Page 105 of Summer, in Between
‘It’s nearly been five years.’
‘So, you were younger than me now?’I do the maths in my head.‘That’s so awful, Paul.’
‘Yeah, it was pretty shit.’His fingers drum against the steering wheel.‘I was going into Year Eleven.He wasn’t living at home then or anything, so nothing really changed, but everything changed.’His chest rises and falls against me.He sighs heavily.‘I never knew what I’d be coming home to with Mum crying or the old man just sitting there, so I stopped letting my mates come home after school.Mum was famous for her after-school snacks, but after Pete, that all stopped.Except for Cavey, he kept coming, I couldn’t stop him, and he was cool.But you’re the first girl I’ve ever brought home.’
‘Seriously?’
‘Yep, and I only did it because your mum pushed you into my car.But you were so cool with everything, you just sat there talking, so natural.’
‘I’d love to see them again, Paul,’ I say.‘My parents know you so well, I’d love yours to know me too.’
‘Dad’s been busting my balls about you coming for dinner.But don’t feel obligated.’
‘Are you kidding?I’d love to.’His arms tighten around me.
‘Cat?’
‘Paul?’
‘I’ve never told anyone any of that shit.’
‘Really?’
‘Yep,’ he says.‘I don’t even know the last time I said my brother’s name.’
‘I’m glad you told me.’I kiss his hand, clutching my shoulder.I put my hand under his t-shirt to feel his skin.‘Man, you are so warm.How aren’t you cold?’
‘I read about this weird way to get warm once, but it’s kind of hard to get your head around.’
‘I’m a smart girl, so try explaining it to me and I’ll see if I can understand.Maybe talk slowly.’
‘Well, it involves taking your clothes off first.’His fingers move up and down my bare arms.
‘Hmmm, that does seem counter-productive,’ I say.
‘I saw it on a movie once.It was one that you have to be 18 to watch, so I don’t think it’s something you would have seen.It had this really weird soundtrack, like“boom chicka wow wow.” From what I saw, it works in raising body heat.’
‘That a fact?’
‘If I saw it, it must be true.’
‘Who am I to argue with that?’I yank my t-shirt off over my head.
‘No, Cat, I’m only kidding,’ he says.‘Honestly, babe.’
‘Your turn,’ I tug at his t-shirt, and he moves away from my hand.‘What?Come on, Mr Never-Wear-A-Shirt.We have a hypothesis to test.Do not make me rip this off you; I’m stronger than I look.’
‘No doubt about that.’He pulls off his t-shirt.His elbow collides with my temple as he lifts the fabric over his head.‘Oh shit, babe, I’m so sorry, are you okay?’
‘I’ll be better when you kiss me,’ I say and then my pulse races, my heart stops, my skin burns and angels descend from the heavens singing.Well, actually, they don’t, which is a complete travesty because the way he kisses?The way his hands move up and down my spine?The feel of his skin against mine?They should.‘Don’t you dare stop.’He shifts in his seat.
‘You know you’ve got me trapped here.’He pushes my hair back out of my face.‘I’m jammed between the most beautiful, amazing girl in the world and the door.This is why I need a new car, something with a bit more room to move.This freakin’ door handle is sticking right into my back.Can you sit up a bit?’
‘You just whacked me in the head with your enormous manly elbow.I think you can tolerate a door handle in the back.’
‘I was hoping you’d forgotten about that.’
‘I nearly had, but then you stopped kissing me.You’d better kiss me again.’
