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“No,” I say. Then shake my head because that doesn’t seem like enough of an answer. “Do you?”
“You’re joking, right?”
Slowly, I shake my head.
Doesn’t anything get stale eventually? Doesn’t the grass always start to look greener elsewhere? Especially when you’re the popular, athletic guy who everyone wants to be with or around?
“You’re the best part of my story. But…” He exhales. “I know I’m the villain in yours.”
“You’re not.”
He half-smiles. “I don’t believe you.”
“I’ve been in love with you since the first time we met, Holden. You’re the best part of my story too.”
He stares at me, something intense and searching in his gaze. “You’re overdressed.”
I glance down at my t-shirt and shorts. Kick off my sneakers. Inhale deeply, before I flick open the button and let the fabric slip down my legs. I hold Holden’s gaze until the material of my shirt hides him from view, then let that drop to the sand as well.
I resist the urge to cross my arms across my chest. Right now, it doesn’t feel like he’s seen me wearing even less. It feels raw and vulnerable, especially when his eyes stay focused on my face instead of dipping downward.
“Ready?” He holds out a hand.
I nod before taking it. Our palms connect as naturally as they did earlier, the rub of his skin against mine comforting and electrifying as we walk toward the water. Sunlight glimmers off the surface of the waves and catches the tiny crystals mixed in with the grains of sand.
The ocean is colder than I’m expecting, the contrast jarring after the sun-warmed sand. I haven’t been to the beach once this summer. The only swimming I’ve done is at the local pool with my siblings.
There’s a slight sting as the sea laps against the scrape on my shin courtesy of one of the wire cages at the shelter. The pain eases the deeper we walk, Holden’s tight grip on my hand reassuring as the water rises higher around us.
We get caught right in the middle of an approaching wave, the crashing spray soaking most of my body. Droplets of salty water land in my hair, curling the sweaty strands even more.
“Go under the next one?” Holden suggests.
His blue eyes are sparkling and bright, the shade somewhere between the water surrounding us and the sky stretched overhead. He squeezes my hand as the next wave gathers on the horizon.
A silent gesture that I appreciate—that I need.
“Okay.” I agree, and that’s always my first instinct when it comes to Holden. An inclination that sometimes seems dangerous, but right now is natural.
He pushes me in a way no one else does, or maybe a way I just won’t allow anyone else to.
There’s a measure of trust between us that hums like a living presence. I know he feels it too, tightening his grip right before we dive under the wave when it crests, and it alleviates a little of my worry.
The water is cool and refreshing, immediately washing away all the sweat and dirt from our hike. It swirls around in a rush, muffling the outside world. I relax, Holden’s hand keeping me anchored.
And then I’m above the surface again, feeling droplets drip from my soaked hair and roll down my face. A slight breeze raises goosebumps on my skin as the sunshine chases away some of the chill from the cooler water.
I look over at Holden, squinting at the sparkles reflecting off the surface of the water. He’s grinning, a light, carefree expression that eases the fist squeezing my heart.
My feet brush the sandy bottom before another passing wave lifts me up like a bobbing cork.
“Pretty nice, huh?”
I glance toward the horizon, water spread in what looks like an endless stretch. It’s a perfect summer day. There have been lots of sunny days this summer.
This one feels different, and I know the difference.
He’sthe difference.
