Chapter 3 #3
I perk up at the mention of it. “I can’t believe you’re going there. I’m trying not to get my hopes up. But I really hope I get in.”
“I bet you will. I have a good feeling about it, and if you do, we’d be together in California.”
California.
I love the sound of that. But not as much as I love the idea of both of us there at the same time.
“We would. But you’ll probably forget me by then. I’m a whole year below you.”
He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Not likely. You’re pretty unforgettable.” He turns us and brazenly drapes an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s watch the sunset, Mads.”
Mads.
My insides twist in excitement, giddy over the nickname.
After a moment, he squeezes my shoulder and whispers, “This okay?”
“Yeah, Nate,” I mutter back. “It’s okay.”
More than okay.
Every sensation I’m feeling today is new to me. Nate elicits responses I never knew existed, like the unfamiliar heat spreading to my toes and the quick flutters of my heart.
And what I’m realizing is that it’s a feeling I never want to go away.
“I’m glad you came to camp this summer,” Nate murmurs, so soft I almost miss it.
Afraid my voice might crack, I stay quiet and shift closer to him, letting my body speak for me.
We sit here, side by side, wrapped in a quiet embrace, watching the most breathtaking sunset I’ve ever seen until the very last light.
Now I understand why it’s called Lake Horizon.
A camera could never capture the way the last golden hues vanish behind that endless line in the distance.
“Today was nice. But you may not see me for the rest of the summer.” Nate blows out a deep breath.
My heart sinks. I thought…
Oh you fool, Madeline.
You stupid, stupid fool.
“Yeah. Busy summer, I’m sure,” I say, attempting to keep my tone even, forcing myself not to sound as crushed as I feel.
What did I think was going to happen? He would drop to one knee and ask me to marry him? I’m a naive country girl, with no business talking to the big bad city boy.
Ugh.
Maybe Mama was right. Maybe I should stay far, far away from all the boys.
“Hey.” He stops walking. “What with the attitude?”
I shrug. “No attitude.”
“Maddie, I have a sister. I know when a girl is giving me shit. What did I do within the last five minutes that upset you? And what do you mean by ‘busy summer’?”
He stares.
I stare back.
If he has a sister, he should know we don’t back down from a staring contest.
“Maddie?” His arms cross, and I have to force myself not to notice how good they look when his muscles flex in his tee. “What did you mean by, ‘busy summer’? I don’t read minds.”
“I was only responding to you,” I answer and continue the journey back to my cabin.
I don’t hear him follow. Good, because I’m about to burst into my cabin and cry my eyes out. Until heavy footsteps are fast approaching.
“Ah!” I cry out when Nate wraps his arm around my middle, twirling me around. “Put me down, Nate.”
“You silly, silly girl.” He lets me down, my body dragging over his.
We stand almost nose to nose. Luckily, my body is more comfortable around him than before.
He pushes back my hair, cupping my cheeks, chuckling to himself like a madman.
“What’s so funny?”
“You, Mads.” He bites his bottom lip, containing his twitching lips. “It took me a minute, and then it clicked. I wasn’t saying I won’t see you again. God, I can’t wait for tomorrow so we can do it all over again. I was saying it because of your brother.”
“Oh.” I smile, instantly feeling relief.
“Yeah. Oh.” His eyes sparkle playfully.
“Wait…my brother?”
“Yes, I’m a dead man. We missed dinner on the first night of camp. I’m sure we were the only two not there.”
My heart rate picks up alarmingly quick. “Are we going to be in trouble?”
“Nah. It’s all good. Well, besides with Mase.” He steps back and takes my hand in his like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “Come on, Mads. I should get you back.”
My only regret tonight is that the walk to my cabin wasn’t further.
I don’t want this night to end.
Spending time with Nate, our hands intertwined, laughing and talking, has been the highlight of camp, and it’s only day one. I can’t wait to learn more about him…everything there is to know.
We’re nearly to my cabin when Nate surprises me by pulling me off the path and pushes me up against a tree.
The dark woods surrounding us are hushed except for our labored breaths and the distant sound of tree frogs and cicadas.
He’s close enough that I can smell the last lingering traces of his cologne. It reminds me of a cool ocean breeze. A crisp, airy scent perfect for summer.
But there is something else that is just so him.
“Mason is standing at your cabin door, so I want to say good night now before he pummels my face in.”
I smirk. “So dramatic.”
“I love these.” He ignores me and traces my dimples. “Can I kiss one good night?”
“You want to kiss my dimple good night?” I giggle.
He nods. “I really do.”
Turning my head, I lift my chin for better access. I am well aware this is all so new to me, but I like this side of me. The one Nate is quickly helping me discover.
He cups my cheek, leans in to softly press his lips against my dimple. All I can think about is how close he is to my lips.
He switches hands to cup the cheek he was kissing, then presses his lips to my other dimple. “This one felt neglected.” He smiles against my skin, matching my wide grin.
I’ve never been kissed…not truly. A peck on the lips as a dare once, but now standing here under the night sky, all I want is for Nate to own that privilege.
“Nate?” I whisper.
He leans back, slightly panting. “Don’t look at me like that, Mads.”
I stand on my tippy-toes. “Like what?” My voice sounds different; it’s raspy and full of excitement.
“I’m not going to kiss you tonight. Your dimples are the only ones gettin’ the love.”
I’m well aware that I’m pouting, and I’m hoping it gets me what I want.
“Don’t you dare.” He steps closer. “I can’t.”
“I’ve never…”
“Mads.” He throws his head back. “You’ve never what? Kissed someone? You want me to be your first kiss?”
I roll my lips together, nodding. “Please.”