Ain't No Sunshine

Chapter Three

Nate

AssoonasI’ve done my drop off, I talk a freshman into taking my place. The Ball House party is as crazy as usual, and while I’d normally be with the boys, I now have other plans. Standing in front of me is the girl I’ve wanted for months. Yes, months. She’s smiling up at me with her beautiful, big, brown-gold eyes and perfect pout, making me want to grip her face, lean down and taste her lips. But I won’t. Not yet. I’ve waited too long to be with this girl. I’m not going to fuck it up.

I don’t realize I’m staring until Cory’s friend speaks, breaking my trance. “Hi, I’m Summer. Nice to meet you, Nate.”

Fuck! Smiling awkwardly, I quickly look at Summer in time to see the hint of a smirk leave her face. “Summer, hi… hi. How are you?” How are you? Really?

She smirks again before answering. “I’m great, but I need a drink. Point me in the kitchen’s direction?”

“Of course, want me to show you both—”

“Nah, Cory’s good for now. I’m a big girl.”

I laugh awkwardly, not even sure why I asked that, then direct Summer to the bar before quickly turning my attention back to Cory, locking my eyes with hers.

“Look after my girl,” Summer says as I get lost in that amazing brown-gold combo again.

“Always,” I say, knowing I mean it. We may have just met, but it’s like I have an instinctual desire to always protect her.

Summer whispers something in Cory’s ear before walking away.

“Do you want to take a walk?”I ask when we’re alone.

Cory smiles shyly and nods. “I’d love to.”

“Great, I’ll grab a couple of drinks and then we can…” I trail off as I move to grab the ciders I hid on my return. Cory lingers behind, and I hurry to meet back up, gesturing towards the gardens before leading the way.

We walk silently along the garden path. We may look like two friends, but we’re practically strangers. It’s hard to believe how comfortable it feels. Like we’ve known each other forever. I’m itching to talk to this girl, really get to know her, but at the same time, I’m happy to just be by her side.

“So… Where are you taking me?” Cory asks, her eyes on the flowers surrounding us.

The Ball House, where I’m currently living, is extremely grand considering the people who live here. There’s a huge lagoon style swimming pool, state-of-the-art kitchen, and a mammoth garden that’s beautiful and perfectly maintained. By who, that’s anyone’s guess, but right now, I’ll take it.

As we get closer to our destination, my nerves pickup, and I’m suddenly wondering what she’ll think. “Just a little further…” I begin, but don’t need to say any more because Cory’s seen exactly where I’m taking her.

Her eyes trail from the branches of the giant oak tree down to the double swing hanging from one of the thicker limbs, and while I’ve questioned in the past why we have this super romantic spot in the back of a football house yard, Cory’s expression alone makes me thankful for its existence.

Her eyes flash to mine with a look of awe and giddiness. “Is it safe?”

“It sure is. I asked one of the guys to test it while I was gone.” I wink.

Cory laughs like I’m joking, but I’m really not. I didn’t want to chance it breaking when we both sat down.

She sits and grabs the rope before patting the empty spot beside her. I give the swing a slight push before jumping on and turning to face her. Fumbling to find the right words to say, I finally manage, “I brought you here for some privacy. I thought we could play a question game and get to know each other… If you want.” Fuck, I’m nervous. Why am I so nervous?

“Sure, what type of questions? Just favorite color and stuff like that?”

“I actually mean some deeper questions. I kind of have a few in mind already.”

Cory’s eyes widen, and a huge smile lights up her face. “You pre-prepared questions?” I nod. I had lots of time to think during my drive. “That’s kind of adorable.”

I cringe at her words but maintain my smile. Adorable, really?

Cory’s smile fades and she raises an eyebrow.“Is this the type of game where we remove an item of clothing with each answer we give?” She bats her eyelashes.

My jaw nearly drops. “Ah…” Is that what she wants? I didn’t think she was like that, but… She suddenly bursts out laughing, and tingles shoot up my thigh as she grips my leg just above the knee.