Page 26 of Claiming What's Mine

“How do you expect walk?” I asked as she stopped in front of me with that cute, dimpled smile on her face.

“Same as you, one foot in front of the other.” Lifting the bottom hem of her nightgown, she rocked on her toes. “Only smoother, because I'm not as clumsy as some people.”

“That was one time,” I said, holding up my finger. “One time. You'll never let me live that down, will you?”

“Nope, why would I?” Blue ran her fingers through her hair, brushing the ends. “You tripped over nothing, not even your feet. You just went down, landing flat on your face.”

“I was dizzy from you spinning me on that tire.”

“Oh is that why? That's the excuse this time? I thought it was because of the invisible root?”

“Don't be a smart ass.” Grinning, I turned around and dropped to one knee. “Hop on.”

“I'm not climbing on your back, I can walk on my own.”

“I know, but this will be quicker. Get on.” Looking at her over my shoulder, I tapped my back. “Let's go, we don't have all night.”

Blue giggled, jumping up and wrapping her arms and legs around me. “Have it your way, but no complaining if I get too heavy.”

“I think I'll be fine.” Standing, I gripped her legs around her knees and started into the cornfield. “We need to move or we're going to miss it.”

“Miss what?”

“I told you, it's a secret.”

Blue dug her fingers into my chest, resting her chin in the crook of my neck. “Get going then, I don't have all night.” Giggling into my ear, she snuggled her face against mine.

Her skin was warm and soft, so so soft. I was always amazed at how soft her skin was when we touched. Sometimes I would even brush against her on purpose just to feel her skin. But I always played it off as an accident, she didn't need to know I enjoyed touching her as much as I did.

Moving through the field, I cut across to the tree line that created the east border. The moon was high in the sky, shining bright, creating plenty of light for me to use. Stopping, I adjusted her on my back, giving her a jolt to send her up higher.

“I can walk you know, it won't kill me.”

“I know, but we don't have much time, it took me forever to get you up.”

Kicking her feet out, she slapped my outer thigh. “Giddy up then.”

Dipping into the trees, I dodged as many bushes and tree trunks as I could. The light was dimmer under the cloak of the canopy, so my paced had to slow.

“How far in are we going?” she asked, her lips inadvertently brushing the curve of my ear as her body bounced around with my steps.

A shiver ran down my neck, causing the thin hairs to prickle. “Not too much farther, it's just up over the ridge. You're going to love this.”

Blue kissed my cheek, nuzzling her cheek close to mine. “I don't care what it is, I'm just happy to be with you.”

Smiling, I twisted and kissed her cheek back. “I know.”

Blue slapped my chest as she scoffed. “You're so full of yourself.”

“Can you blame me? Not only am I really good looking, but I have the prettiest girlfriend in town.”

“Awe,” Blue cooed, tightening her arms around my chest. “How did I get so lucky?”

Shrugging a shoulder, I chuckled. “I think you have that backwards.”

“Stop, you don't give yourself enough credit.” Hugging me tighter, she whispered into my ear. “After everything you've been through, you've turned out to be an amazing person.”

“If I'm so amazing, then why does your dad still hate me?”