Page 66 of Only Fate

You’ve done this with Adrian dozens of times; you have no reason to be nervous.

He jumps out of the car to open the door for me. I blush when my body brushes his as I climb into the passenger seat. He makes sure I’m all the way inside before shutting the door and sliding behind the wheel.

“Simple Twist of Fate” flows from the car speakers, and he turns to look at me. A smile breaks out on his face, but it’s different from usual.

Adrian’s smiles are always friendly.

Like a warm hug.

But this time, there’s more to it.

Friendly with a hint of flirtation.

The good boy with the wicked smile who’s up to no good tonight.

My eyes stay on his lips.

Lips that were on mine earlier.

I grin back. I’m sure mine looks different too … giddier …cheesierthan usual.

“Hi,” he whispers.

I bite my lip like I can still taste him. “Hi.”

Then, we burst out in laughter, realizing we’re both acting weird.

“What do you want to do?” he asks, the mood turning somewhat normal while he drives through the hotel parking lot.

“Take me where you go to think.” I already know where this is.

Burbota Park.

He’s FaceTimed me from there plenty of times. Sometimes, he’s in his car. Other times, he’s walking alongside the stream or sitting under a tree.

I stare at Adrian as he drives.

I trust this man, and deep down, I know I love him.

“Did you go back to the dorms?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “I read until you texted.”

I smile at him.

Maybe tonight, I’ll tell him everything.

Just maybe.

The park is empty, and Adrian pulls up under the only illuminated light. He pops the trunk and collects a blanket in his arms as I step out.

It’s our blanket.

The one we always use.

It’s starting to unravel, and the color is fading.

But like a baby blanket, the age and use are what makes it special.

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