Page 11 of Lost Summer
We eventually found a quiet spot behind a row of food stalls, the faint smell of fried dough and spilt beer mingling with the scent of the nearby forest. The sounds of the festival became adistant hum, the privacy of our secluded haven a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos we’d left behind.
Ted’s hand reached up, brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his touch tender and intimate. “I’ve been wanting to do that all night,” he admitted, his eyes searching mine for a sign, for permission.
“I’m glad you did,” I confessed, the words slipping out before I could stop them. I was vulnerable, open in a way I hadn’t planned, but there was no turning back now. “I’ve been wanting it, too.”
His lips curled into a smile that spoke of relief and desire and a thousand other things that we were both too afraid to voice. “Adele, I?—”
I pressed a finger to his lips, silencing the words that threatened to unravel the fragile magic between us. “Let’s not talk about the future or the past. Just…this,” I whispered, my gaze locking with his. “Just us, right here, right now.”
He nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. He leaned in, his breath warm against my cheek, and kissed me again. This kiss was different from the first. It was deeper, more urgent, filled with a longing that echoed the unspoken words hanging between us. It was a kiss that spoke of stolen moments and whispered promises, a kiss that tasted of freedom and fear and the intoxicating possibility of something real.
We stayed like that for a while, lost in the embrace, the world outside fading into insignificance. The cool night air, the distant music, and the faint scent of rain became part of the backdrop to this moment, this stolen piece of time where nothing else mattered but the two of us. When we finally broke apart, breathless and slightly dazed, the silence that settled between us wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. It was filled with the unspoken understanding that something had shifted and changed.
Ted’s hand remained cupping my cheek, his thumb gently stroking my skin. “This is crazy,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
I leaned into his touch, a small smile playing on my lips. “Maybe,” I agreed softly. “But it feels…right.”
He searched my eyes, a question in his gaze that mirrored my own.
Then I kissed him, my fingers lost in his hair as he lifted me into his arms, kissing me in mid-air. I squealed as my back hit the bark of a tree, but nothing could stop this—whatever it was—between us. His mouth moved to my neck, and I groaned, my eyes rolling in my head as my core throbbed with need.
He pulled away, his eyes locked on mine with heat and passion so intense I could taste it.
“Want to come back to my tent?” he asked gruffly, lowering me slowly to the floor. “I don’t mean?—”
I nodded, my breath stolen by the excitement of the night, the promise of what could be if I took a chance on this handsome stranger. “I know. Yes, if you can find it!”
He grinned, a flash of white teeth in the dim light. “Trust me, I can find my way back to my tent.” His hand found mine again, and he tugged me gently through the maze of tents and flickering lanterns. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”
We stopped by to check on Orion, who was in a passionate embrace with Lloyd. Her hand flickered me away as I explained I was going to Ted’s tent.
“Look after her, Lloyd,” Ted said, his voice low and serious. Lloyd simply nodded, his eyes glazed over with drunken affection.
I squeezed Orion’s hand, but she paid me no attention. I left, following Ted.
Ted led me through the festival’s maze, the crowd thinning as we moved further away from the main stage. The air grewquieter, replaced by the rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. His grip on my hand tightened, a silent reassurance in the darkness.
Finally, we reached his tent, tucked away in a secluded corner of the campsite. It was larger than the others, a canvas haven amidst the chaos. He ducked inside, holding the flap open for me.
“Is this yours? Are you sharing with the others?” I asked nervously.
“No, this is mine; I couldn’t share with those oafs.” Ted grinned, easing the nerves in my belly.
I hesitated for a moment, a flicker of apprehension running through me. This was moving fast, faster than anything I’d ever experienced. But then I looked at Ted, his eyes warm and inviting, and the apprehension melted away, replaced by a thrill of anticipation.
I stepped inside as Ted zipped the flap shut behind us, sealing us off from the outside world. A single lantern dimly lit the tent, casting long shadows that danced on the walls. It was surprisingly spacious, with a plush air mattress and a couple of folded blankets. It felt like a sanctuary, a world away from the noise and energy of the festival.
Ted turned to me, his eyes searching mine. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, his voice soft, almost hesitant.
I nodded, my heart beating a steady rhythm against my ribs. “Yes,” I whispered, the single word holding a multitude of unspoken emotions.
I didn’t want to tell him I was a virgin—I didn’t want him to hold back or treat me like I was fragile. No—I wanted the raw version of Ted.
He closed the distance between us, his arms wrapping around my waist, pulling me close. I rested my head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart a comforting rhythm in thequiet stillness of the tent. We stood like that for a long moment, just holding each other, the silence filled with unspoken words and shared breaths.
Then, he kissed me, and the world outside ceased to exist. We moved together onto the air mattress, his weight half-crushing me before he lifted himself so I could wrap my legs around him. His hands explored the curves of my body, his touch sending shivers of anticipation down my spine. My fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. His lips trailed down my neck, leaving a fiery warmth in their wake. I arched my back, pressing myself against him, wanting more, needing more.
He paused, his eyes searching mine, a question in their depths. I nodded, my voice caught in my throat, unable to articulate my emotions. He smiled, a soft, reassuring smile, and then his lips found mine again, and the world dissolved around us.
