The stream in front of us was crystal clear. It was only a couple of feet wide, small enough so that it didn’t attract much attention, but still beautiful. It was my own secret place. It was one of the only places in William’s park that not a lot of people knew about, if any. Tommy and I had been coming to the exact spot since we were kids. It appeared to have been untouched by anyone else.
“You like it?” I asked, suddenly nervous for his approval. I'd never brought anyone here before, but it had felt right to bring him.
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“How did you ever even find this spot?” he replied, looking over at the bushes. “I don't think anyone would ever even look here.”
“Tommy and I used to be a lot smaller and those bushes weren’t quite as thick,” I explained. “We found it one summer after a flood cleared a lot of the river out. There's a dam now, so you don't have to worry about it happening again.”
“It’s a secret oasis,” he said. He turned to face me, his eyes still wandering and taking in all the beauty around us. “This is amazing, Alicia.”
“Thank you,” I said quietly. “I'm really glad you like it.”
“Do you come out here a lot?” His gaze returned to me, but his smile remained the same.
“Not in a long time,” I admitted. “I’m pretty sure the last time I was here was before I moved away for college.”
We stepped over to a downed tree that laid along the river’s edge and kicked off our shoes before sitting on the tree. We dipped our feet in the cool water, which sent a shiver up my body. It felt refreshing, though, too. It made me feel truly at home for some reason.
“Is this your favorite spot in town?” Jacob asked. “If you had to choose one spot, this would be the one?”
“Yeah, I think so. It just has so many memories for me. This entire park does, actually.” I smiled as I remembered. “On the weekends we used to play volleyball. Sometimes my dad would set it up so we could play horseshoes in the sand on the opposite side of the park from where we’re at now. This place holds a lot of great memories for me.”
“I can see why,” he said. He kicked his feet in the stream, making tiny ripples go out into the water. “It might be the prettiest place I’ve seen since I moved to town. I mean the city is nice, but this spot just feels special for some reason.”
“I’m glad you like it.” I scooted a little closer to Jacob.
He wrapped his arm around my lower back and pulled me close. Our hips were pressed together and I leaned my head against his shoulder. The river flowed across our feet. I dug my toes into the sand, loving the way my feet were cold but the rest of me was going hot. It made me both nervous and excited.
“It’s weird,” I whispered. “I feel like I know you, even though we've only known each other for a little while.”
“I’ve been thinking that same thing,” he said. He made small circles on my back with his fingers. “I believe that’s what made me want to talk to you when I first saw you a few days ago. You felt familiar to me. It sounds crazy, but…”
“It doesn’t sound crazy at all,” I said, cutting his words short. “It’s how I feel, too.”
I looked up at him and our eyes locked. The blues of his eyes deepened and pulled me into him. There was such kindness and warmth to their depths. He smiled and it caused me to melt.
“You’re so beautiful,” he said, shaking his head in slow disbelief. “Where did you come from? A fairyland?”
I chuckled. “I’ve wondered the same thing about you.”
He leaned in and kissed me. His soft lips pressed against mine, momentarily taking my breath away. I loved the way he tasted. He used just enough pressure as he leaned in. Then he pulled away, gently. He teased me like this, pecking his lips forward and then leaning back a bit. The ebb and flow of the dance turned me on. I was practically panting after a few minutes. I couldn't believe how a kiss could be so sweet one moment and enticingly hot the next.
I pulled away, catching my breath for a moment. I was barely able to catch two breaths before he kissed me again. This time, he didn’t pull away at all, though. We opened our lips and our tongues dashed in and out of each other’s mouths.
I wanted to kiss him for the rest of the day. Time didn't matter anymore. His fingers caressed my skin, sending spirals of desire down into my fingertips. I didn't know how he did it, but every touch, every kiss, made me hungry for more.
We were all alone here. I didn't have to worry about Tommy showing up or anyone walking by. I had been thinking of him all night, wanting to kiss him. Wanting to do so much more than just kiss him.
Without breaking our kiss, I crawled over top of him, straddling his lap. We fit like two pieces of a puzzle. I moaned softly without breaking the kiss. My body took over. Thoughts were a thing that didn’t exist in that moment. I wanted him on a different level. I wanted to taste him and feel him, deeply and completely.
Jacob’s hands drifted until they landed on the side of my legs, almost to my butt. He pulled away, though, looking me in the eyes. His pupils had dilated and there was a lust in his eyes that I could only describe as carnal.
“I want you so bad right now,” he groaned, his voice rough with desire.
“Me too,” I whispered. I rocked my hips gently to accentuate my point.
“But, I don’t want whatever is between us to be just about sex,” he said. His eyes met mine and I could see the honesty and honor in them. “There's something amazing about you, and I don't want to rush things.”