Page 8 of Opening Hearts

His grin grew wider, and he lowered his face to hers. “I’d be happy to keep up the distractions then.” And with that he kissed her, turning her so she could straddle him, and he could give her a taste of everything he wanted to do to her.

They stayed there, making out as the twilight deepened around them, the sky fading to navy. Matt thought he could kiss her all night long. And he would’ve happily done so, but far too soon a voice in the distance called, “Hannah!”

When her name was called again, Hannah pulled back, her face turning in the direction of the party still over by the fire. The music had stopped, and it looked like some people had started leaving, though he knew from experience that a few would stay there until midnight or later, hanging out, laughing and drinking until the fire was little more than embers and they could kick sand over it and go home. Apparently Hannah and her friend would not be part of that group.

He saw a shadow detach itself from the rest of the group, and that voice called Hannah’s name again.

Hannah sighed. “That’s Elena. I know she saw us coming over here. It must be getting close to ten. That’s when we have to be home.”

Matt couldn’t help chuckling. “Really? Ten? It’s not exactly a school night or anything.”

He felt more than saw her shrug. “Yeah, well, it was agree to that or not come at all.”

She detached herself from his grip and climbed off his lap. He sighed from the loss of contact, then stood and adjusted himself, resigning himself to walking her back to her car. At least he had her number already. He was sure she’d agree to see him again. He laced his fingers through hers and led her back to the group.

Elena and her brother stood on the edge closest to the parking lot, the bag now slung over Elena’s shoulder. “Come on, Han. We’re going to be late if you don’t get a move on.” She turned and started for the parking lot, not even acknowledging that Matt was there.

He and Hannah trailed after the other two. On the edge of the parking lot, he stopped, turning Hannah to face him. He kissed her once more, briefly, not the kind of kiss he really wanted, but there wasn’t time for that. “We still have to figure out our surf lesson. I get off work tomorrow at four. I’ll come pick you up after, okay?”

She nodded, the light from the parking lot washing over her pale skin, her teeth sunk into her lower lip. “Okay.”

One more kiss, and he let her go, watching her climb into the car with her friend and drive away. He hadn’t been all that excited about being home for the summer, except for getting to surf most days. But after meeting Hannah, it was looking like this might end up being a great summer after all. The kind you didn’t want to end. He couldn’t wait.

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