Tangled Hearts

025

The sound of the door clicking shut behind me felt louder than it should have. My nerves buzzed as I walked beside Walker, the two of us heading toward the sleek black car waiting by the curb. He had just picked me up, looking more handsome than ever in a dark button-down shirt, his blonde hair slightly tousled in that effortless way of his.

"Ready for tonight?" he asked, glancing down at me with a smile that sent a warm flutter through my chest.

I nodded, clutching my little tote bag tighter. "Yeah. Definitely ready."

As we reached the car, Walker opened the door for me, motioning for me to slide in first. "After you, princess."

I laughed softly, shaking my head at the nickname he had taken to using more and more lately. "Thank you, Scobell."

I climbed into the car, trying not to overthink every movement, but my heart was racing with excitement. This wasn't just any night—it was our first official date, and the butterflies in my stomach hadn't settled down since the moment he'd knocked on my door.

Once Walker got in and closed the door behind him, the driver pulled away from the curb, and we were off. I glanced out the window for a moment, trying to calm my nerves, but I couldn't stop myself from sneaking a peek at Walker.

He caught my eye and gave me that easy, boyish grin. "You nervous?"

I shrugged, trying to play it off casually. "A little. But I'm good."

He chuckled, reaching over and grabbing my hand without a second thought. His thumb gently rubbed the back of my hand, sending a tingle up my arm. "Don't be nervous. It's just you and me, like always."

"Yeah," I murmured, my heart beating faster at his touch. "Just us."

The car ride to the restaurant was filled with comfortable chatter, both of us falling into our usual rhythm. It felt natural, like we'd done this a hundred times before, even though this was something new for us—something more.

When we arrived at the restaurant, Walker was out of the car before I could even unbuckle my seatbelt, hurrying around to open my door. "I got it," he said with a grin, offering me his hand as I stepped out.

"Such a gentleman," I teased, taking his hand and stepping out onto the cobblestone path.

He shot me a playful wink. "Only for you."

As we walked into the restaurant, the dim lighting and soft music set the mood perfectly. Walker led me to a table by the window with a view of the ocean, and we settled in, our conversation flowing easily like it always did. But there was something different tonight—something electric humming just beneath the surface.

Throughout dinner, I caught him staring at me more than once, his eyes softening in a way that made my heart flutter. It was like he was seeing me in a new light, and I couldn't help but feel the same.

After we finished eating, Walker leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "So, how about a walk on the beach?"

I smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. "I thought you'd never ask."

We left the restaurant and made our way down to the shore, the waves gently lapping against the sand as we strolled hand in hand. The beach was quiet, with only a few people scattered here and there, and the sun had begun to set, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange.

"This is beautiful," I whispered, glancing out at the horizon.

"Not as beautiful as you," Walker said softly, his thumb tracing circles on the back of my hand again.

I laughed, trying to shake off the compliment, but my cheeks flushed all the same. "You're such a flirt."

He shrugged, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Just calling it like I see it."

As we walked, we found a more private spot near the rocks, away from the others on the beach. Walker set down our things, and I pulled out the towel from my tote bag. "Mind if I change into my swimsuit?"

Walker smirked, raising an eyebrow. "Of course you brought a swimsuit."

I rolled my eyes, laughing as I pulled it out of the bag. "You're the one who suggested the beach."

"True," he said, standing up and grabbing the towel. "Alright, I'll hold this up for you."

He turned around, holding the towel up like a shield. "No peeking," I teased.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Walker replied, his voice filled with playful innocence.

I quickly changed behind the towel, trying not to laugh at how serious he was about it. Once I was done, I tapped his shoulder. "All set."

Walker dropped the towel and turned to face me. His eyes widened for a split second, and then he grinned. "Wow."

I felt my face heat up under his gaze, suddenly feeling shy. "What?"

"You look amazing," he said, his voice soft but genuine.

I bit my lip, trying to fight the smile that was threatening to take over my face. "Thanks."

As we walked toward the water, the cool breeze felt refreshing against my skin. Walker suddenly took my hand and tugged me toward the waves. "Race you to the water!"

I laughed, trying to keep up as we sprinted toward the edge of the ocean. The water was freezing, and I squealed as the waves lapped at my ankles. "It's so cold!"

Without missing a beat, Walker swept me up in his arms, lifting me effortlessly. I wrapped my arms around his neck and my legs around his waist, holding on tight as he waded into the water.

"Walker, you're crazy!" I squealed, giggling as the water rose higher.

"Just wanted to make sure you were having fun," he said, his voice playful. He walked further into the water until it was up to his chest.

He looked at me, his expression softening. "Can I kiss you?"

My heart skipped a beat, and I nodded, my breath catching in my throat. "Yes."

Walker leaned in, his lips brushing softly against mine. The kiss was slow and sweet, filled with all the unspoken feelings that had been building between us for so long. And in that moment, everything felt perfect.

When we finally pulled away, Walker rested his forehead against mine, both of us breathing heavily.

"I've wanted to do that for a long time," he whispered.

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "Me too."

We stayed like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, as the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving the sky painted in deep purples and blues. And in that moment, everything felt right.