Page 44 of The Summer We Played Pretend

The first fat raindrop splashes on my nose, making me yelp.

“Or not,” he says, standing and grabbing my hand. "We should move."

I scramble to my feet, but Jackson’s already packing up, shoving food into the basket and rolling up the blanket with quick, practiced motions. I stand frozen for a moment, watching him work, until he tugs my hand.

“Don’t just stand there. Come on," he says, urging me down the hill.

By the time we reach the bottom and gotten closer to town, the rain turns torrential. We sprint across the grass, my feet slipping a little on the wet ground. Jackson's grip on my hand is firm, steadying me as we run.

"In here," Jackson points to a small wooden gazebo the younger kids in town often hang out in. We dash inside just as the rain really starts hammering down.

Breathing hard, I glance at Jackson, his soaked t-shirt clinging to his chest and shoulders. My fingers twitch with the urge to touch him, but I settle for brushing a wet strand of hair from my face.

Jackson grimaces. "So much for our perfect picnic date."

"Are you kidding? This was way more memorable."

I wrap my arms about myself when a shiver runs through me.

"You're cold," he says, stepping closer. He runs his hands up and down my arms, creating friction. "Better?"

I nod, unable to respond as I’m too aware of how close we are.

Jackson's gaze meets mine, and the air between us seems to crackle with electricity that has nothing to do with the storm. His hands slow their movement but don't leave my arms.

"Chloe," he says softly, his gaze dropping to my lips.

"Yeah?" I whisper back.

Instead of answering, Jackson leans in, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that starts gentle but quickly deepens. I press my hands to his chest, mindful of the strength and firmness of his body. The kiss grows heated and he presses it deeper, tasting me. My breaths grow ragged and my body pangs with need.

I need more kisses. More Jackson.

He holds me close, moving against me and making me gasp. Slowly, he breaks the kiss, a smile playing on his lips.

"I feel like we’re getting good at this.”

His lips quirk. “Oh for sure.”

Rain drums against the roof of the gazebo and I take a shaky breath. He draws me into his side, wrapping me in a solid embrace that keeps me from shivering in my damp clothes.

He points toward the sky. “Looks like the rain is easing. Maybe we can finish our picnic.”

I only ate half a sandwich and some melon but I don’t feel remotely hungry anymore, not even for the best donuts in town. I feel like I could spend all day being kissed by Jackson and never need anything else.

“Maybe we can go back to mine,” I suggest. “Mom and Dad aren’t home.”

“That might not be a good idea.”

I scowl. “Why not?”

He gives a lopsided smile and twists to face me fully. “This is new and you’re—” He sighs. “It’s really hard to control myself around you. You’re insanely beautiful, Chlo, and I want things that maybe should wait…Christ, this isn’t easy to say.”

“Oh.”

I hadn’t thought about sex. Well, I had. But for most of my life, it had just seemed like something I’d worry about in the future.

But with Jackson in front of me, looking insanely sexy with his wet hair and clothing all tight against his body, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to think of anything else now. Especially after he’s admitted to wanting sex with me.

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