38. Malcolm
Malcolm
I kissed Makenna. I hadn’t meant to. I didn’t plan the visit to the Dark Sky Park to give us a romantic opportunity to kiss, though it had crossed my mind and I couldn’t be happier with the way things ended up.
Now she’s snuggled up against me, claiming that I’d gotten her used to my warmth, so we have to stay close. I don’t mind.
The stars above are otherworldly, but all I want to do is look at Makenna. I want the sun to rise and illuminate her features, despite wanting this moment to last forever.
She turns in my arms, and props up on her elbow, then leans toward me. She runs the tip of her nose along my cheek, and when she leans back, our breaths mingle. Her teasing has left me with no other choice. I slide my hand under her jaw and bring her lips to mine.
Magic.
Dead brilliant magic. No wizard necessary.
She hums when I move my hand to her waist and pull her toward me. I’m done for. I’m overwhelmed with the feeling that I’ve found the rest of my life, and she’s here, wrapped in my arms.
My neurotransmitters are working overtime with the feel of her against me, and her hand pressing hard into my lat sends my nerves into a pleasure frenzy. Though it’s too soon to say it, or even believe it, my heart is fair bursting with love for Makenna.
She somehow gets her hand between us and slides her fingertips back and forth in my beard. A long groan comes from deep in my throat and I feel her smile against my lips.
“Like that, is it?”
“Aye. Like that and then some.”
I imagine her smiling, looking pleased with herself. She lays her head in the crook of my arm, turning her attention back to the stars.
Despite not really being able to see her, I have to tear my eyes from Makenna to join her in watching the sky. Time passes all too quickly with her snuggled into my side. I know without looking it’s time for us to leave, though it’s the last thing I want to do.
I sigh. “I never want to move, but unfortunately I have to work in the morning.”
“You mean we don’t live here now? Free from work and responsibilities?”
“As much as I wish that were the case, I’m not sure I’d be able to keep you warm come November.”
Makenna hums. “But you’d try.”
“Oh, aye. It’d be my life’s mission.” I lean toward her ear. “And I’d enjoy it.”
“So when are you moving to the States?” Rory asks, interrupting my daydream of going home and kissing Makenna again. I’m not sure what she’s up to today, while I’m at work. She hadn’t decided when I left, but I’m looking forward to hearing all about it when I get home.
After I kiss her.
“What?”
“I mean … you obviously fancy her something awful. I’ve never seen you like this. I had to talk to that intestinal distress patient, then pull you out of the room, wake you up, and tell you what’s been happening with her. I’m happy for you man, but you need to get with it.”
“Yes, I know.” I rub my hand down my face. “I know.”
“So when are you moving? I need to mentally prepare. Also, I need you to hook me up with Isla before you leave.”
I choose to ignore his semi-annual request for me to set him up with my sister. “I’m not moving. Or maybe I am? I don’t know. It’s way too soon to say. And who knows, she may want to come here.”
“But if she didny, and you guys wanted to make a go of it, you’d move there wouldn’t you?”
“Aye. I’d miss you all, but aye. I’d go.”
Rory sighs. “So, do I get to meet this girl before she leaves? You know, apart from seeing her as the appendicitis patient.”
“I’m gonna ask her to do a song or two with me at the pub Friday. You should come. You can keep her company while I’m on stage, although you’ll likely have to fight my family for her. I’m sure they will all show up since she’ll be there.”
“I’ll be there, pal.”
“Can Makenna use your guitar?"
“She plays the guitar, too? I’ll never see you again.”
MALCOLM
Hey, I miss you. What are you up to?
MAKENNA
Saving lives. Inspiring others. Just my usual.
MALCOLM
Is that so?
MAKENNA
Oh, aye. *big grin emoji*
It’s all in a day’s work.
MALCOLM
You’ve inspired me today, that’s for sure.
MAKENNA
Oh? How so?
MALCOLM
For starters … I’ve been thinking of different places I’d like to kiss you.
MAKENNA
Ummm
MALCOLM
Like the living room. The kitchen. In the back garden. By the river. On forest moss. In our tree house hot tub.
MAKENNA
Oh.
MALCOLM
Are those places not okay?
I can think of ones you might prefer…
MAKENNA
Malcolm! *laughing crying emoji*
MALCOLM
A museum. Another museum. In front of a historical home. Inside a historical home…
MAKENNA
Oh my gosh, Malcolm! *laughing crying emoji* *laughing crying emoji*
You do know what I like.
MALCOLM
Well, that’s good to know.
MAKENNA
Oh, goodness.
MALCOLM
So what are you up to?
MAKENNA
I’ve been out and about. I went to Fairy Glen Falls. It was beautiful and just the right amount of hiking.
MALCOLM
I’d like to kiss you there too.
MAKENNA
That would be nice.
MALCOLM
Better than nice, I’d wager.
MAKENNA
Sheesh, you. I wish work was over.
MALCOLM
You and me both.
MAKENNA
Well, I think I’m gonna take a nap. I don’t know if you recall, but we were up a bit late last night.
MALCOLM
I only recall it vividly.
You can take your nap in my bed.
MAKENNA
Don’t be weird, Malcolm. *smiling emoji*
MALCOLM
My mattress is better, that’s all I’m saying.