Page 55 of Love Bleeds Red
I’ve never seen my brother bolt downstairs so fast, not sparing a glance at me or Leon.
“You’re a wizard,” I told him, as he watched his handiwork unfold from the kitchen table, arms crossed over his chest, showing off his perfect inked forearms.
“If it takes a bit of magic to get you all to myself, then I’ll abracadabra all day.”
He gestured for me to come to him without speaking, just slowly crooking his finger. When I got to him, he pulled me onto his lap, my chest pressed against his, my arms wrapped around his neck. “Are you ready for our date, beautiful?”
I nodded, probably looking like an idiot with how big I was smiling. His fingers traced a path along my back and God, that small touch felt so good. “Ready to tell me where we’re going yet?”
“You’ll see soon enough.” He stood up, lifting me with him like I weighed nothing, before setting me back on my feet. He grabbeda sweatshirt from the hook by the door. His favorite sweatshirt. “Here, put this on for me.”
It smelled so good, like a hint of his cologne. Warm and cedar-like mixed with something that I could only describe as Leon smell, safe and masculine and comfort all at once.
Then we slipped out, hand in hand.
His motorcycle was waiting in the driveway, and my stomach flipped when he handed me a helmet.
“You trust me?” he asked with that mischievous smile, the one where only a corner of his lip quirks up.
My heart banged against my ribs—part nerves, part pure excitement. “Always.”
The minute I climbed on behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist, I understood why people became addicted to this. There’s something so intimate about it. Something I couldn’t explain. He started the bike, and I felt the vibrations through my entire body.
I took a deep breath, clutching him closer as he pulled out onto the street.
“You okay?” he called loud enough for me to hear.
I couldn’t find words, so I just squeezed him tighter. I was more than okay. Riding with him was incredible. The wind whipped against my face even through the helmet, and there was something wild and intoxicating about racing down thoseback roads with nothing but Leon’s solid warmth anchoring me. Every curve had my pulse spiking, not from fear but from this incredible rush of freedom.
After about fifteen minutes, he turned down a narrow dirt road I’d never seen before. I had to squeeze my thighs around Leon and tighten my grip from the steady upward climb. When we finally crested the hill and he cut the engine, I could see why he’d brought me here.
The clearing was perfection. A little oasis tucked away from everything and everyone, overlooking the valley below. He’d already been here. There was a blanket spread under a beautiful oak tree, weighed down with a picnic basket and two battery-powered lanterns we’d used for camping as kids.
“Leon,” I breathed, pulling off my helmet. “When did you do all this?”
“Today, while you were at work.” He cast his gaze toward the ground, running his hand through his hair. “Is it too much? I know it’s not exactly a proper restaurant, and you deserve that, but?—”
I silenced him by standing on my tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck, and kissing him softly. “It’s perfect. I love it.”
We got comfortable on the blanket, Leon with his back against the tree and me settled between his legs, my head resting on his chest. He was so freaking sweet and thoughtfulwith what he’d packed. My favorite sandwich—turkey and swiss on wheat bread with mayo and just a dab of dijon. Exactly how I like it. Cookies from the bakery in town, and a bottle of wine. He’d brought sodas too, but figured he’d give me the option. I chose the wine. My nerves needed it.
The funny thing was, he seemed nervous too, like he wanted to make everything perfect. But just being here with him was all I needed.
We talked about everything and nothing as the sky darkened. His childhood in London with his mom and grandparents, my dreams of teaching kids how to read and why it meant so much to me. Lighter stuff too, like stupid stories about Jasper and Damon and the crazy shit they pulled at school. I felt like I could tell him anything, which was completely new for me. Usually I’m the one listening, making sure everyone else feels heard, but Leon actually wanted to know me—asked questions, seemed genuinely interested. Sounds pathetic that those little things were such a shock, but I guess I’ve always been okay with staying in the background.
After we finished eating, we laid back on the blanket, my head nestled in the crook of his arm as we watched the first stars appear. I traced patterns on his chest while his arm tightened around my waist. Even though every inch of me ached for him, I also felt this deep sense of peace. I didn’t feel rushedto take things further, like I’d lose his attention if I didn’t immediately put my hand down his pants. Again, something totally new for me.
That’s when I noticed the first tiny flicker of light dancing near the edge of the clearing.
“Look,” I whispered, sitting up slightly. “Fireflies.”
More lights began blinking in and out between blades of tall grass, like someone scattered a handful of twinkle lights that moved on their own. Leon shifted beneath me to take a better look.
“We don’t have these in England,” he murmured, watching as more and more appeared. “Just glowworms, and they’re pretty rare.”
“Glowworms?” I asked. “I’d like to see those one day.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I bet I can make that happen. Wizard, remember?”
