After a few moments have passed, I pull away. “Ready to go?”
Sienna nods her head, a moment of hesitation crossing her face that contradicts the passion I felt come from her during our kiss.
“You okay?” I ask, checking to make sure I haven’t done anything to make her uncomfortable. We’re in uncharted territory, after all.
“Yeah, but”—she lowers her voice—“Roman looked upset when he passed me on the stairs. Is he okay?”
“He’s fine. Just being a grumpy asshole as usual.” I wave off her concern about my brother.
As she nods her agreement, I grab the cooler from my brothers. We head out the front door, and I make sure I leave a kiss for Mom on the way out.
I pause when I notice Sienna gives a small wave to the photo before closing the door behind her. I’m at a loss for words on how perfectly she fits in with us. Even joining in on the strange habits we’ve developed over the years.
I think, in many ways, Sienna is a breath of fresh air I’ve needed for a long time. I might’ve lied when I told Roman I met a woman who was helping me be more responsible, but it wouldn’t be a lie now.
I’d do anything to be worked into Sienna’s plan. That is, if she’ll have me.
After a short drive, we arrive at our destination. A secluded opening among the trees, just uphill a little way from the lake house. With no houses for miles around, my brothers and I claimed this spot the moment we found it years ago.
In the middle of the opening, I set up a picnic blanket with a pile of pillows and blankets. I’ve downloaded a few movies on my tablet to ensure Sienna can have her pick.
As we approach the blanket, Sienna is quiet. She doesn’t seem eager to sit yet, so I remain standing with her. She’s been quiet since we arrived, and a wave ofdoubt rushes through me as I worry this doesn’t meet her standards.
“This was my brothers’ and my hideaway growing up. We would hike up here, sometimes racing to this spot, and hang out for hours.” I take a few steps toward a nearby tree. “We carved our initials into this tree, officially marking our territory…and when I put it like that, it sounds so ridiculous.” I laugh. Sienna stays quiet.
“I figured we could eat the delicious, two-star meal I’ve prepared for us.” Opening the cooler, I show off the mediocre sandwiches I’ve prepared. “We could throw on a movie, and once the sun sets a bit more, the opening provides the best view of the stars.”
Sitting down on the picnic blanket, I motion my hand up toward her. She tentatively grabs it, sitting down next to me. A wave of relief washes over me when the breeze sends her strawberry scent my way.
Not letting go of my hand, Sienna looks up at the sky. “It’s perfect. Thank you, Theo.” Placing a hand on my cheek, she pulls me in for a kiss.
The sky has changed from the purple-orange hue it had when we first arrived to pitch black, with only the moon and stars lighting the area around us. We’ve been here just long enough to watch a movie and let the food settle in our stomachs.
In my head, I pat myself on the back for making it through the movie without making a move on Sienna. I’ve kept a respectable distance, only holding her hand orputting my arm around her. But I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I haven’t wanted more.
The way she sits sideways on her hip causes her dress to ride up slightly, revealing her leg through the slit. I can almost see the lace of her underwear, and it’s been driving me mad. I missed half of the movie staring at her thigh.
“You were right,” Sienna says after a few moments of silence following the end of the movie. She’s looking up at the opening in the trees.
“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” I stare at her, watching the star’s reflection in her irises.
“Stunning. I’ve never seen so many stars in the sky before.” She looks almost pained when she peels her eyes away from the night sky and looks in my direction. The moment her eyes land on my lips, her pupils dilate, and that pained look disappears. It’s immediately replaced by one of hunger.
“I’ll have to remember to bring you back next summer so you can see the stars again,” I say presumptuously.
“Next summer?” Her brows cinch together slightly. I resist the urge to run my thumb between them to smooth the skin.
Taking her hand, I respond, “Yes. Next summer. If you want to come back, that is.”
Her eyebrows squeeze together even more, and she looks away. But I take note of the fact that her hand is still in mine. When I notice she starts to spiral, I try to ease any discomfort I might’ve caused.
Placing my hand under her chin, I lift it so she’slooking at me again. “Hey, you don’t have to answer that. I’m sorry if it puts you in a weird position. I’ve had a lot of fun with you, Sienna. I’d like to keep having fun if you’ll let me.”
“Fun, right.” She gives a small smile, and mine falters at the sight. Did I say something wrong?
“Did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight?” I inch closer, pleased when a larger smile takes the place of the small one.
She plants a gentle kiss on my lips. I move my hand to her cheek, but when I try to deepen the kiss, she pulls back. Once again, I’m left wondering if I did something wrong.
