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I decide to let her sleep while I deal with our situation. Time to face the day, to look like a fool standing on the side of the road, hoping for the kindness of a passing stranger to help us get back to Willow Creek.
Today might be a challenge, but last night... last night made it all worth it.
Chapter 9 - Chloe
I yawn and stretch out, the sunny morning breeze prickling against my skin. I take a moment, blinking my eyes open and closed, as the reality of the situation seeps into me, and, for a moment, I wonder if it all was just a dream.
But the warmth from the tent, the smell of earth and pine, and the distant sound of chirping birds quickly erase that thought. I'm really here - in a tent, in the middle of who knows where.
Something is different, though. The spot beside me is vacant, a hollow reminder of last night. A tight knot of fear coils in my chest as I wonder if Aaron's absence means what I dread it might.
Is he just like Chris, only better at hiding it?
With a long sigh, I sit up, brushing the loose hair strands from my face. No matter what awaits me outside, I decide I am ready to face it. Bracing myself, I unzip the tent and step out into the golden morning sunlight. It's too bright, and I squint, shielding my eyes with my hand.
A shadowy figure comes into focus, and I feel my heart leap into my throat.
"Aaron?" I call out, my voice shaky with relief and apprehension.
The figure turns, and there he is, Aaron. His face lights up with a bright smile, and he quickly strides over to me. His large, warm hands envelope my arms, concern etching lines onto his handsome face.
"Did you sleep well?" he asks.
His worry, his genuine care, it's all so unfamiliar. No man has ever looked at me like this before. A surge of warmth floods my body, spreading out from my heart, and comforted by his presence, I can't help but smile back.
"Better than ever, actually," I confess, my voice a soft whisper. "Sleeping next to you... it might've helped."
Aaron pulls me closer, towering over me. A light blush creeps up my cheeks, but I don't look away. His gaze is soft, almost tender, and I lose myself in it.
"Maybe we should do that more often then," he murmurs, his voice deep and warm.
With a nod, I agree, my heartbeat fluttering like a trapped bird against my ribcage. Then he's leaning in, his lips brushing against mine in a gentle kiss that has me melting against him.
When he pulls away, I can't help but ask, "What are you doing out here so early?"
Aaron glances towards the empty road, his hand still lingering on my arm.
"I was trying to flag someone down. Get us a ride back home."
"Why didn't you wake me up?" I ask, unsure how to feel about being left out of the loop.
He shrugs, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.
"You looked too peaceful... too cute sleeping. I didn't have the heart to wake you up."
And with that, the knot of fear unravels, leaving a fluttering feeling of warmth in its place. Maybe Aaron is different. Perhaps this time, with him, things will be different too.
"Thank you," I tell him, my voice soft, filled with an emotion that I can't quite name.
I lean into him, my arms winding around his sturdy form. The stiff muscles of his back are a comforting presence against my fingers. Aaron wraps me in his embrace, placing a kiss on my forehead.
I look up at him, taking in his warm amber eyes and the smile on his rugged face.
"Should we start packing everything up?" I suggest, thinking ahead to when someone might finally stop to give us a ride.
Aaron nods in agreement, sketching out a plan. He'll take care of the tent while I gather the blanket, my purse, his jacket, and the chocolate wrappers. After one last lingering kiss, we part ways to tackle our assigned tasks.
I scoop up everything, cradling all of it in my arms. As I glance over at Aaron, my breath catches. He looks like a Greek god, the morning sun gleaming off his chiseled features, his muscular arms flexing with the effort of dismantling the tent.
