Page 72 of Sunshine with You
A shiver travels through me as the cool spring breeze blows off the Pacific. I set my ice cream cup on the ledge and reach for the zipper of my jacket. Trevor’s warmth seeps into me as he wraps his arm around my waist, thawing the chill creeping up my back. Hugging into his side, I shoot him a smirk. “So, thiswasa snuggling ploy…”
Trevor laughs, but his smile falls slightly as he tucks a curl behind my ear. His hand settles into the crook of my neck, gently pulling me toward him. I lean in, and the coolness from his ice cream lingers on his lips as we kiss. Slow, gentle, and with just enough heat, it makes my head swirl with possibilities. He’s breathless when we pull away, and I bite my lower lip, giving in to the warm-fuzzies blossoming inside me.
“I think I might have a new ice cream flavor,” he whispers.
“Oh, really?” I giggle.
“Let me double-check.” He leans back in, and just before his lips touch mine, the alarm on his phone rings out. “Damn it.” A wave of disappointment washes over me when he pulls away. He drops his head, digging in his pocket to silence the noise. “That’s my flight reminder. I have to get to the airport.”
“We have something to settle first.” I guide his head back to me, moaning when our lips meet. His hands find my waist, and he gently tugs me against him, molding his body to mine. When his tongue darts past my lips for a taste, the warm-fuzzies burst into glittering sparks inside me. I clutch at the broad plane of his shoulders to get closer, my thoughts spinning into a blur. Where the first was just a simmer, this kiss sears into me. Passion intensifies with each caress and stifled sigh.This is something I could get used to. Pulling back breathlessly, I ask, “So, banana ice cream?”
He nods, eyes glued shut for a beat while he finds his words. With a smile, he whispers, “Banana ice cream tastes so damn good.”
The McMahon Centerlights flicker off, bathing my car in darkness as I wait for Willa to respond to my text. I’ve been driving here a few times a week for a month now, parking closer to the doors each time. I even threw swimming gear in my trunk last week, just in case my anxiety took a vacation. It’s not much progress, but it’s more than I’ve been able to do for years.Now if I could just go inside.
I channel my frustration into telling Willa off through text. She still hasn’t answered about having another craft day. I’m running out of hobbies to try, and having her support would keep me from backing out at the first stray paint stroke. It’s not my fault her hands were blue for a week after we tried knitting. How would I know indigo yarn bleeds all over the place? It was months ago; she should be over it by now.
I’m about to send my dramatic message when a banner floats across the screen.
Hunter
Wanna go on another run?
Like hell.My legs still hurt from the last time. My foray into reading only lasted a couple of months, so I tagged along with Hunter on one of his runs. With the amount of time I’ve been spending with him, I haven’t even thought about picking up a book. Running together felt like knocking out two birds with one stone. I used to do it all the time in college anyway, so I figured it could be the hobby I needed. But shin splints and side stitches reminded me how horrible it is, and I realized I only did it to keep in shape for swimming. Clearly, the more I try to avoid the pool, the more things point back to it. I glance at the darkened building, a dejected puff of air wheezing from my lips.What the hell is wrong with me?
Me
I’ll pass.
Hunter
LOL, ok. What are you up to tonight?
Me
Had a surprise date with Trev.
Hunter
Ah... Where to?
Me
Why are you in my business?
Hunter
I’m just curious…
Me
We had ice cream on the pier, nosy.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
HUNTER
That romantic asshole took her to the pier. It’s chilly out, so I know he jumped at the opportunity to snuggle up to her. He’d be crazy not to. Competition is fine, but I really need to up my game. Candlelit dinners, movie nights, coffee dates—none of those top a stroll on the pier. I’m kicking myself for not thinking of it first.
