Page 13 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
I look up from my hands to his eyes. They’re sparkling in the dim light, and I can see his lips twitching. Those dark green eyes move to my lips. I swallow and a tingle passes over my lips.
I can’t tear my eyes away, mesmerized, as he swipes his tongue across his lips. Mine part in response. His Adam's apple bobs in my periphery.
“I like hanging out with you. I know we haven’t really done anything, just the two of us, but I’d like to.” He whispers, and his chest rises with a deep breath. “I like you, Raegan.” Oh, my heart. A smile starts there and spreads to my lips and my eyes.
I need to be closer to him, so I lay my head on his shoulder. “I like you too, Austin.”
I don’t know how long we’ve been sitting. Austin’s shoulder makes a perfect pillow and the crickets and other bugs are singing along to the music echoing from the barn. I don’t want to move.
I feel Austin shift, and he buries his nose into my hair. My lips twitch in a grin as he sniffs my hair. Good thing I washed it this morning. “You awake, Rae?”
I move my head so hastily, not giving Austin time to move. The tip of his nose brushes mine. We’re frozen this way. In the darkness, his eyes are so dark they’re almost black.
My breath hitches, lobbed like a cupcake in my throat.
His breath coats my face, and I can’t help but lower my gaze to his lips.
They’re so close.
All it will take is an inch or two and my lips will be on his.
I move my face just one centimeter closer.
His eyes turn hazy as they fasten on my lips.
What do his lips taste like?
“Are y’all ready for the hayride?” Austin startles and jerks away as someone kicks the bottom of his boot. Carson stands over us, a goofy grin on his face. He knows exactly what he interrupted. Thankfully, the darkness hides the crimson in my cheeks.
Still glaring, Austin stands up slowly, then offers me his hand. I pull my boots back on and take his hand. I smooth out my skirt and grab his hand. Off to the haunted hayride we go.
Time flies when you’re having fun… It’s true. I think it might also fly when you’re falling in love. I can’t say for sure that I’m falling in love. But there’s sure a lot oflikehappening right now.
We walk slowly to Jaimie’s parked truck. Our fingers are intertwined and it feels amazing. Even though I’m worn out, I don’t want this night to end.
“I had a good time tonight.”
Austin grabs my other hand, and turns me to face him. “This will be my favorite Halloween, ever.” His voice is low and husky. We’re bathed only in the glow of moonlight and a few headlights.
Chrissy and Jaimie are in the truck, waiting for us. And we’re just standing here, staring into each other's eyes. I can’t believe I’m turning into one of those weird sappy girls, always mooning over her boyfriend. Except he isn’t my boyfriend, not yet. But we’ve finally crossed the friendship bridge, and said out loud that we like each other.
Austin grabs the door handle and pops the door open for me. “‘Night, Rae. See ya tomorrow.” He presses a kiss to his fingers, then gently brushes his fingers over my lips.
My lips slowly part, and my jaw drops. Then, he just turns and walks away, a cocky grin curving his lips.
I turn, mouth still hanging open, and climb into the truck. Chrissy and Jaimie muffle their giggles with their hands.
“He pretty much just kissed you!” Chrissy’s eyes are dancing.
“I can’t believe that I almost had my first kiss in front of y’all.” I manage to gasp out. I float on a cloud as Jaimie drives us home.
Chapter 7
Raegan - The Present
“Istillcan’tbelieveyou’re having a baby.” Chrissy’s blue eyes are wider than I’ve ever seen as she sits between me and Jaimie at my twenty week ultrasound appointment.
I poke my baby bump, waiting for the day that my hand gets poked back. It’s quite obvious now that I’m pregnant. I’ve been tempted to hide it, to turn into a baggy sweatshirt recluse, but Mom has challenged me to be brave. To not hide. I expected more censure from people. I’ve gotten the overly sweet smiles, the whispers, the pity looks. Most of it is behind my back. No one has said anything to my face. Chrissy’s mom asked about having a shower for me. So, of course I started crying. I don’t feel like I deserve it. My child was conceived in sin. I made a mistake. But a baby is a baby, and all babies are loved, and should be celebrated. I can’t punish this baby for something they didn’t do.
