Page 59 of All Your Firsts

“Wanna take a ride with me?”

“Where to?”

“Somewhere special.”

Taking her bag, I place it in my saddlebag so her hands will be free. Luckily, she’s wearing pants and a leather jacket. It’s been getting chilly at night.

With her front pressed against my back, she holds me even tighter as we fly down the highway, letting out a little squeal, which makes me smirk.

I want to take her to one of my favorite places when I’m craving solitude and silence.

Ever since I spoke to Gage last night, I feel like I’m on borrowed time with her. It guts me, and I don’t know what to do about it.

We get to our destination just as the sun makes its descent.

“Taking me out to the woods? Seems like the start of a slasher movie. Should I start running?” she asks, climbing off my bike and scanning her surroundings.

“Not yet, princess. Now’s the time to beg and ask for forgiveness.” I smirk.

“Not on your life.” She chuckles.

“It’s where I come when the world is a little too loud,” I say, helping her take her helmet off and pulling her along.

She’s thoughtful for a minute, studying the scenery again. I’ve been here countless times, but I try to see it through her eyes.

Enormous trees and mossy vegetation dominate the space with a small gravel and dirt pathway obscured by fallen branches. When you look up, you can barely see the sky from the overhang of all the tree branches creating a canopy. A light mist from the earlier rainfall drops onto the leaves, creating a calming tapping sound as we walk.

“Oh, it’s breathtaking,” she says as she walks through the clearing.

The lake dominates the center of the forest, and the trees create a serene backdrop. Dusk is here, and the lake glows with the reflection of the remaining light.

Rosie glances over at me as soon as I catch up to her. “This place is amazing. How’s it so empty?”

“We’re on private property.”

“Whose?”

“Mine.”

Her eyes widen. “For real? And you’re just now bringing me?”

“Better late than never, I guess.”

“You know, if I owned this land, I’d never want to leave,” she says with her eyes sparkling.

Be careful what you wish for, princess.

“Come on.”

We walk down the dock, and I take a seat at the end, patting the space beside me. She sits down and swings her legs off the side, letting her feet dangle just above the water.

I sneak a look at her and notice her eyes are closed, and she’s smiling.

I grab her small hand, interlocking it with mine. She looks down at our entwined fingers.

“What are you thinking about?” I ask.

“Do you hear that?”

---