Unveiling Love

Chapter Thirteen

When Sandro pulled over again an hour later, I couldn't stay quiet. "What are we doing here?" I asked.

"I looked a park up last night and wanted to see it if that's okay."

"Oh. Yeah, that's fine," I said. "I don't start school for another two weeks, so I'm not in a hurry." I leaned my head back on the headrest and closed my eyes.

Between the driving and the heat, I fell asleep quickly.

I wasn't sure how much time passed when I woke up, but Sandro was reclined back against his door, looking at his phone. I looked outside and saw we were at a park with hiking trails.

"I don't have hiking boots," I said like it wasn't obvious.

"I know. They have some smaller trails we can do in our sneakers."

"How long have we been sitting here?" I asked, suddenly embarrassed.

"About twenty minutes. I didn't want to wake you."

I pulled my hair up in a ponytail, then unclipped my seatbelt. "Thank you," I said as we got out.

I followed Sandro to one of the trails he thought we'd do well. We walked in silence for nearly half an hour when he suddenly stopped, sending me into his back. I gasped and grabbed his sides to keep me from falling. His arm flew back, caging me in, and his other hand grasped one of my hands.

I expected him to let go immediately, but he pulled the hand he held until I was in front of him.

My emotions were a spiraling rollercoaster of elation, fear, and longing. "What's going on, Sandro?" I finally asked.

He still had ahold of me. He stepped closer and placed his hand on my cheek.

"Two years ago, I stole a kiss from you on your birthday. It's been two years, and I still think of that day all the time; way more than I should. When I found out you were moving here, my immediate reaction was to be happy. I couldn't wait to see you, but then I felt guilty because I am so much older than you, as much as it may not matter to you. I'm going to be forty in just a few years, and you're barely into your twenties. It makes me feel selfish. But last night, I had a dream that I lost you forever without getting the chance to tell you any of these things, and when I woke up, I realized I'd decided for you."

My heart was an erratic mess. I didn't have words, but thankfully, Sandro kept talking. "So here it is; I feel something big for you. and I'm hoping and praying you still feel something for me. I want to date you if you think you can handle the age difference between us."

Inside, I was jumping for joy. Outside, I was pretty sure I was sweating.

"Are you serious?" I asked. I could hear the wistfulness in my voice.

"I am," he said. "Do you want to see if there's something here?"

I let out a laugh. "Sandro, please kiss me," I begged, and kiss me he did.