Page 17 of Into the Mountains (Blue Grove Mountain #3)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ELIAS

MAY - FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

THE FIRST DATE

“ I still can’t believe you knew the answer to the question about Stoneybrook, Connecticut. I didn’t think you were much of a reader, let alone knowing anything about the Baby-Sitters Club.”

We’re walking hand in hand, my other carrying our free coffee shop mugs and whole bean coffee from local roasters—the prize for blowing all of the other teams completely out of the running.

The owner said our score was the highest he’s ever seen at one of his events and he invited us back for the next one in June.

“Underestimating me already, Monroe?”

It’s dark out, but as we pass under the streetlamp, I can just make out the redness seeping into her cheeks. “No, you just never read much in high school unless it was required reading.”

I tug us to a stop under the next street light, so I can see her features fully. “Now who’s the one doing the stalking, darling?” My voice is low and quiet, our faces gravitating closer to one another without the intention behind it.

She doesn’t shy away when I lean in closer, our noses just a breath apart.

“I guess I am,” she admits, whispering. Leaning back against the pole, I lace my arm around her back and evaporate the distance between us, my lips on hers.

Arms wrap around my neck and hands thread through my hair and nothing could ruin this moment.

Nothing could ruin the feeling rising in my chest, the warmth I feel kissing Charlotte.

“Seriously, you can’t do that literally anywhere else?

” The lady from the table next to us decided she was going to be the one to ruin what was the best kiss of my entire life.

Let’s not dwell on the fact that it was actually my first kiss, but that doesn’t matter here. The point is, Medusa ruined it.

I expected Charlotte to say something back to her again like she did in the coffee shop, but instead she does the most unexpected thing. A giggle escapes her as she pulls me back down to her, my shocked lips meeting hers in full view of Medusa behind us.

I hear her make a disgusted noise before moving on with her group who make their own set of noises.

One of the men cat calls, while someone else makes a snippy comment.

I don’t care though, because I am finally kissing the woman I have had a crush on for years and right now, I promise to not let anything screw this up.