or think, it was always empty. Nobody would be in sight. And tonight it happened again. It’s such a busy night with people wandering around. Someone could’ve easily stolen our seats.”

“But they didn’t.”

“Nope.”

“Lucky for us. I can’t wait to explore the area this week.”

I stretch my arm along the bench, my hand slightly touching her back. She doesn’t move away. “Do you like to hike?”

She shifts to face me. “I used to love it.”Used to.

“There are some great trails here with spectacular views. Since it’s off season, you’ll be able to enjoy them more.”

“I should add hiking to my list of resolutions. You’ll have to tell me which trails are the best.”

Ask me to go with you and I’ll show you everything.

“Did you make a birthday list too?” I ask.

“Huh?” Her eyebrows furrow. “Haven’t thought about it. I guess the only thing I wish for is to be happy again.”

Olive doesn’t hide the fact that she’s been through something that shaped who she is today and brought her to Orcas Island. Unlike me, she’s an open book. I hide behind my personality. No one would believe the inner pain and struggles I carry around every day.

“When’s the last time you were happy? Like truly happy,” I ask.

The air suddenly shifts.Too deep, Leo.

“Other than arriving here? Years.” She gulps the rest of her drink.

“Broken heart?”

“I guess you could say that, but not in a romantic sense.” There’s a finality in her voice, and I won’t push it.

“Are you admitting you’re happy here?” I brush her shoulder with my hand.

“Maybe, maybe not. It’s too early to say.” She nudges my thigh, avoiding eye contact.

“But you’ve been smiling a lot since you got here. It’s a pretty one and it lights up your face.”And it shows off your fucking sexy lips that I want to nibble on.“I hope you do it all night long. In fact, I’ll make sure of it.”

“You’re doing very well so far.” The side of her mouth quirks up, and she points a finger at me. “See, I’m doing it again, and it’s all your fault.”

“Since my job is done, I’m outta here. Adios.” I stand and step away.

She yelps and springs from the bench. We watch in slo-mo as the bubbly pours out of the toppled bottle, through the bench seat, and puddles on the grass. Then, with catlike reflexes, she grabs it and lifts it in the air.

“I saved it…I think.” She swirls the bottle slowly, then tries to look inside. “There’s some left. Woo-hoo. Let’s finish this. Give me your glass.”

I hold it up. “Well, shit. That was a joke gone fucking wrong and a waste of some excellent champagne. I must be losing my touch. Sorry about that.” God, my game needs a lot of help. That was so bad.

“Good try anyway.” Olive fills my glass, then says, “There’s not much left.” She brings the bottle to her lips and tips her head back. I swallow deeply as she exposes her sensual neck and drinks down the remaining golden liquid.

I could do this all night. No need for a party or fireworks. Watching her enjoy herself is worth every second. This aspect of her personality lies right beneath the surface, begging to be unleashed. I have found my mission, not just for tonight but for the week.

She pulls the bottle away, then licks her lips. “Damn, that was good. Now it’s empty.” Burping lightly, she covers her mouth. “Oops. Shit. That was rude, right? Sorry.”

---