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I place his hand on the stick shift, move the car into first gear.
“Give the car a little gas, and slowly release the clutch.”
I’m invested now, wanting Ethan to get this right. I move my foot towards the gas and he mirrors the movement. Then, with my left foot, we very slowly release the clutch. I feel his foot press up against mine but I hold firm.
Soon, we’re rolling forward… somewhat smoothly.
“You’re doing it!” I squeal.
“Ha!” He sounds so excited, my heart glows.
We pick up speed along the deserted road heading nowhere, and Ethan turns the truck around. I sit slightly to one side so I’m not obstructing his view.
“Ready to go into second gear?” he asks.
“Absolutely.” I take his hand on the gear shift again and put my feet back on top of his. We press the clutch, move the stick into second gear, and then slowly release.
The truck speeds up with a small jolt.
Ethan turns the truck again, and we pick up speed. Soon enough, the engine is revving loudly and he wants to move into third gear. This time, I keep my hands and feet to myself, and balance on his lap. He moves into third gear seamlessly.
“You’ve got it!” I exclaim.
We reach the driveway to his grandparents’ house again and he rolls the truck to a stop.
“Val!” He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me against him. “Thank you! No matter how many times Pops tried to show me, I couldn’t get it.”
I giggle as he showers my face and neck with kisses. “Happy to help.”
“Besides.” He nuzzles my ear, sending shockwaves down my spine. “I’d much rather have you on my lap.”
I laugh, a little breathless, and his lips meet mine again. His hands tangle in my hair and he brings me close, deepening the kiss. Any inkling of laughter disappears as I lean into him, spreading my hands across his chest so I can feel his strong heartbeat beneath my palms…
Knock knock!
Ethan and I both startle. Turn towards the window.
Alfie is staring at us with an eyebrow raised. He’s trying to be serious, but his lips twitch with amusement. “What do you two think you’re doing?”
9
Ethan
What in the world do I think I’m doing?
Val is sitting next to me in the truck, munching away on another brownie, and all I can think about is how close she is to me right now. How her arm almost grazes mine when she brushes back her hair. How the smell of her pomegranate shampoo is making me feel things I have no business feeling.
And the way she’s licking those full lips of hers. Lips I’ll never forget having against mine…
“So!” I burst out so suddenly that Val jumps in her seat. Yes, if I’m talking, I can’t think about her lips. “How’s life? Catch me up.”
Val snorts. “Catch you up? What are you, a gossipy Real Housewife?”
“What gave it away?” I deadpan.
“Your nails and perfect hair flip.”
I imitate flipping my hair over my shoulder.
