e
We talk until the clock hits four and everyone starts to complain they’re hungry.
“Wow. I can’t believe it’s already so late,” she whispers just for me, and I give her a knowing smile. I feel the same way. Talking with her was everything I was expecting and more. She’s smart, witty, beautiful, and has a huge heart.
“Would you like to get some ice cream with me tomorrow?” I ask her, and she gives me a beaming smile. I lean closer, tucking some fallen blonde hair behind her ear and she gasps. Her pouty pink lips opened just a smidge. Calling for me to kiss her again.
“I would like that, Connor.” We gaze at each other until Jay snaps me out of it. “Okay let’s make this quick.” He pulls up to a seaside restaurant and parks.
“We have about six hours until we reach the beach house, so let’s try not to make this a long stop,” he says, rubbing his eyes. He looks exhausted. I know he worked till eleven last night so he could sneak away this weekend. He’s hoping to start something with Lee. Boy is almost as bad as I am when it comes to a crush.
“Jay, man. Let me drive the rest of the way. We can swap. You and Lee can hang back here,” I tell him, and he gives me a nod of relief.
“Thanks Con, that would be great.” I open the door, hop out, then turn and offer Cara my hand. She places her soft palm in mine and I clasp it, giving her a small tug, pulling her from the vehicle. “Thanks,” she says, leaning up and kissing my cheek again. I really like these kisses as well. Hopefully, after this weekend I can make her mine, and have a lifetime more.
Five
Carson
I’ve always thought Memphis would be the one, but spending the day with Connor has made me realize that I’ve been putting my life on hold for a possibility that was unlikely from the start. He has made me laugh and smile more in the past few hours than I have in months.
I close my menu with a sigh, and Sam nudges me with her elbow. “So you and Mr. Quarterback seem to be hitting it off,” she says with an eyebrow wiggle. I hush her and give her a smile. She’s right. Connor is really great, and his bright white smile and blue eyes hooked me. He also makes me feel like he’s paying attention to everything I say. Which is rare these days. It’s too bad we wasted so much time since I’m headed off to Texas. This couldn't be a full time thing, but I can at least have an amazing weekend. I know I’m not ready to lose my innocence—even though his kisses set me on fire—but, who knows, maybe I can get some basic fooling around practice in. I wouldn't mind more kisses. I really like the way he kisses me, it’s almost as if I’m the only one he’s ever wanted to kiss, and the way he can’t keep his eyes off me makes me feel hot and happy at the same time. That’s crazy right?God I hope I’m not going boy crazy.I’ve managed to skip this part of adolescence. With the exception of Memphis, but that was just fantasy.
“Do you know what you want?” the waitress snaps at me. Oh I didn’t notice everyone had ordered and were waiting on me. “Yes, sorry about that.” I give her a smile, and she scowls back.Wow I wonder what her problem is?“I’ll have the clam chowder please and a lobster roll.”
She writes down my order then stomps off.
“Well that was awkward,” Xavier says with a laugh. Connor follows the waitress with his eyes, a small frown on his lips.
“I haven’t seen her since sophomore year. At summer camp. I hope this doesn’t start up her obsession again,” he says distractedly.Oh he knows her.
“What kind of camp?” I ask, bringing the conversation back to an obviously happier topic. Why does he look so sad? He turns back to me and runs his hand over his shaggy, light brown hair. I’ve noticed that seems to be a nervous tick of his. “Football camp. I go every summer. Except this year. I have to start training with the team.” Ah that makes sense. The girl comes back and slams my soup in front of me, sloshing it out the sides, before turning and heading back to the kitchen. I jump from the startle, and laugh. “She must have been in a hurry.” I choose to ignore her attempt to start drama and ask, “May I have a napkin please?” Connor hands me his and I clean up the mess acting like nothing happened. Everyone looks my way, but must catch on that I’m not upset. Chatter starts back up between my friends and the guys, and we start to get into a heated discussion about what we’re going to do tomorrow. The guys want to go surfing, which sounds amazing, I’ve always wanted to learn. The girls want to go shopping and tanning, which also sounds good, so I’m torn. “Well whatever we do, tomorrow Cara and I have plans to get some ice cream. Alone,” he says pointedly, looking at everyone. I turn and give him a smile and he smiles back, leaning closer to give me one of those delicious kisses. A glass of water is thrown on my lap and I yelp, jumping from my seat.Oh my god that’s cold.“What the crap?!” I yell at our waitress. She acts like nothing happened, making a production of ignoring me and handing out drinks to everyone else. Cassie jumps out of her seat looking like she’s about to throw down.
“Minnie, that’s enough. Why are you being so rude to Carson?” Connor snaps, pausing Cassie and making everyone at the table freeze and watch. He stands to help me and she places a hand on his arm, preventing him.
“Hi, Connor, it's great to see you. Sorry for intruding on what looks like a fantastic triple date,” she says sarcastically.
“Am I missing something here?” I ask hesitantly, really pissed off at the fact I’m dripping with water, and the AC blowing is making me so cold. She turns to me with a fake smile on her face.
“Oh no, sweets. Just you being the other woman,” she snaps before looking me over. “I think you’re needing some padding there.” She points to my chest.
“I’m sorry what?” I squeak, immediately covering my chest since the cold is making my nipples noticeable. Connor jumps up from his seat finally shoving her aside.
“What are you talking about? I haven’t seen you in two years. In fact I had to block you on social media, because you wouldn’t stop harassing me. I haven’t spoken to you in about the same amount of time,” he shouts, causing more eyes to glance our way. She scoffs and rolls her eyes, flipping her hair. “Plus Cara isn’t my girlfriend. Well at least not yet,” he says, shooting me a shy smile. Aww is he about to blush? This is not the time, but I find myself smiling back. He’s seriously adorable. Strong enough to make me feel safe, but compassionate enough to make me feel wanted, and oh my god he listens. Memphis was always a good listener up until a point. Crap, I really need to stop comparing him to Memphis.Wait, Cara, pay attention.
“We never broke up!” she exclaims.Wow psycho alert.
“I think you may need to talk somewhere private,” I suggest. Everyone is staring at me.
“You always were one for drama, Minnie,” he snarls, startling me, before pulling her away to the hall with the bathrooms. He looks at Xavier over his shoulder and he nods.
“Right, well, lovely seeing you again, Minnie. It’s always a pleasure babe,” Xavier calls before standing and coming to my side. “Come on Cara, let’s go eat outside. I have a towel in my bag.”
I take his hand and allow him to guide me to a picnic table by the ocean. The sun is starting to set and the view is incredible, but the warmth instantly helps, and I can feel my body start to thaw a bit.
“Sorry about her. She loves to stir shit up. Connor was telling the truth though. He hasn’t seen her in a long time,” he says after running to the car, and bringing me back a towel. I thank him and wrap it around my shoulders, giving him a shrug. “It’s okay. It’s not like we’re together. I was just caught off guard is all. I mean getting doused in ice water will do that to a girl ya know?” I say, trying to lighten the mood a bit. “Would it be rude of me to request a new order of food? I don’t want her doing anything to mine.”
A chuckle bursts out from his lips, and I give him a small smile. He shakes his head, still laughing, running his hand through his smooth black hair, then nods. “I think that would be a smart idea.”