Page 137 of Crease Collision

Kai gets in and says, “I’m in the mood for an adventure, Olofsson. Don’t let me down.”

That grin of his. I’m tempted to say to hell with the drive, take him back inside, and fuck him.

Instead, I turn the key, and the engine starts with a reluctant groan. I glance at him as we pull away from the house. He’s beaming, ready for a fun day.

I think back to our early times, when Kai’s fear of commitment nearly drove us apart. There were days when I thought about giving up, convinced I’d never break through all the walls he’d built around himself. But I never seriously considered it. I had a stubborn belief that we were meant to be a couple. Now, after living together for a year, I’m so thankful I didn’t walk away. I have the life I always dreamed was possible.

“Where are we going first?” he asks.

“You’ll find out.” I turn onto the main road that circles the lake, and soon we’re winding through wooded areas as the water appears and disappears between the trees.

I point out landmarks of my childhood along the way. My favorite swimming hole, a spot where I once went to mope and got eaten alive by mosquitoes, and the woods where my friends used to smoke weed and tell me I was too serious about taking care of my body.

Pointing to the right, I say, “That’s where I had my first-ever date with a girl. I’d spent all morning making sandwiches for us.”

“Did you bring all your girlfriends here?” His tone is teasing but definitely curious.

“No. And she wasn’t really a girlfriend. We kissed a time or two and decided it was too gross.”

We both laugh, and he says, “Glad you changed your mind about kissing. You’re good at it.”

“What can I say? I met the right guy.”

As we drive on, we talk about New York and how busy we’ll be when we get home. Between the Fury and Condors, several of our teammates are getting married. When I mention the weddings, he gets wiggly and starts tapping his fingers on the dash. I almost ask if something is bothering him, but I don’t.

“Here we go,” I say, pulling off the road.

He takes the basket of food from the back seat, and we walk down to the water.

“Look how sparkly it is,” Kai says. “And that smell. Water, woods, and sun. How much better could it get?”

I spread a blanket on the grass. “I thought we’d eat here.”

“Good. Perfect scenery for lunch. Is this another spot you and your friends found?”

We sit down, and I shift until our knees are touching. “I’ve never brought anyone here. This was always my special place, just for me.”

His expression softens as he looks into my eyes. “I’m honored to be the first one.”

I swallow hard. “I never liked anyone else enough to bring them here.”

He leans over, and we kiss. This moment is the best thing that has ever happened here.

Mamma has sent sandwiches, fruit, and some of the cinnamon buns that are her specialty. Between bites and moans of pleasure, we enjoy the nature sounds.

Kai starts to say something, then stops himself. I wonder again if something is bothering him, but I don’t push. He’ll tell me when he’s ready.

Once we finish all the food, he leans back on his elbows and looks out at the water. “I could stay here forever, Ozzy.”

“Me too. But only with you.”

He turns so we’re facing each other. “You mean that?”

“Yes. I told you last year I don’t want anyone else. I still feel the same way.”

The words hang between us. Sometimes I’m afraid saying such things might scare Kai, but the hope and happiness in his eyes convince me it won’t.

He clears his throat. “Remember how you told me your folks are sambos?”