Chapter 27 .... he could not touch me
Saraphina
To call the last few weeks a good time would not even come close to the truth. After Ryan and I found our way together on the Fourth of July, we had not spent a single day apart. It was just him and me, facing down everything else.
We filled our days outside, discovering every corner of the island. We jumped from waterfalls, swam in the sea, and Ryan tried to teach me how to surf. I gave up after twenty minutes. Surfing is really fucking hard, and you have to be in great shape to do it. Which, thankfully, Ryan is.
And speaking of being in shape, Ryan and I spent our nights together, too. We would slip out the back door to the beach, get milkshakes from the late-night drive-thru, and watch his favorite movies, The Godfather and Fight Club, in his room after our parents were asleep. Then we would kiss until the sun came up, only to start all over again the next day. I did not know how we were not tired of each other yet. We were together every single moment. We even lived in the same house.
We tried to be careful, especially around our parents. But that did not stop Ryan from resting his hand high on my leg under the dinner table. Or from brushing his lips against the back of my neck in a fast, heated kiss when no one was looking.
Part of me wished he would not tease me so much. But a bigger part loved it. I loved him exactly as he was.
Tonight at dinner was no different. We were sitting across from each other, so he could not touch me. Instead, he sent me messages on my phone.
Ryan: Stop it.
Saraphina: Stop what?
Ryan: Stop looking at me that way.
I lifted my eyes from my phone to meet his. I had been biting my lip without realizing it. What look was I giving him?
Ryan: Damn it, I told you to stop.
Ryan: You are making me want to throw this table over and take you right here.
My face burned hot. I must have turned the color of a tomato, because I heard Ryan laugh quietly to himself.
“Those phones must be awfully interesting,” Louisa said suddenly, pulling us both back to the family dinner.
“Cat videos,” Ryan answered, without even blinking.
“Oh, speaking of phones, I nearly forgot,” Louisa went on. “Your friend Gabe stopped by earlier. He said he has been trying to call you. He was looking for you. I thought you were out with him all day?”
I took a quick drink of water.
“Oh, I was just having some time to myself, down at the beach… I will call him later,” I said, trying hard not to glance at Ryan.
I could not very well tell my mom that I now spent all my time with Ryan, doing things that were definitely not suitable for future step-siblings.
“He seems like a lovely boy, that Gabe. I can tell he is quite fond of you,” Louisa added. This time, Ryan did look at me.
“Mom, please, I told you we are only friends.”
“I do not know, sweetheart. I really think he likes you. Maybe you should give him a chance?” She nudged my arm playfully.
Really, mom? This is the moment you choose for dating advice?
“I am going out for a while. Thanks for dinner,” Ryan said, coughing slightly as he stood up from the table. He looked deeply uncomfortable. Before anyone could say another word, he was already through the door. He did not even look at me.
“Honey, I know you are strong and you like your independence. But it is all right to let your guard down sometimes. If I have learned anything from being with Clement, it is this, do not keep running away from love,” my mother said. This time, she gave Clement a soft smile, and he grinned back like a fool.
Someone hand me a sick bag.
I looked away as my mom and Clement leaned in for a kiss. Just then, my phone buzzed again.
Ryan: Let us get out of here. Meet me at the garage.
Saraphina: Right now?
Ryan: Yes.
Ryan: I need to show you with my mouth just how much I want you.
Oh, god. Oh, wow. I felt a deep pull low in my stomach.
“I am going to go call Gabe. I will see you later,” I said, pushing my chair back awkwardly.
“That is wonderful, dear! I am rooting for you two!” Louisa gave me a wink and a thumbs-up.
Ryan
A few minutes later, I heard a light knock on the garage door. She was there. I did not say a word. I just walked to her, took her face in my hands, and brought her mouth to mine. I kissed her long and deep, with everything I was feeling. I needed her to understand how serious this was. Hearing her mother talk about some other guy who liked her… it did something to me. This was me making my point. My point was: she belongs with me. I let my emotions take over, kissing her so hard she finally had to push for air.
“Ryan, what is happening?” she asked, breathing heavily.
“I am sorry. It is just… the idea of you with someone else. It makes me crazy.”
Saraphina let out a slow breath.
“But there is no one else. I am right here. With you,” she said, her voice low.
I do not know how this woman makes my whole chest feel warm.
I walked over to my motorcycle, feeling her eyes follow me.
“Let us go,” I said, handing her the extra helmet.
“Where are we going?” she asked. I could see a little fear in her eyes, mixed with a lot of excitement.
“Anywhere,” I told her, fastening the strap under her chin. The truth was, the destination did not matter. All that mattered was that she was coming with me.