Page 58 of It Starts With Summer

After a moment, he spoke, “You know, it’s sad to be leaving, but I’m really excited to get back to school with you by my side.We can be open about our relationship and walk around campus holding hands.Oh, and kiss against those columns in the quad?I saw a couple doing that once and always wanted to.”

“Didn’t you say you hated PDA?”I asked.

“Mm, yeah, that’s different.That wouldn’t be PDA.It would announce to the world that you’re mine.”He tilted his head.“But maybe it’s also PDA.I might have to rethink this plan.”

I lifted my head from his chest and kissed his cheek, then his lips.“I’m good with PDA, but especially PDA that announces to the world that I’m yours.But I’ll still miss camp.”

“I know, baby,” he murmured, kissing me again.“Me too.”

As we continued walking, I thought back on all the memories we had made during our time at Camp Eagle Ridge.From late-night swims in the lake to countless hikes through the forest, Ravi and I had grown so close in such a short amount of time.Even though so much of our time was taken up with campers, we’d carved out something for ourselves, too, and I was going to miss it like crazy.

“Do you think we’ll ever be back?”Ravi asked, stepping back, but clinging to my hand.He gave me a little tug, and we started to walk, hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder.No more secrets.I had never felt more decidedly his than I did at that moment, walking past friends and coworkers, holding my boyfriend’s hand.

I smiled.“I don’t have family in town anymore, but Aiden does.And I hope to keep in touch with Ben.So maybe?”

“Why don’t we plan that with Ben?We’ll come back to visit.”

I nodded, knowing he was right.We could always come back.And as much as I would miss camp, I couldn’t deny the excitement that bubbled up inside me at the thought of exploring new experiences with Ravi by my side.Going to restaurants, hanging out in my apartment, even just walking around campus together — or, like he said, kissing in the quad.

“Okay,” I agreed, squeezing his hand back.“You might have to deal with some sentimental weeping, but I promise, I’m excited, too.”

Ravi gave me a stern look.“Crying when you feel sad is perfectly acceptable.You don’t have to push it down for my sake.”

I bit my lower lip and leaned up to kiss him.“Maybe you can fuck the sadness out of me in the hotel tonight,” I whispered.

“Is that a thing?”he asked, then shrugged.“What am I talking about, it won’t be any hardship to try.”

“You’re so weird,” I said, returning to walking and nudging him with my shoulder.

“And you love me just how I am.”

“I do,” I said.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows that stretched across the campgrounds.Ravi and I walked hand-in-hand, savoring the last moments of our time at Camp Eagle Ridge.We strolled past the mess hall, where countless meals had been shared, laughter bouncing off the walls as we bonded with fellow counselors and campers alike.

As we continued our walk, we passed by the cabins where we’d slept, the fire pit where we’d gathered for late-night storytelling, and the lake where we’d spent hours swimming and basking in the sun.Each spot held its own collection of memories, but what made them truly special were the moments I’d shared with Ravi.

As we reached the edge of the lake, the sun’s last rays painted the sky in hues of pink and gold.Walking to the end of the dock, we sat down, side-by-side, our fingers intertwined, as we watched the day fade into twilight.We sat there for a long time, our bodies touching as we gazed out over the serene lake.The setting sun cast its golden light across the water, creating a breathtaking scene before us.

“Isn’t this beautiful?”I leaned closer to Ravi.Our cheeks brushed against each other as we enjoyed the intimate moment.

“It is,” Ravi agreed, his breath warm against my ear.“But not as beautiful as you.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his cheesy remark, but it warmed my heart all the same.We continued to watch the sunset in silence, soaking in the moment's peacefulness.

“Hey, Parker?”Ravi suddenly said, turning to face me.His eyes sparkled with mischief as he grinned.

“What?”I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Since we’re here, alone, in this beautiful spot… how about we make one more unforgettable memory together?”Ravi’s hand brushed against my thigh.

“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?”

“Maybe I am,” Ravi replied coyly, his fingers creeping higher up my leg.My breath caught in my throat as his hand brushed against the growing bulge in my pants.

As our lips met, I felt a surge of excitement and desire race through me.Our tongues danced together as we eagerly explored each other’s mouths, our hands roaming over one another’s bodies.The sun continued to set in the background, casting a warm glow as he pushed me back onto the splintery wood, devouring my lips like he hadn’t just had me in the showers a few hours ago.I loved that about Ravi — his hunger, the intensity with which he felt desire.

The soft lapping of the lake’s water against the shore and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze should have been soothing, but our kiss only grew more heated, our hands roaming over firm muscle and smooth skin.

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