The Learning Curve: Chapter 39
Port Angeles
"So, I know we were going to see a movie, but are you open to doing something else instead?" Edward asked as we left the restaurant.
"Sure," I agreed readily. I was glad - I wanted to keep talking to him. I'd learned so much about him tonight – like all the places he'd lived because of his dad, who went to struggling rural hospitals to help turn them around. I could tell how much he admired his father, too, and how he wanted to be like him.
"Wanna take a walk with me?" he asked, holding out a hand. I took it readily with a smile that answered his question.
His hand was warm around mine, and we walked in comfortable silence for a while, heading toward the harbor.
"So did you have any boyfriends before Mike?" he asked me.
"No." I looked up at him, at the smooth skin of his cheek stretched taut over his jaw and the soft fall of his eyelashes. "You've probably had a few, haven't you?"
"Just one," he said. "In Alaska. Her name was Kate."
I felt a weird pang in my chest at that information.
"Was it pretty serious?" I asked, though I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
"I thought so at the time. We had...a lot of firsts together. But we broke up when I moved here."
"Do you miss her?" I asked. He didn't sound heartbroken over her, but I had to know for sure.
"Not anymore," he assured me. He gave me a wry smile then. "I've found someone I like a lot better."
There was no mistaking his meaning. I blushed hotly. "I'm sure she likes you a lot, too," I said shyly, looking at my shoes. He squeezed my hand, and I peeked up at him. He was grinning.
We continued to walk along the pier, looking in shop windows and admiring the lights reflecting off the water, talking about anything and everything.
The time flew, and when I started to shiver at the cool night air, Edward checked his watch.
"I guess it's time to take you home," he sighed, and he took off his jacket to place over my shoulders as if it were the only logical thing to do.
I felt a rush of sadness. I wanted to stay with Edward for days and days on end.
Back in Edward's car, I noticed he was driving a bit slower going home than he had on the way.
"So, do you think you can come over after school Tuesday?" he asked.
"Yeah, I think so." Even if I had to lie to Charlie, I'd be there. I hesitated. "Are we...still doing 'lessons' or...?"
His fingers curled around the wheel. "If you still want to, then yeah. But I like just hanging out with you, too."
"We could do a little of both," I suggested. I didn't want Edward to think that was all I cared about, but I really enjoyed what happened during our "lessons" and didn't want it to stop.
Edward seemed content with my answer, and the rest of our drive passed in easy conversation. We were on my street when he came to a stop and parked the car on the side of the road. I looked at him in confusion.
"I wanted to kiss you goodnight without your dad watching. If that's okay."
I laughed. "Yeah, it's okay."
He unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned toward me. His eyes gleamed, reflecting the dim lights from the dashboard. I held my breath.
When his lips met mine, it felt like a first kiss. My lips tingled as if they'd forgotten the touch of his, and I kissed him back as eagerly as if I was never going to kiss him again.
His breath was heavy when he pulled away, and he gave me a crooked smile. "I wish we didn't have to say goodnight."
"I know," I said. "Me too."
A/N: Sorry it took so long to get today's update up. I was too tired to set it up last night, and too rushed this morning. Next update will be in about 22 hours.