First & Forever

Chapter 28: Eloise

MAY

Piper sighs dramatically. "Can you believe it's our very last day of high school?"

I shoot Will a secretive smile, diagonal me at the table. We've been trying the whole taper off each other thing this week and it has only confirmed my thought that when we're in the same place, it's impossible.

"What are you all wearing to graduation? I still can't decide. E, I need you to help me pick out a dress tonight!" Piper exclaims, shaking my shoulder. "What are you wearing, woman?!"

"Oh, um, this dark navy strapless floral mini. Fitted bodice, full skirt. It goes perfectly with our green graduation gowns," I say, trying to redirect my attention from Will to my friends. I'm trying. I'm really trying, but he's proving quite the distraction this morning.

"What are you wearing, Miss Valedictorian?" I ask Gemma with a proud smile. That's right, she officially beat out her prom date.

"My mom is insisting on a black dress. Says it will look more professional for my speech," she answers, tapping her fingers anxiously.

"Oh my God! I forgot you have to speak. Are you nervous? I'd be so nervous," Piper rambles, digging through her bag.

Meredith laughs. "Well, she is now."

I squeeze her hand from across the table. "You have nothing to worry about, Gem. You're going to do great."

"Oh! Let's take some pictures before we go into this awards thingy!" Piper says, handing her camera across the table for Meredith to take a picture of the two of us. She wraps me up in a hug as we lean our heads together, her straight blonde lob a stark contrast to my longer brunette curls.

We take a few more photos as a group before I glance over at Will again, him doing the same to me while Carter rambles on at his side. He nods toward the hall and I silently agree, finding the right moment to slip away.

After a few steps, I feel him come up behind me.

"Follow me," he whispers, stepping ahead and I stifle a laugh at what has apparently become a covert operation.

I follow him into the hallway behind the gym. When we turn the corner, he pulls me into the first empty classroom doorway and kisses me.

Sweet heaven, does he kiss me.

"I thought we were supposed to be tapering off." I laugh, leaning into his chest.

"How can I when you keep looking at me like that?" He smirks, pushing the hair back from my face.

"Oh, so it's my fault." I smile playfully.

He narrows in on my lips. "Completely."

"Will, we've yet to make it 24 hours." I giggle, admiring his broad, muscular chest under my hands. The Army logo on his black t-shirt making it impossible to forget the countdown looming over us.

"It's our last day in the same school. We can try again tomorrow." He smiles with his boyish charm, gently massaging my waist, and I'm putty in his strong gorgeous hands.

"I'm going to miss this, seeing you every day." I sigh, brushing a hand along his jawline and I feel it clench as he swallows at my words.

He leans in to kiss my forehead. "You too, sweet girl."

I close my eyes, breathing in the clean spicy warmth of his cologne. Of him.

I'm going to miss this. The way that I feel safest, right here, wrapped up in him. I allow myself to get lost in that feeling. The strength of his body against mine, the warmth of his lips on my skin, the pull between us. But my eyes start to threaten emotions that I'm not ready to acknowledge. Not today.