Summer and May

Chapter Fifty-One: May

Awakening to the feeling of fingers delicately running over my bare back was fresh to me. It was the second occurrence that we'd fallen asleep like this, tangled in each other, nearly nothing between us.

Helping Jeremy renovate Sully's home had quickly become my favorite way to spend time with him, even if the work was tedious and the days were long. The strenuous hours of painting, crafting, and building called for several swimming breaks in the lake. After soaking in the warmth of the sun on the edge of that dock, sipping cheap beer and eating whatever we could scrounge up in the fridge, we'd often find ourselves in a sleepy daze. We'd fall asleep on the sunken in couch, still in our swimsuits.

This occasion was no different. The swift bangs that framed my face were wet, sticking to my dewy skin. My bikini top was askew, nearly revealing parts of me that Jeremy hadn't seen yet. Although the thought had crossed my mind several times, especially as we slept so close together, I grew nervous, like a little girl on her first date.

That feeling intensified when Jeremy knocked on my front door for our first real date. I said all our meetings at the garage or at Sully's didn't count, but Jeremy said it all counted to him. That didn't keep him from revealing a fresh bouquet of hand-picked flowers when my screen door creaked open. It made my stomach twirl violently, like I was about to be knocked off my feet. If he kept looking at me like he was, with his eyes on fire and his smirk so small, I just might.

"I love them," I let out a whisper, marveling at his handiwork. I recognized each flower from Sully's garden.

Without wanting to alarm us -- yet completely warn Jeremy of his presence -- my dad rounded the corner, offering to put the flowers in a vase. He exchanged a quick glance with Jeremy as he led me out the door; one that I didn't actually get to see. I just felt it, and the thought made me giggle.

Once the door is closed and we're walking through the grass in my front yard, Jeremy grabs my wrist a wisps me around. His hands find their way to my hips, pulling me to him like he couldn't stand the distance any longer. Truthfully, neither could I. My dress twirled around as he brought me closer, gently resting against him as he kissed me.

By the way his lips worked against mine, I hoped to God that my dad wasn't looking. This was the kind of kiss that sent me to another planet, almost making me want to forget dinner entirely. I'd almost rather spend all night doing this.

"You're so beautiful. It's a shame." he said against my lips, stifling a single bout of laughter. Puzzled, I wrinkled my brow and waited for an explanation. He reeled me in with tucking my chocolate hair behind my ear. "It's a shame you have no idea," he squeezed my hip once more, leaving me dangling on an edge. "Can I remind you as much as I want?" he asks.

He sauntered to my passenger door to open it, already knowing my answer. His gentle cockiness was sexier than I thought it would be.

"Or you could show me." I proposition, trying to pull myself together once I realize what I'd just said.

A daring look crossed his eyes, his composure still, yet stirring with curiosity. He outstretched his hand to help me into his truck. "If only you knew just how I plan to."

He shuts my door before his words burn me up entirely. If he saw the rosiness of my cheeks, I would have felt embarrassed. My racing heart felt overly thankful that he switched on the engine and began driving immediately, to where, I didn't know. Jeremy planned entirely on surprising me. I told him repeatedly that I'd be happy with anything, but I certainly didn't expect dessert before dinner.

"Scoops?" I ask, studying the Shimmer Lake staple in front of us.

Jeremy breathed out a laugh, rounding the corner to my side, yanking open my door. I took his hand gently when he reached for me.