I held the back of her head in my hands as our mouths moved in a fiery and passionate kiss. Her hands worked their way around my body as I lay her on her back, not once breaking the kiss. I moved my lips along the line of her jaw, and she let out small whimpers of anticipation.
I pulled back, using my arms to hover above her. We stared at each other and what I saw in her gaze was intense emotions. No words were spoken, but a promise was made.
Day Five
2 PM - 4 PM - Sea Walk Pavilion Festival
Eve stole me from Luca to get ready for the festival. I was thankful she was back to her bold, fun self, but I knew Gerald left a mark on her. She’d come out stronger though, I was sure of it.
“What do you think?” She spun around and struck a pose. Eve’s curly hair was done to perfection. Her curls were full of volume as they framed her heart-shaped, freckled face. She wore light makeup with a gorgeous, flowing maxi-dress.
“You look beautiful.” I fanned the burning tears from my eyes.
Her mouth dropped. “Mags, why are you crying?”
“You just look so happy.” I sniffled and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so proud of how far you’ve come.”
She squeezed. “I’m happy to be myself again.” She pulled me back to arms length. “Now, you look perfect! Luca’s not going to be able to take his eyes off you.”
I fluffed my beach waves. “You think?”
“I know.” She tugged the end of my lilac-colored, flowing dress, and we laughed.
We left the room and headed down to the pavilion. “So, about Luca. Is he still wishy-washy?”
I shook my head. “I wouldn’t call it that. He’s scared. I mean, his dad’s put some shit into his head.”
She shrugged. “I know, but I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
I groaned, stomping my wedges on the carpet of the lobby floor as I walked. “You sound like Faith.”
“Mags, come on. We’re just looking out for you.” She bumped my shoulder.
I rolled my eyes. “I know, but Luca’s the one for me. I just know it.”
Her forehead creased as she nodded. “I really hope he is.”
I pressed my lips in a thin line and we boarded the ferry to the mainland. When we reached the pavilion, my heart thudded audibly in my ears.
The festival had been more than I imagined. Colorful outfits of old yellows, magenta, cyan, and emerald green lit up the summer's day. Music filled the air as festive beats lifted the mood. The people were vibrant, and they sang, swaying to the music. Sequins sparkled in the blazing afternoon sun. Wherever I looked there were painted faces and masks. Stilt walkers marched down the middle of the crowd blowing bubbles or waving as they went. Food sellers weaved through the crowds of onlookers.
Celebration and unity were being cherished by everyone in attendance. The air tasted heavenly with scents of festival food alongside the lively parade. I couldn’t wait to find our group of friends and enjoy celebrating Asher and Faith’s love.
“This is insane!” Eve bounced off the boat with me in tow.
“It’s beautiful.” I gawked at our surroundings as we waited on the pier.
The pier itself was a thousand different hues of mocha, and the pastels and neons moving around it were contrasting beautifully. The warm, briny breeze skimmed over my skin. Children ran up and down, some rode bicycles with safety wheels on each side. Dogs trotted along on leashes, sniffing everything. Birds hopped around hoping for tidbits, and seagulls soared above. People stood on the lowest rail and leaned over the edge as they looked out at the crashing waves of the ocean. My heart was exploding with excitement.
“Look,” she said, “there’s Faith, Asher, and Luca!”
I followed her gaze toward our friends and a beaming smile stretched the small cut that lingered.
Luca was breathtaking. My attraction for him came from watching him go from being an adolescent to a full-grown man. The way his lips moved in a kiss, how his hands followed the curves of my body—it drove me wild. His hair was tousled, thicker than I’d seen it in a long time. His eyes were a shimmering blue, flecks of silver danced in the light in a way that only happened when he was happy.
Once they approached us, his hands held mine as he stared into my eyes. My cheeks burned under the heat of his gaze. A smile etched its way onto his face as he wrapped his arms around me. He was warm. His lips brushed my ear as he spoke, "I don’t think I’ll be able to keep my hands off you tonight."
“Then don’t,” I mumbled.
“Say cheese, you two!” Faith’s phone was out as she pointed it at us. I turned my head to face the camera with it still resting on Luca’s chest. I smiled, and she captured the moment between us.
“Send it to me,” I said, pulling back from Luca.
“I will!”
He intertwined our fingers as I pulled my phone out and told Faith and Asher to pose. Those show-offs did the cutest kissing dip, and I giggled. “I’ll send it over.”
After I sent the photo, I tucked my phone in my back pocket. We met up with Jamie and John by a food stand and grabbed a bite to eat.
We sat at a table, got harassed by seagulls, talked, and watched the parade for at least an hour. The sun radiated heat. My skin glistened with sweat, and the back of my neck was damp as I lifted
