He chuckled lightly. "You're an open book, Rain. I can always tell how you are feeling." He moved closer and without conscious thought, I held my breath.
I watched him with hooded eyes as he lowered his face toward mine. My eyelids fluttered closed the instant his lips touched mine. I was never prepared for how his kisses made me feel. To say there were fireworks would be cliché, but something spectacular happened every time.
After a moment he pulled back slightly and rested his forehead against mine.
"You think I would be used to this," he said raggedly.
I felt a bit breathless myself. "Is that your way of saying we're good at this?"
"I think we need to try again to make sure," he said, dipping his head down, but I stopped him before his lips could claim mine again.
"Wait. I need to tell you something," I said, pulling away.
He looked confused. "Okay?"
I took a deep breath, trying to get a handle on my nerves. "This summer has been really great. I mean, despite the storm," I said wryly.
"Are you breaking up with me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because that would totally ruin my plans for the night."
I shook my head. "Hush," I said, swiping at him. I took a deep breath to prepare myself again. "I love you."
The words were out there. I had been the first to say it and there was no taking them back. I thought I would be embarrassed, not knowing if he would react badly or not return the sentiment. The opposite happened. Telling him made me feel lighter. They were true feelings and I wanted him to know it.
His hands cupped my face again. "I love you too," he said huskily.
"You don't have to say that just because I did," I told him, not wanting him to feel pressured.
"Well, you did kind of spoil my plans. I planned on telling you after I wooed you a little."
A wide smile tugged at my lips. "Really?" Knowing Josh felt as strongly as I did made the moment even more perfect.
He answered by crushing his lips to mine. My arms wrapped around his neck, dragging him even closer. Every breath I took belonged to him as the world spun and we lost ourselves in the moment.
"You're killing me," he joked, leaning back on his elbows.
I smirked, lying back with him. It pleased me that I wasn't the only one affected when we made out. He tugged me closer so I was snuggled between his legs.
"I got you something," he said, nuzzling my neck.
I sighed with pleasure. "You did? I didn't get you anything."
"Yeah, you did. Letting me drag you down that trail earlier was the only gift I wanted." He reached into his pocket and handed me a small jewelry box.
I paused, holding the box in my hand without opening it. "You didn't need to get me anything. I just like being together," I said.
"That makes me happy to hear, but as soon as I saw this, I knew it was perfect for you. Go ahead open it."
Curiously, I opened the box and gasped when I saw the sea turtle necklace nestled on a fabric pillow. "Josh, I love it," I said, pulling the necklace from the box. "You're right, it's perfect," I added, moving my hair so he could attach the clasp around my neck. My hand closed around the turtle charm as I tilted my head back to give him a kiss.
"I'm glad you like it. It reminded me of the day we met," he said, kissing me again. "So, what do you think of the fireworks?"
I laughed. "What, can you read my thoughts now?" I asked.
"Not those kinds of fireworks," he said, tilting my chin so my eyes were on the endless sky above us. At first I was confused at what I was seeing until I saw something streak across the sky.
"It
's a meteor shower," he murmured in my ear.