Page 33 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
“Wanna bet on it?” She studies me with her mesmerizing blue-gray eyes, challenging me.
“What’s the winner get?” I huskily whisper. I hold my breath as I wait for her answer.
“I win, you take out the trash tonight, and if you win, I’ll take out the trash.” She says as she holds my gaze.
“Deal. Let’s shake on it.” Our eyes lock, neither of us moving. Pretty sure Chrissy is whisperingeye babiessomewhere. Raegan's hand connects with mine.
I have to force the breaths out through my nose.
Raegan's face moves in closer to mine, and I can see specks of deep blue in her gray irises
“Have fun taking out the trash later.” Her sweet breath splashes over my face. Then she turns, winks, and flounces away. As if she didn’t just nearly kiss me. In front of all these people.
Camilla starts some music to help us get moving and within minutes Jaimie announces that she’s emptied her tissue box. As much as I wanted first place, as long as I beat Raegan I’m good. Instead of just shaking my hips in time to the music, I twist as furiously as I can.
Raegan and I face each other, both of us laughing, but our eyes are serious. This is war. And I’m going to win. I’m sure of it.
“Ha!” Raegan yells, punching her fists into the air. “Haha! You get to take out the trash.” I stuff my competitive side down into a box. I’m glad she won, I don’t really want her having to take out the trash even though it’s part of her job during her work hours. I’m still determined to get every ball out of my tissue box though.
“Here. I’m an expert. Let me help you out.” Her hands grasp my hips in an attempt to make me twist faster. Heat races from her fingertips to my face, and my blood spurts through my veins.
Raegan gasps, her eyes widening, as she snatches her hands back. Bringing them to her cheeks she tries to cover the patches of pink blooming there. “Oh, gosh. I’m... I...” She drops her hands, whispering, “oops.”
My heart is hammering in my chest, and without thinking I reach out, my thumb and index finger encircling her wrist. I probably look like a cartoon character, little hearts pulsating in my eyes. “I didn’t mind.” My voice doesn’t even sound like mine.
We have to be careful,I remind myself. But we’re surrounded by people. Nothing is going to happen.I let my eyes trace the lines of her face. Her delicate jaw, her adorable pink lips, those blue-gray eyes that make me forget time and space.
“Are you about ready for some cake?” Camilla interrupts our intimate moment. Slowly, I drag my eyes away from Raegan’s face to focus on her mom’s announcement.
“I worked off a few calories with that game. It’s definitely a good time for cake.” My fingers shake as I untie the ribbon holding the tissue box around my waist. “I’ll help pick up all these ping-pong balls.”
“You’re the birthday boy. Robert and Riley will do the cleaning up.” Camilla winks at me. “Go and enjoy your time with your friends.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Carter.” I duck my head as my cheeks color. Coach catches my eye, and I head toward him, being careful not to step on the ping-pong balls littering the floor.
“Hey, birthday boy.” Coach’s brown eyes twinkle and his big, meaty hand covers my shoulder. I don’t know what I’d do without Coach in my life. Not just on the playing field, but at church, and in my personal life.
“Thanks for coming, Coach. I don’t know that I would’ve adjusted to small-town life if it weren’t for you.”
Coach’s eyes narrow at the corners as his mouth turns up—the sure sign a bear hug is coming. “I’m just glad God brought you to us.” Those massive arms squeeze me, preventing me from drawing a breath. Coach gives me one last squeeze before he lets go and slaps me on the back. “It’s real nice that Raegan planned this for you.” His hands settle on my shoulders, and his brown eyes peer into my soul. “You know, if she went to all the trouble to plan this for you…” He pauses, and studies me. “She cares about you. A lot.” He narrows his eyes at me, and I bite my lip. “Don’t let her be the one who gets away.”
“I know that she’s the best one out there. I’m a lucky guy.” I take a glance around the room, finding her talking with her mom. “I’ve got no plans to let her get away from me. But I’m not rushing it. Taking it slow.”
Coach’s large hand squeezes my shoulders again. “Just don’t go too slow.” He laughs and waggles his brows. “Let’s get some cake.”
Once I’m back in my place of honor, Raegan glides out of the café’s kitchen carrying a cake decorated to look like a baseball, with eighteen sparkler candles. The cake is amazing, but it doesn’t compare to the person carrying it toward me.
“—Happy birthday to you.” The song finishes and Raegan sets the cake in front of me. A look of pride covers her face and her eyes twinkle. “Make a wish.” She claps her hands and pure love shines from her eyes. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s love shining out.
What do I wish for? I break the connection with Raegan and look at the cake. I don’t want to sound like a love-sick fool, not that anyone will know what my wish is. I’ve got too many wishes to wish for. Get drafted… Kiss Raegan again…
What happens if I do get drafted? Will she come with me? I can’t think about that. I have a birthday wish to make.I wish… I wish for another kiss.Yeah, I am a love-sick sap.
My ribcage expands as I suck in a breath. Then blow it out. The sparklers waver, then light back up. Robert, Riley, and Izzy all snicker. I look at Raegan, a playful grin covering her face. “Do I have to let them die out on their own?”
She giggles and nodsyesat me.
“Do you not want me to get my wish?” I give her my best puppy dog eyes. I get a full throated giggle in return.
