âThat was a long time ago! Iâve changed.â
âAlright, maybe you have, but I havenât.â Shawn dusted off his knee and stood up.
Katherine blinked, the sharp sunlight turning the scene into a blur of light and shadow.
Shawn stepped closer, his figure casting a shade over her, shielding her from the harsh sun.
Before she could react, he reached out and cupped the back of her head, pulling her closer. His lips met hers in a kiss.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to stand still. The only sounds were the distant rustling of leaves, whispering secrets through the trees.
Katherineâs hands instinctively came up to press against his chest.
When Shawn finally released her, he didnât pull back.
âKatherine, look me in the eye and tell me youâre not interested in me at all.â
Just as Katherine was about to respond, Shawn added, âIf you say it, Iâll go to Lily right now, confess my feelings to her, and make sure you never have a chance with me again. You know me, Katherine. You know I donât make empty promises.â
Shawnâs assertiveness made Katherine want to slap him. She bit her lip hard and clenched her fists.
Wise people didnât gamble on love, she reminded herself.
âShawn, Iâm not interested in you at all.â She stared into his eyes.
A flock of birds suddenly took flight from the tree behind her, their wings beating frantically against the sky. Their cries echoed like a mournful chorus, rising to the heavens.
Katherine turned away, unable to meet the look in Shawnâs eyes.
Shawnâs face was impassive, his emotions tightly controlled, like a storm held back by sheer force of will. Despite the flash of anger and disappointment, he didnât let any of it show.
âKatherine, youâre free now.â
Lily arrived shortly after, interrupting the moment between Katherine and Shawn.
The group paused at the first rest stop, with Bobby sitting down next to Katherine.
âWhatâs up?â he asked.
Katherine jolted back to reality and swatted Bobby. âWhy were you walking so fast? Do you know how awkward it is to be alone with Shawn?â
âWhat did you talk about?â Bobby pressed.
They had talked about a lot.
There were certain subjects that would make Katherine feel uneasy just by thinking about them.
She was absolutely determined not to be left alone with Shawn again.
.
.
.