Page 38 of Blue Horizons

My blush deepens at his compliment as his thumb moves to run over my bottom lip. It feels swollen, but in the best possible way.

“I don’t think it’s really hard to figure out. You’ve met me, right?” I give him a small sympathetic smile. Sympathetic for myself, because I know I’ve missed out on some great life experiences.

“Ava,” he breathes out with sadness.

Sudden guilt engulfs me and the blush vanishes.

He’s been so good to me and I haven’t even told him my real name. Soon. I’ll tell him soon. If I tell him now, it might ruin the moment, and I’mreallyenjoying this moment.

I shrug my shoulders and look at his lips. They’re so pink and flawless.

“Well, if you feel the need to make up for some lost time, I’m your guy.” He gives me a lopsided grin and one dimple peeks at me.

A giggle escapes and my eyes reconnect with his. There’s an amused glint in them, but they look thoughtful and kind too.

“I just might take you up on that.” My heart rate picks up at the possibility of him kissing me more.

His grin grows to a full smile, and his eyes flicker back to my lips.

“Good,” and just like that he closes the distance between us.

This kiss doesn’t have the desperate edge to it that the first one did, and he explores my mouth with fascination and skill. His movements are slower, deeper, and this time he’s touching me.

He’s touching me! And I’m not freaking out! Not once have I felt even a glimmer of panic or fear. If anything, what I feel is normal. He makes me feel normal. How did I get so lucky to be here, with him, under this tree, on this gorgeous day? I want to bottle this moment up and carry it with me always.

His hand moves from my face, to the back of my head, and down to my neck. I feel like he’s marking me and I want more. More of him . . . and that’s what I get. I’m not sure how long we actually lie here kissing. No one stops us or complains, the songs change one after another, and the dusk sky easily slips to night. This is the best date I have ever been on, and yes, I’m calling it a date.

“Do you want to stay a little longer?” he murmurs against my neck, sending goosebumps fluttering down my arm.

“Do you mind?” This night has been so magical for me, I want it to last as long as possible.

He pulls back and smiles at me. He’s so gorgeous. I’m not sure how I keep forgetting, but I do, and each time, it’s like looking at him for the first time all over again.

“Nope,” he blinks at me. “I’m having the best time.” His thumb strokes my cheek and I want to melt into his touch.

“Me too. The company’s okay, but the music is so good.” I shrug, giving him a playful look.

He busts out laughing. “Let me guess . . . you’re a comedian?”

“Only part time.” I grin at him.

“Right,” he drawls out. “I like you like this.” His face switches to a sincere one.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, it’s like you’re more open, having a good time—being yourself.”

He’s right. I have been more open with him. He makes it easy, and he makes me want to. His fingers move to tuck some loose hair behind my ear. I love it when he does this.

“How about if I go and get us another drink?” he asks.

“I’d like that.” I run my hand over his side and down to his hip, memorizing the bumps of his ribcage.

“Okay, I’ll be right back.” He leans over and brushes his lips against mine one more time, hops up, and graces me with the most content, pleased, and devilishly handsome smile.

Be still my heart.

Watching him walk away, he adjusts the hat and pulls it down lower. It’s then I notice that the crowd has definitely filled in since we arrived, and my cheeks warm at the thought of someone watching us kiss. But then I realize I don’t care.

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