"Oh, that's nice of her," he replied skeptically. "You're still okay that she and I are friends, right?"
"Of course," I answered lightly, but for the first time, actually meaning it. "She cares about you, and everyone needs a friend looking out for them like that."
Evan drew his brows together like I'd just spoken in a foreign language. "Okay," he said slowly. Then a breathtaking smile spread across his face. "So I have something to show you."
My lips turned up at the excitement flickering in his blue eyes. "What is it?"
"Come with me and find out." He took my hand and pulled me from the couch. I released Analise's words of warning, and Jonathan's words of want, leaving them behind as I followed after Evan.
"Close your eyes," Evan requested.
I scrunched my face, "Do I have to?"
Evan released a breathy laugh. "No, you don't have to."
He held my hand and led me along the back of the house, eagerly awaiting my reaction. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to be seeing until we neared the large oak tree that sat on the edge of the property.
My eyes glistened as a slow smile spread across my face. "Omigod," I breathed.
"I wanted you to have something good to hold on to. Something that would remind you of him, but also let you know that you'll always be here with me."
I smiled wider and turned to him, engulfing him in the tightest hug. "Thank you. I love it," I choked in a gasp of emotion.
I pressed up on my toes to reach him. He breathed into me, his firm lips sliding over my mine making my entire body hum.
Evan pulled away and asked, "Aren't you going to try it?"
"Yes," I answered enthusiastically, turning back to the tree. "Did you make it?" I wrapped my hands around the ropes and pulled my body up onto the board, balancing myself as the seat tilted beneath me.
"I did," he revealed proudly. "Not sure how steady the board is though."
"It's perfect," I glowed, pumping my legs as I leaned back. My healing ribs tweaked uncomfortably as I gained momentum, but I dismissed the tenderness. Nothing was going to keep me from enjoying this moment.
I couldn't release the smile on my face as the branches above me grew closer with each extension of my legs. I closed my eyes and felt the rush of air on my face and the flitter in my stomach as I swung back and forth. My throat closed, and I captured the tears beneath my eyelids. I was so overcome with emotion, my chest felt like it might burst.
I opened my eyes and searched for him when I couldn't find him in front of me. He was leaning against the tree with his arms crossed, watching. A tear rolled over my smiling cheek as his eyes danced with glints of light.
I knew how much he loved me. And I knew I didn't deserve it. But I also knew he was the only one I loved. The only one I would ever love.
43. Spontonaeity
"This is a perfect beach day!" I declared sarcastically while we walked against the whipping wind that flooded my body with goose bumps.
"It's not that bad," Sara defended, her arms folded around several blankets. "The sun's out."
"Wish I could feel it," I griped, carrying a bag of food and another of "beach toys" that the guys had packed. Sara rolled her eyes and kept walking.
We were somehow able to spread out the blanket. The guys lowered the cooler on one corner to keep it from blowing away. I set the bags on two other corners, and Sara tucked the fourth in the sand.
I ventured toward the shoreline to take in the rolling waves with my arms tucked against my body, warding off the cold wind that blew my hair from my face. Evan wrapped his arms around me and spoke in my ear. "Want to get under a blanket with me?"
I turned toward him and smirked. "Are you propositioning me?"
"Maybe," he replied coyly, bending down to kiss me.
Evan grabbed one of the blankets and sat down with his arms spanned wide, waiting for me to lower myself in front of him. I leaned back between his knees and he wrapped the blanket around us. My body temperature elevated instantly.
"Much better," I smiled, continuing to watch the waves crash before us.
"Really, it's not that cold." Sara shook her head at us.
"Do you know what would be great right about now?" Jared proposed. "Hot chocolate."
"Yes!" I exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Too bad," Sara shot back. "I didn't pack any."
"Want us to go buy some?" Evan suggested.
"No," I returned quickly. "You're keeping me warm."
"Fine," Sara huffed, "if you really want some, we'll go." She stood up and waited for Jared before heading toward the boardwalk in search of a coffee shop.