Strings (1 of 2)

At 7pm I walk down our paved driveway towards a smirking Nathan leaning against his bike. He is dressed in black jeans and a dark grey t-shirt under his signature leather jacket. He hasn't shaved so the stubble is starting to grow in, which somehow makes him even more handsome. I feel butterflies in my stomach that I have to push down hard... no strings Emily, I remind myself.

My smile grows as I reach him and I place my palm against his chest as I lean in and kiss him hello  lightly. Nathan grins as I step back and I glance at his motorcycle. At least I am not wearing a dress this time... I will never make that mistake again.

"What do you have planned, mister?" I ask him.

He smirks at me again and I already know he won't tell me yet. "You'll see," he says handing me the spare helmet. I take it, accepting his no answer as an answer.

I place the grey helmet on my head and Nathan puts his black one on and climbs on the bike, standing it up. He reaches his hand out to me for support and I take it as I swing my left leg over the side of the bike and sit down behind him. I wrap my arms around his stomach as the engine roars.

"Hold on," he says quickly before speeding off down the street. I grab tightly on his leather jacket so I don't fly backwards and I feel his chest against me move as he laughs. I roll my eyes but stay silent. I doubt he could hear my sassy remark anyways over the wind at this speed.

As he drives, I lose track of the street names and stop watching for familiar buildings that would give me a clue where we are going. It's fun being on his bike. Freeing. No one can recognize me under this bulky helmet so I don't have to worry about the press and I can enjoy the excitement and exhilaration. 

I feel the cold leather against my cheek as I press it against his back and watch the cars and trees passing so quickly that they look like flashes of light as he speeds down the highway. I eventually close my eyes and drift closer to sleep as the ride goes on.

Finally, the bike slows down and I open my eyes to see palm trees and sand around the half-full parking lot. I smile as I realize where we are - West Beach. My favourite beach in town actually, but that is just a coincidence, he wouldn't know that. This is also where Dean and I took my favourite picture hanging on my bedroom wall.

It's darker out now than when we left my house and I can see the half moon glowing in the sky. The parking lot is lit up with tall street lights and I don't see any other people around.

After Nathan parks I climb off the bike and hand my helmet to him, turning around to look out towards the beach. I feel Nathan's hand against my lower back as he comes up behind me.

"Wanna take a stroll?" his breath tickles against my ear as he speaks.

I turn slightly to look at him. "Of course," I say beaming and grab his hand, leading him towards the ocean.

We walk through the sand and up to the shore. I slip off my pink flats and carry them so I can feel the sand in my toes as we walk along the water. Nathan does the same with his runners. There are no people around us, they must be on the other end of the beach.

"What did you do today?" I ask Nathan curiously.

He sways our intertwined hands between us as we walk. "Nothing much, really. Took a nap."

"Me too."

"I think we needed it." He winks at me and I blush. It's true... we didn't sleep much last night. My face heats up as I see flashbacks in my head. 

"What did you tell your friends you were doing last night and this morning?" he asks, pulling me back to reality.

"Nothing." I reply plainly.