The Day He Came Back

by Penelope Ward

I had no chance to prepare myself. Before I knew it, I turned around and stared into the shocked eyes of the only guy I’d ever loved, one I hadn’t seen in a decade. I’d never dreamed that today—a random Wednesday—would be the day he came back.

“Did you not get the memo that it’s ninety degrees here? You’re dressed like you’re still in London. I’m getting hot just looking at you.” Okay. That sounded bad. “You are, huh?”

If you do something to ruin what your father and I have worked so hard to build for you, I assure you, I can make it far worse. I’ll see to it that you have nothing. You’ll have to find your own way to pay for law school. Do you understand?”

I needed to stay away from Raven for her own good. This was going to be one long summer.

“When you grow up without a man around, you learn to do pretty much everything, both inside and outside the house. I have no problem getting dirty.”

It bugged me that she knew I’d intentionally stayed away from her. Not only did it send the wrong message, but it made me look like a fucking wuss. But that was the price I’d have to pay for trying to protect her.

“At this very moment, thanks to you, I’m in absolutely no rush to leave this spot, let alone Palm Beach.”

Holy shit. I wasn’t used to rejection. I couldn’t remember the last time a girl had said no to me. I swear to God, my dick just stiffened. What was it about the chase that was so damn arousing? I had to find another way…

Jesus. I wanted to taste her lips so bad. They were so naturally red. She wasn’t even wearing lipstick. This “friends” thing was going to be painful. But I’d take it.

I walked back into the house feeling exhilarated. My expectations hadn’t gotten the message that Saturday night was just a “friendly” outing and not a date. My blood was pumping. It felt like I could have run a marathon.

“You expect me to believe that Gavin has no expectations here? Why would a guy like that, who could have any girl he wants, spend a Saturday night on a platonic date? I’m calling bullshit.” “Maybe he just wants to hang out with me. I don’t know. He seems to think I’m down to earth.” “He thinks you’re down to fuck.”

“Well, I’m glad you made me come.” He went to open his mouth. “Don’t you dare make an innuendo out of that one, Masterson.” “You know me so well…”

“What other truths have you bent?” “I’m pretending I’m okay being your friend right now, when all I want to do is taste your lips.”

“Don’t look at me like that,” I said, though I loved the way he was looking at me. “Like what?” “Like you want to…eat me or something.” “I do. Very badly.”

“I have to go,” I whispered. Still, I didn’t move. I felt an invisible pull between us, or maybe it was Gavin’s hand moving me toward him. The next thing I knew, he had taken my mouth with his, groaning down my throat the moment our lips touched. He sighed as if a long hunger had been satisfied. There was no easing into it. The feel of his hot and greedy mouth, his tongue circling mine, was incredible.

His smell, his taste had overpowered any sense of right or wrong. Kissing him was addicting, and anyway, the one time I attempted to retreat, he pulled me into him harder. And I loved it.

“I really do have to go.” He nodded, nipping at my neck, his hands cradling my face. “I can’t stop.” He kissed me again. “I’m addicted.”

“I hope that cleared up the fact that this was, in fact, a date. It was always a date. We’re dating.” He smiled mischievously.

Later that night, as I lay in bed, I thought I had it all figured out. I would tell Gavin we couldn’t see each other anymore. Then he sent me a text that undid my resolve. Gavin: That kiss was everything.

A purpose is not necessarily about a career, but more about your impact on other people’s lives. I just want to have an impact. And I want to be happy. Those are the main things I need.”

“You promised to be good.” “I can’t promise not to have a dirty mind. I can try not to act on it, if that’s what you want.”

“Tell me what I’m allowed to do to you, Raven,” he panted. “Tell me what you want to do to me.” “I don’t know if I should.” “Tell me.”

“Remember how I said this was my favorite place?” “Yeah?” “Well, you’re my favorite person.”

“No one can take tonight away from us. You’ll always be my first.” His lips grazed mine as he said, “Thank you for choosing me.”

When I crossed the bridge, I’d find a way to get my shit together. I vowed never to shed another tear for that girl after this. I’d find a way to forget her.

“I know you think I’m going through a lot right now, but don’t keep your pain inside. I’m always here for you, even if it seems like things are overwhelming. You will always be my priority. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.” I looked into her eyes. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you, either.” I’d just proven that.

“It’s not easy for you, Gavin. You’re the glue that holds your family together.” I chuckled. “I’m not sure anyone’s holding anything together around here, except you.”

“You look nice, Raven. Is that vintage? A Fendi?” I looked down at it. “No. It’s like a…Wendi.” “A what?” “A fake. I’ve got better uses for a thousand dollars.”

“You’re not so bad, Weldon.” “I’m sorry I was such a dick when I was younger.” He sighed. “Well, I’m still a dick, but at least I realize it now. Does that count for something?”

Everything that happened up until now might have happened for a reason, to get you where you are today. The girl you wanted more than anything at one time? She’s still here.”

“So that’s it? This is how the story ends?” I closed my eyes a moment. “Yeah.” I swallowed. “I have to move on.”

You know how when people lose a limb, they say they can sometimes still feel it, even though it isn’t there? That happens with a broken heart, too. Sometimes you can still feel the love you had for someone inside your heart, even after they shattered it.

This beautiful man thinks he upsets me. He doesn’t realize I still love him so much it hurts.

I’d rather be doing this mundane thing with Gavin than anything else anywhere in the world. Because it’s never the place. It’s always the person.

As my fingers continued to thread through his beautiful, thick hair, I wondered if I was touching my Gavin or someone else’s.