Page 107

He takes my hand, and we bolt across the slippery lawn. Halfway there I slip, and my feet slide out from under me. I close my eyes and brace for the fall, but Hayden pulls me upright before I hit the ground. He puts one arm around my waist, making sure I’m steady on my feet.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.” I start to giggle. “Today keeps getting … weirder.”

“I’m just hoping to avoid adding a hospital visit to our day.”

I snort. “Anything can happen.”

“Don’t say that,” he warns and starts pulling us in the direction of the parking lot again.

“Wait.” I grip his arm. “We have to take advantage of this.”

“Of what?”

“This rom-com moment! Hello? We’re completely soaked in the rain. That’s when the characters usually kiss.”

“But you’re cold.” He looks at me warily.

“I don’t care.” I shrug. “I’m already drenched. What are a few more moments in this apocalyptic weather?”

He looks amused, but he takes my face in his hands. I can’t help but stare at him adoringly. Wet strands cling to his forehead, his skin glistens from the rain, and my eyes follow a droplet cascading from his cheek to his lip. Why do people look so hot when they’re wet?

Our lips meet in a sweet kiss, his mouth exploring mine slowly. I grip him by his shirt and bring him closer, not wanting even an inch between us. The rush of warmth spreading inside of me is a stark contrast to the cold air prickling against my skin.

Today has been a whirlwind of nerves and excitement, but in this moment, it fades and settles into serenity. I don’t want the kiss to end, but when a shiver runs through me, Hayden pulls back.

“Was it rom-com worthy?” He looks almost smug.

“More than that.” I smile up at him.

Here is someone who doesn’t make me feel silly for the things I want. He could’ve easily brushed me off and asked to get out of the rain, but instead, he indulged my romantic heart and went along with it. His only concern was that I might be cold. There have been so many little moments like this with him these past few weeks. Moments I felt such a level of comfort and acceptance, and it made me feel … at home.

Hayden makes me feel at home.

It’s not a feeling I’ve ever felt before. Here I am, on the verge of losing my actual home, but it seems like I’ve been chasing the wrong things. Because no place has ever made me feel like I belong the way I do beside this man.

“Ready to go to the car?” he asks patiently, interrupting my thoughts.

“Yes, let’s hope I don’t slip again. These shoes have no grip.”

“Get on my back.” He bends his knees to lower himself enough for me to climb onto him.

“You love giving me piggyback rides.” I chuckle as I hop on his back and wrap my arms around his neck.

“I love when you don’t slip.”

“Smartass,” I mumble, bouncing on his back as he quickly strides across the park.

“It’s not my fault you’re clumsy.”

“I’m not that clumsy,” I lie, sarcasm lacing my tone.

“The bruises on your legs tell a different story.”

“I’m just pale. They bruise easily.”

“You’re not pale. And I watched you bump into the coffee table like three times yesterday.”