Standing There (Love in the Park 1)

“Come on, I don’t like that look on your face. Where’s the woman with her beautiful smile shining up carefree?”

She lowers her head and whispers, “Sorry.”

I tip her chin because I can’t stand that I’ve made her say sorry to me. “Don’t ever apologize for your feelings, babe. I want them as real as you have them—every damn day.” I lean in, aching to kiss her but I don’t. Instead, I whisper as her body relaxes with my closeness, “I want to taste your lips and more, but today isn’t that day. I don’t know if I could leave if I did.” I step back and feel the heated blush come off her reddened face. “Let’s enjoy the show.”

“Where’s your sister?” she asks, looking around me.

“Up in the crowd. She loves this music.”

“I can’t believe I made such an ass of myself acting like a ridiculous fool in front of her, you, and anyone who noticed.” She shakes her head laughing at herself.

I bring her hand to my lips and graze them across her knuckles. “It’s not ridiculous when you know that you’ve found someone and believe they have someone else. Trust me, I understood immediately where you were coming from. That’s why I had to find you.”

“That is a super cheesy line,” she scoffs, twisting her lips in incredulity.

“That it is, but it’s real.” She smiles, starting to relax a little, but I want her to feel like she could tell me anything. “Let’s go enjoy the show. I know you are itching to go back over there.”

“Not really. I can hear it from here. I have seats over on the lawn.” That’s my girl. I’d rather get to spend time with without all the noise.

I take her hand. “Lead the way.”

Chapter 6

Lindsay

I’m doing my best to breathe. The anxiety I have coursing through my bones has everything to do with how his touch makes me feel alive. As we pass people, I don’t even bother ducking my face away from the men out of habit. We take the seats, but he doesn’t let go of my hand, and I can’t be bothered to pull it back. I shouldn’t be holding hands with a stranger, but something about him makes me feel safe and welcome. The warmth and tenderness in his eyes steal my heart piece by piece. By tomorrow, I’ll be halfway in love with him if he keeps this up. As the crowd sings, we lose the ability to have a meaningful conversation.

He pulls out his phone, then he demands loudly over the music, “Babe, give me your number.” I rattle it off to him while he programs it. A second later, I get a text. I love your smile. So damn kissable.

I send one back. Then why don’t you kiss me?

I’m looking for more than your lips, I want your heart.

Charmer. Yours is pretty sexy, too.

His fingers move rapidly over the device. I wait for my text. I’m a little impatient as he backspaces it. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not stealing hearts?

Cooking them. I tease.

Damn, harsh. I’m gonna have to be careful around you. His eyes widen, and he twists his perfect lips like he’s thinking of getting up and running away. He doesn’t seem like a man who’s easily intimidated.

Oops, did I scare you off? I ask even though I’m afraid of the answer.

No, I’m ready to cut the fucker out for you. I laugh it off and turn back to the concert. He’s definitely a smooth talker when it comes to the ladies, and sadly it’s working on me, too.

My phone dings again, but it’s not him. It’s from Katherine. Hey girl, where are you? I’m at the car.

I came back to our seats with a friend.

Shit, I must have missed you.

Fuck. Just an FYI your brother’s here.

“Oh shit.” I don’t know what to say about this. We’re just talking even if it’s not all innocent or at least our intentions aren’t. I’m certain it won’t be hard for my brother to see what’s transpiring between us.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

“My brother’s here. I have to go. I’m sorry, but maybe you can call me. I don’t want to tell him about this. At least not yet.”

He presses his lips together, likely tempering his words first. “Damn, I understand. I’ll meet him sooner or later. I’ll go get my sister and see if she’s ready to leave.”

He’s headed toward our seats.

Roman kisses my hand, then says, “Goodnight, babe. Call me when you get home.”

“I will,” I reply, feeling the loss as he walks away. Damn it, my mind is a total mess right now. It’s not that I haven’t tried to date since the attack, but it’s not someone I just meet. They’ve all been classmates. I don’t even know how old he is.