I do as I’m told, and a moment later, Nate’s arms band around my waist, whilst my feet lift a few inches from the ground. I don’t dare open my eyes, so I keep them closed and get lost in the feeling of being in Nate’s arms, the music surrounding us.
I’ve never felt safer.
When the music stops, Nate’s voice is back again. “I’m going to put you down now.”
I squeak, not a yes, not a no, because I don’t trust my words right now. When my feet land on the ground, my eyes flutter open because I still feel Nate’s arms around me. His eyes are swimming with need, and for a moment, I think we’re both going to give in as his eyes drop to my lips and I run my tongue along them.
Time stands still, and suddenly it doesn’t matter where we are or that there are people in the room with us. Nate’s hand cups the side of my face, his thumb leaving a trail of fire as he traces my bottom lip.
My eyes flutter closed, and I lean in, a silent sign that I want this.
“Excuse me, dearies, if I don’t get to the toilet now, I’ll be the one singing in the rain if you get my drift.”
My eyes fly open as a petite elderly lady waits patiently to get by the two of us blocking the aisle. We fly apart to let her through, and my eyes zero in on Nate adjusting himself, but he doesn’t shy away; instead, he grins and points at me. “That’s all your fault.”
I bark out a laugh, and just like that, he’s put me at ease, and we sit down to watch the rest of the movie.
That would have been one hell of a kiss.
Chapter 8
Nate
Tomorrow we fly back home to reality, and although I’m looking forward to being in my own bed, I’m worried that it will give Hayleigh the opportunity to pull away from whateverthisis between us.
So I need to make sure she understands she’s worth waiting for, and that just because she feels broken now doesn’t mean she can’t be fixed. Taking out my phone, I search for the best way to show someone this, and the first thing that comes up is Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
That’s it, that’s what I need to do. I take out my phone.
Me
As a colour, do you prefer gold, silver or platinum?
I wait a few minutes before three little bubbles appear, and Hayleigh’s message comes through.
Shortcake
Hmm, I’d have to say gold, especially if it’s sparkly *smiley face emoji*
Me
Good to know. Meet you in an hour by the pool?
Shortcake
Sure, see you then
I put my phone in my pocket and grab my wallet. I’m going to need to hurry up to meet Hayleigh on time.
**********
I make it back with minutes to spare and find Hayleigh lounging by the pool, a magazine in her hands, completely oblivious to the world around her. That is, until I walk up to her and block out the sun.
“Your place or mine?” I waggle my brows at her, and she barks out a laugh.
She folds her magazine up and places it on her lap. “Well, that depends on what we’re doing?”
I hold my hand out for her to take, my heart beats wildly in my chest, but I don’t need to worry as she places her hand in mine.
