Page 24 of Kissing the Beach Town Fire Chief
“I really doubt that. However, I am thinking of showing her that. At least, she can read my story and know that I am trying to get over the writer’s block,” she laughs. There’s a glint in her eyes that makes me want to keep staring into them. I clear my throat when she catches me looking at her.
“I never knew you could write this well. I mean, I knew you were passionate about writing, but this is the first time I truly paid attention to your talent. The way you have written the narrative about the town as well as my campaign speech, I know you’ll be a successful writer,” I give her the compliment that she deserves. She visibly blushes.
“You're just being nice. I want to be a writer. However, I think that I lack in many areas. I want to improve, but I don’t know how,” she says with exasperation.
I can understand how frustrated she must be feeling. She needs a platform where she can grow.
“Hey Ami, of course you have the potential to grow. You're already a wonderful writer. You probably just need some guidance to start. I know you’ll find a way to work on yourpassion. I’m available to help anytime if you need it,” I shift so we both sit facing the sea. Her eyes shine as she hears my emotional support.
“Thank you. I’ll tell you if I need your help. After all, it’s not every day when the high and mighty Ethan offers to help his archrival,” her pretty smile adding a mischievous look. I cackle at the way she put it. She is not wrong. That’s what everybody called us: archrivals.
“So Ethan, tell me about your dreams. What’s something that you wanna do the most?” She asks as she turns her body so she’s facing me. I think about it for a while. I’ve always known about my dreams. Although not much has changed, there’s definitely a little change sprinkled in the direction of my dreams after our discovery of the secret.
“Well, I’ve always wanted to serve my people, whether through politics or other means. I got this wonderful opportunity to run for the town council. I have the means to achieve my dream. However, we came across the hidden history of the town. My campaign has changed, but my aim remains the same. I want to revive the rich culture and history of the town, provide the means for the people to take pride in them, and modernize the town’s infrastructure. That is my dream: To serve the people and the town,” I voice out my new aim in front of her.
It’s amazing to think that I am here sharing my dreams with her. I didn’t even hesitate one bit. She was listening to me the whole time attentively. “That’s wonderful Ethan. I hope you achieve your dreams,” she beams but a serious expression crosses her face suddenly, “Ethan, what if people do not accept your newly found desire to unveil the truth about the town’s history? Have you thought about what you will do? What if it affects your election campaign?” she asks thoughtfully.
I have been thinking about the question myself. I know what I am going to do.
“First of all, I doubt that they will stop supporting me as I am going to address their concern which is investing and reaping. Secondly, I have the speech which you helped me write so I am sure that it will give them a moment to reflect. Thirdly, even if they stop supporting my campaign and I lose the election, I will not back down from my purpose. I will keep striving for the town and the people’s well-being.”
I finish and stare at her, who is looking at me with admiration. I suppress a smile. I didn’t say all that to impress her. You're not as bad as I thought.” She concludes with a chuckle. I narrow my eyes. “Just how bad did you think I was?” I ask her with an artificial frown, making her laugh at my expression. “A lot, actually!” She thinks it is a good idea to tease me. I am in a good mood, so I launch myself forward to try to scare her away.
“I am going to get you,” I growl, making her scream and laugh. She gets up and starts running. I chase her and reach her in no time.
“You thought you could get away, huh?” I pull her by the waist. She is constantly giggling and trying to free herself. I laugh as I tighten my grip.
“Ethan, let go! Please, I never meant it,” she tries to break free, but I hold her in place. Her giggles are like music to my ears. It makes my heart full.
“Okay, then tell me I am a good guy. Come one!” I instruct, to which, she shakes her head while still in my arms and smiling.
“Tell me or else you're never going to be released,” I tell her with a chuckle. She laughs.
“You're enjoying it way too much, aren’t you?” She asks, clutching my shirt to try to get me to free her. My breath hitches as I feel her touch.
“I am,” I tell her honestly, with no hint of joking, “What about you?” I ask her in return.
Her cheeks are red as I put my hand on the small of her back.
Her chest rises and falls quickly as she prepares herself to speak. We are so close to one another. I can feel her soft breath.
“Me too!” She says in a small voice, avoiding eye contact. I beam as I hear her response. We both know what we are talking about.
“I like you, Ami. I don’t know when my feeling of irritation changed, but it did. Something has changed after you returned this summer,” I confess to her, pouring out my feelings. I have been meaning to tell her about my feelings towards her, but I never got the confidence. Now, I finally did that.
Her eyes widen as she listens to my confession. She remains quiet for a moment but smiles eventually. “I like you too, Ethan.” She smiles shyly, making me grin.
She likes me too!I grab her face gently and lean down. Her eyes flutter close with anticipation. I smile and let my lips touch hers softly. She sighs as I pull her even closer and lead the kiss. Her lips start moving against mine. I am simply in heaven.
I finally know her taste—her sweetness intoxicates me as we stand there and devour each other’s mouths while the dolphins seem to mimic my joy as they play excitedly in the sea. The waves lap softly and the birds chirp enthusiastically. Everything seems to be in joyful motion for the new beginning.
A sweet new beginning for the archrivals!
Chapter twelve
Ethan
It’s almost midnight, and I sit here on a bench in the central park. A streetlamp gives me some light as I stare into the dark void. This town has been my home forever; I don’t think there has been any phase of my life when this place wasn’t a part of me. Well, except for the days of me as a firefighter out in Oregon for a year. Gosh, those were some days. I was recruited to a small-town needing firefighters, so I thought it would be an adventure. A new place. New People. And maybe I’d learn some new ways.
