“Don’t what?”
“Don’t stare at me.”
I grinned. “I can’t help it.”
She looked down at her feet and tucked her hair behind her ear as she blushed.
My blushing Red.
I knew she was still worried about what had happened between us, about the damage it had caused. I had forgiven her before she even asked. I was simply waiting for her.
I stopped, turned her toward me, and tipped her chin up to look at me. “I think I’m going to stare at you for a long time.”
I dipped my head to kiss her lips. So soft, so warm. Her hands rested on my chest as I felt her sigh. I smiled against her lips.
“You missed me.”
“I did. I do,” she answered quietly, her eyes still apologetic, still a little sad.
I wanted to erase that sadness.
“Maybe you can give me another dance number,” I teased.
She laughed and slapped my arm just as I wanted her to. “Maybe when you wear a dress.”
“Ow.” I rubbed the spot where she’d slapped me. She packed a strong one. “How about a G-string? Or better yet…”
She gave me a stern look, flipped her hair over her shoulder, and started walking again.
I grinned, staring at her back for a few moments before jogging to catch up to her. “Where did you learn to dance like that?” I asked.
“My mom worked in a dance studio for as long as I can remember, and I took free lessons there. I wanted to go to dance school, but we didn’t have money for that. It’s okay, though. I have new dreams now.” She smiled, closing her eyes as she breathed in the fresh air. “My mom… She’d be really happy that I’m going to college.”
I didn’t think she noticed the sadness in her voice when she mentioned her mom.
“If we ever need cash, I can be a stripper, but you’d have to teach me that sexy move you did with your hips,” I joked. “I can wear one of those outfits where everything comes off with just one pull.”
She laughed, light and fun. And all was right again.
The sun was rising, the horizon exploding with colors of red, orange, and gold. A bird, huge and white, flew above the water and swooped down to catch its breakfast. The sound of lapping waves settled over us, comfortable and relaxing as we walked along the shore.
“Finals are in a couple of weeks, Caleb. Will you be okay?”
I knew she was worried that I’d missed a whole week of classes.
“It’s fine. I know most of the material anyway. Besides, my grades are good enough for me to pass, even if I fail the finals. Which,” I added, chuckling when she glared at me, “I won’t.”
“You’re graduating this year, right?”
“Yes. Then I can start working. Save money for our wedding, a house, and then kids.”
I waited a beat. She didn’t say anything, but she didn’t look shocked or horrified like the last time I mentioned marriage.
Progress.
And then she smiled. “I still have a year to go before I graduate.”
“I’ll wait.”