Page 70 of Holiday on the Rocks
LEVI
PLAYING IT CHILL
I held her close while I need Allie was intertwined with my blood. How to make her see it should be us? I had to keep it light.
“Ya know Langley, it might make more sense if we just tie closure to Colorado.”
Her grin squeezed me. “Did you say you want to tie me up?”
My laughter bounced off the wall behind her. “I did not say that, but I’m a firm believer in being open to all options.” I kissed her forehead. “I was just saying, especially if rope is on the table, that we let closure linger until we head out of this great state.”
Her eyes were blinking in Morse code. “So?”
“I’m wanting to get your thoughts on hanging out a little longer.” Should I cross my fingers? Toes? Locate a wishing fountain? Find a dandelion and blow?
Her eyes locked with mine and her wheels were spinning. “Hmmm.”
I brushed my lips against hers. “Once we leave Colorado it’s all done.”
“That might not be a smart option for me.”
“Come on, intelligence is living life for today.”
She stood completely still.
“Come on Langley, a few more days? You up for some risky business?”
She inhaled deeply. “Risky.”
I threw on my best New Jersey accent. “I’m about to get into some trouble. You comin’ doll?”
I didn’t want to push.
“We should probably get back.”
I took a step, and she pulled her hand from mine. “I’ll go. You stay here for a few minutes.”
I had no confirmation of anything. After a few ticks of the clock, I found the bench and took off my skates as Evan and Rachel skated toward me.
“Where is everybody?”
“There’re some gift shops still open. Odds are Lexi is stocking up on wine.”
Rachel nodded. “It seems many solutions in life are found at the bottom of a wine bottle.”
They got out of their skates and Evan scooped them up. “I’ll take these back.”
He walked away as Rachel pulled on her boots. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”
I nodded.
“It’s taken her a long time for her to work through all that.”
“I should not have listened to my dad.” I looked over. “Or any of you. I’ll never forgive myself for leaving her there.”
She let out a long breath. “You were young, and it was probably for the best in the long run. You guys being together made you both go off the rails a bit.”
“I should’ve stayed with her.”
