Page 117 of How You See Me
“I realized something a minute ago,” I say to give him a little distance from his thoughts. We’ll get back to those later.
“What’s that?”
“I haven’t painted since we stopped at the first B&B. It’s the longest I’ve gone without it. Normally, I’d be upset about that.”
“You’re not?”
“I’m too wrapped up in this—in us—to care. Living in the moment with you feels good. You and painting are neck and neck as my two favorite things.”
Pride brightens his dark irises. “I’m okay with that.”
Rising, I snatch another delicious pancake and wink. “Ready for that fun I promised?”
“If it’s the kind of fun we can have in the van, hell yeah.” Helunges at me, and I jump out of reach.
Actually, it’s down the path a little ways. Come on.”
We travel the short distance, his brow furrowing when I stop outside the old playground fence.
“What are we doing here?”
“Living. I’ve never been on one that tall, and a week ago, I would have been terrified. Now, thanks to you, I want to try it.” I grab his hand. “Ride with me?”
He gestures to the faded sign zip-tied to the chain-link fence. “It’s closed.”
“I won’t tell anyone.”
He gears up to argue, but I’m already halfway up the fence. Straddling the top, I smile down at him still planted on the ground, arms crossed, scowling in that adorable, exasperated way that makes my stomach flurry.
“Come on, big, brave Marine. Don’t let me break this one little rule alone.” Heart pounding, I swing my leg over and take off toward the stairs.
By the time I reach the top, he’s already there, wrapping his arms around me from behind. He fits there like he was built for me.
“I should be stopping this.” he whispers, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.
“And you’re not because . . .”
“I’m so damn proud of you.”
That? That right there is everything.
Reaching up, I cup the back of his neck and drag him into a kiss, rewarding him for that answer. I expected a lecture. Something about the rules and our duty to follow. He’s such a stickler for those.
Instead, he gave me a reason to fall even harder.
“Let’s have some fun before they kick us out,” I whisper, near breathless from his touch.
“So naughty,” he growls against my neck, teeth grazing enough to make me moan for more.
I hold him there, fingers pressing against the back of his head to enjoy the feel of him a little while longer. “And I’m just getting started.”
“Oh yeah? When do I get more?”
I pivot to face him, stepping back. “Next time I’m in your arms.”
He lunges at me, but I duck away, laughing on my way to the first slide. “See you at the bottom, slow poke.”
The moment I launch down, a squeal rips out of me. The air rushes past, cool and wild, tugging at my hair. It’s ridiculous how much joy this gives me. The freedom in the fall feels unlike anything else I’ve experienced as an adult, except when Hayes touches me.
