Axel's Daisy

29 • Axel

  Hand in hand, we felt the sand beneath our bare feet as we strolled toward the next part of the evening I had planned. Whenever I was around her, I felt calm and collected, like a breath of fresh air. She wasn't like the other girls; she was simple and innocent.

  The stars above us were a scattered blanket, and the majestic ocean sparkled under the bright lights of the night sky. The lapping waves mesmerized us as we reached a blanket spread out in front of us, complete with a picnic basket and bottles of pink lemonade. There was a cheeseboard and club sandwiches, though the food was a last-minute addition. From her bright eyes, I could tell she loved it.

  "I figured we'd sit in front of the ocean—I didn't bring any tables or seats... um, if you want, I can order someone to bring—" I babbled as I turned to face her.

  She placed a finger on my lips and laughed. "No, everything is perfect." She flashed a radiant smile, and I let out a sigh of relief.

  We settled on the blanket, sitting shoulder to shoulder. The tingles between us were electric, and I was smitten by how the moonlight reflected off her profile, her serene expression lit by the stars.

  Get a grip.

  "If you weren't a florist, what would you have wanted to be?"

  "I probably would have pursued something in business or law," she replied. "And you?"

  "I honestly don't know—I'm not particularly good at anything," I admitted, voicing the insecurity that gnawed at me.

  "Don't say that. I'm sure you'll discover what you're meant to do if you try different things."

  "Like what? Football takes up all my time," I sighed, brushing my hair back.

  "I'm sure if you really want to do something, you'll find time for it." She then asked, "Do you feel pressured to make your dad proud? Or is football something you love?"

  She read me like an open book.

  Under the starlit sky, I didn't know how to answer. I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. She understood and leaned her head on my shoulder as the waves continued their rhythmic dance.

  "I guess I do. I want to make him the proudest, and I feel like I can achieve that through football."

  "But you don't need to. Your dad would still be proud of you if you weren't the quarterback," she said softly. I met her eyes and kissed her forehead.

  "Enough with the deep stuff. You haven't eaten anything." I handed her a sandwich.

  She threw her head back and laughed, her eyes sparkling when she stopped.

  "You do realize you always give me the same sandwich, even at the games," she said, gesturing to the sandwich with a playful smile.

  "Jade kind of told me you liked it."

  "Yes, I do. And I like you too." She caught me off guard, biting her lip flirtatiously as we finished our bites.

  I leaned in for a heart-stopping kiss, focusing on her slightly parted lips. Her hands wrapped around my neck, making me feel alive in a way no one else ever had. As I pressed my lips to hers, everything else melted away. She lay back on the blanket, and I gently positioned myself on top of her, kissing to the rhythm of the waves. Our bodies pressed together, breathing heavily as our lips moved in sync.

  Her lips were my drug, and I was addicted.

  Her strawberry scent only fueled my craving as we kissed hungrily, as if it might be our last time. Her grip on me tightened, intensifying the flutters in my chest.

  I had to pull away before things went further. Her lips were swollen, her eyes reflecting a newfound depth. I rested my forehead against hers, exchanging breaths as the dizziness of the moment settled.

  It frightened me to feel this way about someone. I had lost those I loved before, and I blamed myself. The insecurities in my mind whispered and choked me, but they all vanished when she traced her fingers along my face, reassuring me that she was in this too.

  "So, you want to be my girl?" I asked casually, and our laughter filled the night sky.

  "Yes, a million times yes." Her eyes glistened with tears as she said it with heartfelt sincerity.

  "My girl," I whispered against her lips, and she smiled joyfully.

  "Your girl," she repeated as we shared a tender kiss.

  "Let's dance."

  We stood up, and I took in her beauty once more. Her curves and edges were enhanced by the captivating dress she wore. Her height of 5'4" was complemented by her slender legs and curvy waist.

  She smiled and nodded as I took her hand and twirled her into my arms.

  We fell into rhythm, letting the music of the night guide our movements.

   Her caramel eyes sparkled, and a smile spread across her face. Uncontrollable feelings surged through me, and my fingers tingled with delight. My hand brushed her cheek, and I let my body act freely, unrestrained by any chains.

    I drew her close to my chest, and she wrapped her arms around my neck. As she began to move her hand to brush away her hair, I grasped her hand and gently placed it on my shoulder. I carefully tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, and her honey eyes twinkled at me in appreciation.

  Her lips brushed my ear as she whispered softly, "You know how to be romantic."

  She rested her head on my shoulder, and we continued to dance, lost in our own world. Time seemed to stand still as our feet moved in sync.

   She lifted her head and sleepily opened her eyes. Leaning in, she pressed her lips to mine. I wrapped my arms around her neck, holding her tightly as the kiss deepened.

  Somewhere inside me, I silently prayed that she didn't know about the struggles of my past.