A Little Love Collection

Three

"Ella?" he whispers, unsure if I have fallen asleep.

"Hmm?" I say sleepily with my eyes still closed.

"Are you awake?"

"Mhm" I reply, opening my eyes and yawning.

"Next week it'll be two years"

"What do you mean?" I say sitting up.

"It'll have been two years since we met."

"Oh" I place my head back on his chest before he sees how pink I'm turning.

"Did you forget?" I could almost feel the smile through his words.

"Me? Forget? Absolutely not!" I say sarcastically.

"I'm planning to take you somewhere special" he announces enthusiastically.

"Ooooh is it the beach?" my eyes widen and I excitedly tap my hand on his chest.

"No, it's a motel room" he replies in a composed manner.

"What the h-"

"Just kidding!" he falls over laughing.

"You're terrible!" I laugh along, pushing him over.

We begin packing up all of our picnic belongings and walk back to the car. I love Charlie's car. It's a beautiful, silver Lexus with black leather seats and is filled with that new-car aroma. Best of all, it's all his. He doesn't have to share it with his parents or either of his brothers.

I turn on the radio and start singing along to R.E.M. with the windows rolled down. The air is warm around us and the cool breeze feels refreshing as it dishevels my thick, brown hair and dances across my cheeks. I stick my right arm outside the window, allowing the wind to brush through the spaces between my fingers and letting the sun kiss my olive skin.

"Will you hold this for me?" he asks politely.

I turn to see what he's referring to. I see his empty hand extended toward me and I effortlessly weave my fingers through his. He smiles in approval.