Ain't No Sunshine

As we get closer to the beach, my nerves kick up a gear. “As much as I would love to keep our first activity as a surprise, I think I need to tell you. You know, in case it’s… ah… something that concerns you.”

She raises an eyebrow. “That statement is concerning on its own. Why would something on our date worry me? What have you planned?”

I smirk and bite my lip, pretending I’m about to tell her something really out there. “Horseback riding at dusk,” I say, scrunching my face, preparing for the worse.

Cory squeals as her hands fly to her mouth, and she turns to face me in her seat. “Really? You better not be messing with me.”

I laugh at her response. “I take it that’s a good thing?”

“If it’s real?” Her face lights up in anticipation and excitement, and I’m reminded of her blinding smile from last night.

“Sure is, Little Bit.”

She furrows her brow with a small smile. “Little Bit.”

“Yep! You’re my little bit of sunshine.”

She’s quiet then, but when I glance her way, I see the most beautiful smile on her face, highlighted with the hint of a blush.

The rest of the trip runs smoothly, and as soon as we arrive at the beach, Cory is out of the truck, bouncing with energy. The sun is still up in the clouds, preparing for its descent, so we made it in time to get the full dusk effect, and I couldn’t be happier.

Linking my fingers with hers, we walk toward the water where the three horses are waiting for us.

Cory pulls me close before we reach them and squeezes my arm. “God, they’re so beautiful… And the view… Nate, this is magical.”

I press a kiss to her head just as the sky lights up in a flash and the heavens open.

You’ve got to be kidding me!

A guide reaches for the horses, but when the thunder rolls, one horse rears back, sending us all into a panic. We rush forward to help, grabbing hold of the reins of the calm horses as the owner gets the wild one under control.

She walks our way, horse in tow, with an apologetic smile. “Thank you. I appreciate that. Nate, I presume?” she yells through the rain.

“That’s me. Do you need help to get the horses back to the trailer?” I ask, figuring it’s safe to assume our trail ride won’t be happening.

“Thank you for the offer, but help has arrived.” She signals behind us as two teenagers appear out of nowhere, leaving Cory and me free to escape the downpour.

“Don’t forget to reschedule!” she calls after us as we run for my truck.

I slam my door closed just as Cory shuts hers. “So, what’s next?” she asks with a smirk before bursting out laughing. We’re both cold and drenched from the rain, but I don’t want this night to be over.

“Dinner?” I shrug before starting the truck and blasting the heating.

“I could definitely eat.”

We pull up out the front of a row of shops not far down the road, and I immediately jump out, running around to open Cory’s door, knowing I need to salvage some of this night.

Hand in mine, Cory steps out of the truck, her hair plastered to her face, mascara under her eyes, and a stunning smile. She’s breathtaking. Literally, I feel my breath hitch.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” I whisper before pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. She smiles but doesn’t meet my gaze, and I get a sense she’s not good at taking compliments.

Gently lifting her chin until her eyes find mine, I brush the wet hair from her face. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

“Thank you, Nate,” Cory replies shyly but shakes her head, almost disbelieving. Has no one ever said that before?

I press my lips to hers in another brief kiss before pulling away. “Next stop, your favorite sushi restaurant.”

Cory’s eyes light up. “You remembered?”