AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He smiles. “In that case, I was wondering if, well, more like hoping, you’d be interested in going on that date with me?”
The butterflies flare to life. “I’d love to.”
We smile at each other and continue on the path. We take a few steps and he lurches forward on the uneven ground, catching himself before he face plants. My hand flies out to catch him and lands on his arm. He straightens and looks down at me, both of us transported to our fro-yo date that seems like eons ago.
“Still as graceful as ever,” I say, and we both laugh.
We’re still chuckling when we make it to the front porch. “I had a great time today,” I say.
“Me too.” His eyes fall to the pink scar on my chest.
“I can’t believe it’s been a year,” he says.
Nobody mentioned it today, but it’s the year anniversary of when I was shot. But of course, Luke would remember.
“It seems like a decade,” I say.
He lifts his fingers and traces the scar, sending electricity zipping around. “I’ve spent the last three hundred and sixty-five days on this earth because of you. Every beat of my heart is yours, Liv.”
He leans down and places a gentle kiss over my scar. It’s full of gratitude and love. My throat constricts and I bite my lip to keep it from wobbling. He pulls my lip away from my teeth with his thumb as he gazes into my soul. I let go of my fear and close the distance. Our lips press together, and everything changes in a single instant as the world rights itself. He lingers, sweet and gentle, for a few seconds before we part.
“Holy shit,” I breathe, and he chuckles. He steps back, taking my hand. He kisses my fingers, letting his lips linger for a few beats before he releases me.
“Goodnight, Liv. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Luke.”
He waits for me to get inside before he makes his way up the path to my uncle’s house. I watch him until he disappears around the corner, then turn and sigh as I lean against the door, an enormous grin splitting my lips.
I take the stairs two at a time and flip on my light before bolting for the window. Luke looks up at me as he reaches the house, but this time I stay and wave. He smiles and waves back before disappearing inside. My phone dings from the desk where I left it and I read the first text I receive from him since the breakup.
Luke: Thanks for the dance tonight. I can’t wait for our date.
Me: Looking forward to it??
I find a waiting text from Vera too.
Vera: Don’t wait up??
I laugh out loud and plug my phone in. Looks like we’re both having a grand night. I shower and flip my light off, ready to sleep after the long day. It comes fast and I grin when Luke appears in the doorway. I sit up and crook my finger, beckoning him closer. I didn’t get to have my way with Luke tonight, but you better believe I’m going to enjoy dream Luke. His eyes darken and he grabs the hem of his shirt, lifting his arms and giving me a glorious view of his body, the moonlight hugging the curves of his muscles as they flex. My mouth waters and he falls onto the bed, hovering over me as he rests on his elbows.
His mouth crashes to mine and he swallows my excited giggles. I ignore the buzzing energy at his touch, and we make passionate love for what seems like hours. It’s exactly how I remember it. After we settle, he holds me close to his body. “I love you,” he whispers and kisses me. When I open my eyes, he’s gone, but this time I grin because I’m happy and satisfied instead of conflicted.
I expect to wake up like I usually do after he disappears, but I find myself still in my dream a few minutes later. I sit up and gaze around the moonlit darkness. The purple succulent Charlie gave me glows in a pulsing wave on my desk. I sit up, my sundress from earlier appearing on my body. Movement catches my attention outside the door, but I’m not afraid. I walk through the doorway and find Charlie sitting on the top step.
“Charlie?”
He startles, and I gasp when he faces me. His eyes are glowing blue. “Shit. I didn’t think you’d be able to sense me.” His eyes return to normal. “It’s ok. It’s just light. I can’t hurt you with it in here.”
“In here?”
He gestures around us. “This is all you.”
I don’t know why, but I believe him. “Why are you here?”
“I’m a masochist. Was that Luke in there with you?”
I blush and he sighs.
