Finding Love

Chapter 15



"WHY ARE YOU nervous?" my mother asked as we made our way down the stairs.

"Because I'm going on a date with someone I have feelings for," I rushed around the house, trying to find my phone.

"Please," I could practically feel her rolling her eyes, "you guys have been practically dating for almost a month."

"Yeah, but this time, there's a label to it." I finally found it, stuffed between the couch cushions.

"There's no need to worry; the boy is basically in love with you already." She turned me around and fixed my hair.

"He said he's had a crush on me since sophomore year; what if he realizes that I'm not what he expected?" I couldn't help but get anxious at the thought.

"Don't be ridiculous," she said, slapping me. "Has he ever made you feel that way?"

"No, but -"

"No buts, your mind is trying to sabotage a relationship that hasn't even started yet," she said, holding my face in her hand. "Now you're going to go on this date, and you're going to have a good time."

"Okay," I breathed. "Thanks for the pep talk."

"Always," she said, kissing my forehead. "Now what else do we need to pack?"

"He said to bring a towel and extra clothes; I'm guessing we'll be getting wet." She snorted when I said the last part, "and my favorite book."

"Bikini or bathing suit?" she asked.

"I'm not telling," I said as I grabbed my bag. "What'll you be doing while I'm gone?"

"Since it's my day off, Alexander planned something for me," she blushed.

"Remember to wear protection; I can't afford any kids running around here." She blushed harder at my words.

"Shut up."

"I'll see you later." I kissed her cheek as I heard the familiar engine pull up.

"Have fun," she hugged me, "I love you."

"I love you too." A knock on the door interrupted our moment.

Pulling open the door, Leo stood there dressed in a blue sweater and jeans. I could see a white shirt peeking out from under the sweater.

"Did you ask me what color I was wearing so we could match?" I crossed my arms. I was wearing a sky blue button-up dress; it looked like a long sweater. I decided to wear a bow in my hair to accessorize because Leo had made a comment about how cute I looked with them on.



"Yes," he said shamelessly, "and I'm kind of regretting it. This was the only blue thing I had, and now I'm boiling."

"Serves you right," I chuckled.

"Hi, Ms. Anderson," he waved behind me.

"Hi Leo, I just want you to ensure she doesn't do anything stupid and you can keep her for as long as you want," his eyes lit up at her words.

"Of course!" he smiled at her.

"We should get going." I turned around and gave her a wave. "See you later."

"Bye, Ms. Anderson," he said, and then grabbed my hand. Walking me to the car, I couldn't help but chuckle as I saw we were both wearing Converse.

"After you, my lady," he said, opening the car door for me.

"Thank you," I used his arm and stepped up into the vehicle. I started buckling in, but I noticed he still stood at the door.

"Yes?"

"Can I kiss you?" he asked, and I felt my heart beat faster.

"Just a peck; I don't want to be late for our first date," I warned because I knew if we started now, we would never stop.

"Promise," his hands came to cheek, and he placed a kiss on the other. Then he kissed my nose, making me smile, and then his lips met mine, a feeling I could never get used to. His soft lips covered mine. I knew he was about to go further, so I quickly pulled away. His lips then fell to my shoulder and then down my neck.

"Leo, the sooner we arrive at our destination, the sooner we get back to this." His lips left one more kiss before he met my eyes.

"You're just so addicting," he said, his lips brushing over mine once more. "Alright, let's go."

The drive was filled with comfortable silence. Leo's hand was in mine as I played with the rings on his fingers. I noticed the direction we were heading; it was the way the daisy field had shown me one night. I could feel myself grow more excited the closer we approached, and Leo obviously noticed as he let out a chuckle. The car came to a slow stop, and I quickly hopped out of the car and looked onto the field. It was even more gorgeous in the day than at night; butterflies swarmed the flowers, the birds chirped loudly, and the plants swayed with the wind.

"Come on, we have a little more walking to do." Leo held out his hand for him to hold.

"Are you leading me to a secret forest or something?" I held his hand in mine and wrapped the other around his bicep.

"Something like that." The picnic basket in his hands rocked back and forth.

"This is so beautiful." My voice came out airy as I looked around. We had followed the dirt path from in front of the car, and it did really look like a secret forest. I felt as if I was in a completely different world. Trees sprouted up from the ground, replacing some flowers, and the light shone through the leaves, making the place feel almost dreamlike.

Leo led us off the dirt path, and we walked down a hill. Ahead of us, I could see a big willow tree and hear the rushing of water. It was the perfect setup; we were going to be having a picnic under a tree and in front of a river, something that I always wanted to do.

"You've been extremely quiet," he said, spreading out a thick blanket over the long grass.

"This has always been a dream date for me," I said as I sat down and faced him.

"Well, I'm glad you liked it; I was kind of nervous you'd find this boring," he blushed.

"How could I be bored? I have food, books, and the boy I like." I winked.

"Well then, can I have a kiss as a thank you?" he cheekily asked.

"Sure." I went to kiss him on the cheek, but he quickly turned his head. He held the back of my head and the small of my back as he gently laid me on my back. My hand traveled through his hair as he kissed me deeper. His tongue swept against my bottom lip, asking for entrance, and I gladly gave it to him. His hips came down on mine as he did, causing me to moan.

His hands slipped from my back and down to my exposed thigh, caressing and kneading it in his hands. The hand came from behind my head and came down to the side of my neck. A moan escaped my mouth when he applied pressure to my throat. He pulled back and hovered over me, the silver chain dangling from his neck.

"If I don't stop now, all the food I spent time cooking is going to be cold," he said, his voice hoarse.

"Yeah," I said, still a little dazed. He pecked my lips one last time before pulling us up and into a sitting position.

"Let's get this date started, shall we?"