Kiss me

Chapter 6

I bring my thumb up to my mouth, chewing on the nail.

I check the time. 11:47 am.

This morning had been a rush, as Ellis had come over. He sorted through my clothes, picking a comfortable, but nice outfit. He worked on my hair, give it a trim, and put just the slightest bit off concealer and foundation on my face. I thanked him profusely.

I arrived 10 minutes early, a little too eager. Axel and I never established where at the track we'd meet, so I sat atop the bleachers, hoping I'd be able to spot him.

I kept telling myself, we're just friends. We're just friends but part of me couldn't help but yearn for something more.

I wasn't expecting much today, I just wanted to see him. I enjoyed talking to him. Hopefully, I would see a sign of some sort. Anything. I promised myself I would accept the fact that we were just friends if today wasn't eventful.

I'm an adult. I can deal with this in an adult way.

That sounded wrong.

I do a scan of the track, when I catch someone waving to me. His chocolate skin was enough to tell me it was Axel. I immidiately drop my hand to my side and stand up, waving back.

The butterflies were unreal. It was more like a swarm of wasps angrily stabbing at my insides. I push my nerves aside and walk up to him.

"Hey! Glad you could make it."

I go in for a friendly handshake, surprised when he pulls me into a hug. I couldn't breath. Not because he was squeezing too hard, but because it took all of my strength not to melt into him.

"Me too."

Is that a sign. I'm freaking out.

The hug only lasted for a few seconds, but it felt like eternity. Breathing in his scent. He stood just two inches  taller than me. I wanted to stay here forever.

We pulled away, smiling. I hadn't really thought this far. A track wasn't the best spot to hang out.

"I was thinking we could walk down to the water park, it's a nice hot day."

Oh. He's got a plan and everything.

I excitedly nod, as we start making our way down to the splash pad.

So far so good.

▪ ▪ ▪

The water park was an amazing idea. By the time we got there, the sun was beating down on us, baking my pale skin. We picked a nice shady spot under a tree to leave our bags, and started making our way over.

Axel was a photographer. He told me of his adventures around the world. He'd been to India, Greenland, Peru, Australia, China. The list goes on.

I listened in amazement, almost ashamed when he asked me what I do.

"I work at my uncle's bakery."

Ricky was pretty much my uncle, if not my dad.

"So, you know how to bake? Oh, you have to bake for me sometime. My ultimate weakness is sweets."

A way to this man's heart. Sweets.

"You name the time and place. I'll be there. Prepare for your mind to be blown." I mock and explosion with my hands.

Axel tentatively dips his toe into a puddle.

"Perfect"

He reaches behind his neck grabbing his shirt collar. It takes me a minute to process. Of course. He's taking his shirt off. It's a water park you idiot. I look down at my feet, almost embarrassed. When I look up he's looking at me, curiously. His abs. His arms. His chest. So. Visible.