Page 27 of She's My Kind Of Rain

“Honestly, I didn’t think this through,” I admit. I hadn’t even thought of how this might come off a bit odd. “I just wanted to help.” I let out an uncomfortable laugh. “Yeah, I don’t even know how I planned to do that. I’m sorry, Nancy clearly amped up my girly ass drinks.”

I turn to leave, but a hint of happiness returns to her face while a single tear slowly begins to drift down her cheek. As her eyes lure me in, I find myself by her side a moment later, raising my hand to brush the tear away with my thumb. She takes a step closer to me, closing the remaining distance between us, her knee brushing against my leg and bites her lip. In an instant, my lips crash into hers, unable to deny the magnetic pull she has on me. Everything about her calls to my every desire. I find myself helpless, but I want to get lost in her. Ineedto get lost in her. I pull away, worried I’ve made a grave mistake, but I’m quickly reassured when she kisses me back with just as much force.

Our tongues intertwine, tangling into a dance that feels so natural, so perfect. My right hand remains on her face, and I bring my left hand to the curve of her spine, following the shape of her ass as I firmly grasp it in my hand. She inches forward, rubbing her body against mine while wrapping her arms around my waist. I melt beneath her touch, no longer able to think straight.

My hand glides up her face and I run my fingers through her silky black hair. The intensity of my desire becomes unbearable, and I change course, removing my lips from hers as I begin tokiss down her neck. The sweet smell of her perfume—orange and vanilla—now envelopes my senses. Temptation to undress her becomes more and more evident with every stroke of her hands as she lightly claws my back.

The door swings open and we both stop in our tracks. It’s like a bucket of water has been thrown on us. What possessed me to do that? Not that I hadn’t wanted to. Even now, I still want to. I glance at her wondering if she’s feeling the same or if she’s come back down to reality and regrets the last few moments. Her face flushes with embarrassment and the stranger looks as though she’s just caught us naked. We pull apart and Daisy grabs my hand, leading me out of the bathroom and away from the woman’s stare. A soft laugh escapes her lips and I have no idea where this is headed, but I’m sure hoping to find out.

17

SAWYER - JUNE 25, 2004

“I cant believe that just happened,”she laughs out as we make our way through the side door of the bar. Her expression shifts, her demeanor changing in an instant. She bites her bottom lip and my eyes focus a little too hard on the movement until she releases it. I return my gaze to hers. “I’ve never just kissed someone like that before. Honestly, I haven’t really kissed many people at all.”

The thought of her kissing anyone makes me irrationally jealous. I just met her and I already feel consumed by her, like she’s only meant for me and no one else. I shake the feeling. It can’t be possible to be this invested in someone after one kiss. Clearly the alcohol hasn’t worn off, or I’m just thinking with the wrong brain tonight.

“What, never got caught doing something you shouldn’t in public before?” I say, trying to sound cool, but coming off stupid as fuck. I’m not sure what it is about her but I can’t quite think straight, and something is driving me to peacock around like a fool, knowing all too well that it’s just not my personality to be suave.

Her lips purse just the slightest, an uneasy look flashing across her face.Fuck. I’m totally giving off the wrong message right now, aren’t I?

“Listen, I’m just gonna say it to you straight because at this point I think I’ve dug my hole far enough.” Nerves swell up in my gut. This is the first time I have been interested in anyone this much and I don’t want to mess it up. “I’ve never done anything like that either. Hell, I barely date at all.”

A surprised look appears on her face.

I run a nervous hand through my hair. “I’ve always felt like there’s no reason to settle down and make anything official with someone if I don’t see a future with them. I don’t like to waste anyone’s time or lead anyone on.”

“Oh…” she says, looking down toward her feet.

“Ah, shit, see I’m not good at this stuff.”

“It’s alright, I get it.” I scan her face, only finding disappointment.

Shit. I’m screwing this up. I’ve never been good with words, unless I write them into a song and clearly this is not the time for that. Well, maybe I don’t need to tell her my thoughts, maybe I can just show her?

I grab her hands, pulling her in toward me, and she looks up to meet my gaze. I kiss her, softly, attempting to show what I’ve been trying my damndest to convey. She melts into my touch and I find it odd how perfectly we seem to fit together. I break the kiss only to rest my head against her forehead.

“Nothing to get besides I really like you,” I whisper. “I know it’s a bit soon to say something like that, but something about you feels different. I’m drawn to you in ways I’ve never been drawn to anyone else.”

Her lips curve upward, the glow that lures me to her returning in her eyes, and she kisses me again. I don’t want to stop, every bit of me wants more, but I force myself to hold back,togo slow. What if this is just some alcohol-induced hook up? What if she doesn’t want me as much as I want her? What if this isn’t as deep as it feels? It has to be, right? Because even though this is new—real damn new—I know this is different.

Her phone dings, pulling me from my thoughts. “It’s probably just Kaylee checking on me,” she says, grabbing her pink phone from her back pocket.

Pink?I’d expect no lesssince it’s bright and fun just like she seems to be.

As much as I don’t mind the thought of going back out into the bar and hanging out with our friends, I’d rather get to know her. Alone, without all the lights, sounds and alcohol. I keep quiet as she texts her friend back, all the while trying to come up with some sort of other option. Something that we can do so I can see if what I am feeling is real or just drunken lust.

“So, do you want to do something else? I don’t really want to go back in the bar. It’s loud as hell and I’ve already had my fair share of alcohol for the night. Plus this way we can talk. How about a good ol’ walk through Centennial Park?”

She lowers her phone and her attention returns to me. “Besides Broadway and Southern Sip—my friend’s coffee shop—I’ve pretty much seen nothing since moving here. I’d love to. I’ll tell Kaylee we’re gonna go for a walk.”

“Tell her not to wait up.” I wink, granting me another smile before grabbing her hand and leading her toward the park. Noting how perfectly her hand fits in mine, I smile too.

Once we get to the park we head towards the Parthenon. Ancient Greek mythology is its central focus, something I’ve always thought was interesting, but not really something that screams Nashville.

“It’s beautiful.” Her words are hushed and filled with awe as she looks all around us, her crystal blue eyes darting from one sculpture to another. “We really don’t have anything like this near Tansy Bay.”

“Yeah it’s really something,” I agree, all while only taking in the view of her and the wonder in her eyes.

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