“My dad used to love it out here. We’d pack a picnic and spend the entire day collecting rocks and shells…” his voice trailed off.
I placed my hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him in some way, and said, “Sounds like a really nice memory.”
He nodded, then quietly continued down the shoreline. When he came across a black rock, he knelt down and picked it up. He reached for my hand and placed it in my palm as he smiled and said, “My mother used to say the black ones were good luck, but I’ve always been a fan of the white ones. They’re harder to find.”
I ran the tip of my finger over the smooth surface and said, “They are really pretty. I’m not sure which one I’d like best.”
“Then we’ll get some of both.” We spent the next hour searching for the beautiful black and white rocks Cotton used to collect as a kid. By the time the sun started to set, we’d gathered quite a collection.
I looked down at our pile and said, “You were right. The white ones are amazing.”
“I’m glad you like them,” Cotton smiled. He looked back at the sunset and said, “We’d better get going. You think you can make the climb back up?”
“Yeah,” I answered, feeling a little disappointed we were already leaving.
Once we made it to the top, Cotton said, “You’re going to want to see this.”
I followed him over to a large, flat rock that rested on the edge of the cliff and sat down next to him. I was caught off-guard when he reached over and pulled me closer to him. I nestled into his side and rested my head on his shoulder. We watched in silence as the sun set over the ocean, making the sky turn beautiful shades of pink and deep orange.
I looked over to him, noticing the sparkle in his eyes as he watched the sun fade from the sky, and said, “It’s really beautiful, Cotton.”
“I thought you might like it. It’s almost as beautiful as…” he started, but stopped himself.
I wanted him to finish that sentence, but decided not to push and said, “I’m glad you brought me here. Maybe I can show you my special place sometime.”
“Yeah? Where’s your special place?”
“I know it sounds a little silly, but I always loved my grandmother’s backyard. It overlooks the ocean, and she has this unbelievable tree that sits right off to the edge of her yard. It’s so tall, seems to go for miles, and I loved to climb as high as I could before my dad would fuss at me and make me come down. And there was this swing… I guess my place pales in comparison to yours.”
“I think it sounds pretty amazing,” he smiled. Darkness slowly began to cascade around us as the sun set, and my heart sank when I realized our time together was about to end. As expected, he turned to me and said, “It’s time to head back.”
“Okay.”
“Maybe next time I’ll take you to one of the caves we’ve found. It’s on the other side of the Cape, and you’ll need some boots,” he smiled, and just the thought of being alone with him again excited me.
“I’d like that.”
He stepped closer, really close, then rested his hands on my hips as he pulled me over to him. My mind began to race with a million thoughts as he lowered his lips to mine, kissing me for the very first time. I wanted to hold him there, savor the moment, but before things became heated, he pulled back and studied my face for just a moment. After several seconds, he finally said, “You’re really something, Cass.”
I was remembering the thrill I got from that first stolen kiss when Henley thumped my arm and said, “Hey. Don’t get your panties in a twist. You know I was just teasing. I think Cotton is awesome. Really. I can see why you’re crazy about him.”
“Um hmm,” I grumbled.
“Seriously. I think you two are great together. I’m just ready for y’all to get on with it. You know? It’s time for him to throw you over his shoulder and claim you as his woman,” she laughed. She sat there, staring at me for a second, and when I didn’t say anything, she asked, “Seriously… are you going to tell me what happened when he took you to the back or what?” Heat rushed to my face the second I thought back to what he’d said earlier, and the second Henley noticed, she leaned forward and smiled as she said, “Never mind. You don’t have to say a word. It’s written all over you face.”
“Whatever. No, it’s not,” I said defensively.
“You’re blushing, Cass. I don’t know if I’ve ever even seen you blush before,” she mocked. “So I guess it went well.”
“Yeah, you could say that,” I told her as I tried to suppress my smile, but it was no use. I couldn’t remember when I’d been so relieved, and there was no point in trying to hide it. Before I could say anything more, Henley’s attention was drawn to the end of the bar. Even though my back was to him, I didn’t have to look to know it was Cotton standing there. I could feel the heat of his stare against my skin.