Page 39 of Unexpected Adventures

“Not yet. I think I’d like to rest out here for a bit if that’s okay with you.” He reaches into the vehicle, grabbing the blanket.

“Um, sure,” I say, puzzled. Surely, he isn’t feeling anything from only one beer, right?And if he was tired, I could certainly drive. I try offering my services when Shaun shushes me with a finger to my lips. He then begins to draw me down onto the blanket. And while it’s very romantic, it also has my nerves sparking beyond belief.

“Um, Shaun, what’s going on?” Although I can tell you exactly what’s going on. My body is torn between wanting to crawl all over the sexy man next to me, and fleeing to the safety of the vehicle and heading back to Denise’s.

“It’s time for the show,” he says quietly.

We’re both on flat on our backs, and Shaun has one arm wrapped around me, pulling me close to his side while the other is holding one of my hands to his chest.

“Shaun, why––”

“Shhh. Abby, look up,” he whispers.

Slowly, I turn my head to peer up into the darkening sky. I see bright dots scattering the inky ceiling above us. Purple fades to pewter gray before becoming black as more stars make their appearance. A shooting star streaks across the entire expanse of sky, delighting me.

“Another shooting star!” I exclaim.

I turn my face to his, eager to see his reaction.

“Keep watching,” he says before briefly kissing my nose.

I face the sky once again, listening to the night sounds of distant insects and birds as they begin their nighttime serenade. Cool air settles around us and I can’t help a small shiver that races through me. Shaun must sense it, as he draws me in tighter to his body. I continue watching as he instructed, and another bright streak races above us.

“Three in a row. This is amazing!”

“There’s much more to come. Abby, haven’t you heard about the Perseid Meteor shower?”

“No. Should I have?”

He chuckles. “I guess if you don’t watch TV or read the newspaper. Although it’s been all over social media as well. Tony nearly gave it away earlier, hence the coughing fit to interrupt him.”

“Ah. Sorry,” I say sheepishly. “Guess I’ve been keeping to my own little world lately.What’s this meteor shower?”

“It happens every year around the same time, and it’s supposed to peak tonight. August twelfth. Conditions make it possible to see endless shooting stars associated with a certain comet.”

“Oh, yes, now I remember! When I was younger, Dad gathered us out in the yard one summer night to lie on blankets and look at the stars. We didn’t think it was a big deal, until all the shooting stars put on quite the show for us. I remember thinking how awesome it was!”

I nuzzle into the warmth of Shaun’s body and his arms tighten around me as he kisses the top of my head. We lie there for what seems like hours as the show continued to delight us from above. Before I could stifle it, a yawn escapes and another shudder runs through me.

“It’s getting colder. We should probably head back.” He stays rubbing his hands along my arms, warming me.

I turn my face up to his, kissing him gently. “Thank you for this wonderful night.”

“You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.”

Shaun is first to move, taking me into a sitting position with him. Then he rises on his feet, drawing me up. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” I ask. “You’re not too tired?”

“I’m fine. Unless you’d rather we spend the night in the back of the Cruiser and wait until daylight.”

“Not really. I’m just glad you’re the one driving. My nighttime driving skills really suck.”

Shaun laughs. “Well, that’s telling it like it is.”

“No sense in lying.”

He folds me into his arms and it just feels so natural. “I really like that about you, Abby.There’s nothing false or deceptive about you. I like your honesty.”

“Thanks. I can’t bluff to save my life, so you’ll never catch me at a poker game.”

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