Release Me

Chapter 6 Marshmallow Promises & Mario-Kart

"Yes!!!" Parker cheers in victory. He shoots up and performs a happy dance worthy of a Grammy.

"Cheater." I retort bitterly as Yoshi makes a sad face.

"Winner." he corrects me. Then begins doing the sprinkler.

God help us.

I cover my eyes with my hands and shake my head.

We both crack up laughing as Parker tackles me onto the couch.

His face in the crook of my neck, he throws his arm across my chest onto my other shoulder.

I turn and run my hand along his shirtless back, feeling the muscles tense and release with his breathing.

We lay facing each other now, his eyes stormier than the 12 years I'd known him.

"I love you." Parker says, brushing a strand of honey-gold hair behind my ear.

He said it. Parker Hayes just told me he loves me. He actually said it.

I reach forward and hold his cheeks.

"I love you too, Parker." I say smiling. He pushes through my hands and closes the gap between us.

I feel Parker smirk into the kiss and press me towards him, his hand on the small of my back.

I could do this all day.

Parker pulls away and cocks his head sideways.

"Huh?"

"I said that out loud, didn't I." I say blushing like a tomato.

"I must be really good at this then." Parker says, proudly.

"Eh." I respond, a considerable look on my face.

"Excuse me?" His eyebrows go up with the pitch of his voice.

"Prove it." I say, pushing myself closer to him. Well.. as close as I could get. Stupid belly.

"How about this." Park announces standing up, pulling me with him. "Nerf war. If I win: I'm declared best kisser in the world, by the best girlfriend in the world. If you win: bonfire outside."

He starts to walk away then turns around again.

"With s'mores."

The five year old in me squeals.