All the Little Lights(76)

The shower turned off, and the faucet turned on. A few minutes later, the door opened, and Elliott appeared, wearing an Oak Creek Football hoodie, jeans, sneakers, and a wide grin, his dimple sinking into his cheek.

“You smell good,” I said, hugging him again. Body wash and mint surrounded me when he locked his arms at the small of my back. His hair was still damp and fell all around me when he bent down to kiss my lips. He took my hand and headed for the stairs but then stopped and kissed me again.

“What was that for?”

“It took me six summers to get up the nerve to talk to you. Two more summers to get back to you. No more, okay? I’m done missing summers with you.”

I smiled.

“What?” he asked.

“I like that you end your sentences in periods now.”

He held my hand in his, my cold skin comforted in the confines of his warmth.

“C’mon,” he said. “Let’s get you home before it gets too late.”

We walked together to the Juniper, counting which of the streetlamps were out and which were still burning. Elliott looked up, agreeing that it was easier to see the stars when it was darker.

We passed the Fentons’ dirt plot, and Elliott stepped through the iron gate this time, walking me all the way to my front porch.

“Have fun tonight, okay?” I said, keeping my voice low. The Juniper was dark, and I wanted it to stay that way while Elliott was so close.

Elliott twirled a strand of my hair. “I wish you’d go with me.”

For the first time in my life, I wanted to go to a party. I would have gone anywhere if it meant I could spend another hour with Elliott. I swallowed those feelings and shook my head. “I’d better go inside.” I kissed his cheek. “Happy birthday.”

Elliott nodded and then took my cheeks in his hands. He pressed his full, warm lips against mine. His mouth moved differently, this time with more desire. The act of sharing a secret and my acceptance had changed things, had broken down a wall. His lips parted, and I let his tongue slip inside, allowing a delicate dance as he pulled me closer.

Our breathing puffed up into a white cloud above us. Elliott took a step closer, gently backing me against the door.

“I should go,” I whispered between kisses.

I reached behind me and turned the handle. The latch clicked, and the hinges creaked. I took a step back, and Elliott followed, stepping inside.

We stood in the doorway, tasting each other, lost in being so close. It was in that moment that I thought seriously about packing up to be with him, leaving everything frightening and draining behind.

“What the hell is going on here?” Duke yelled, yanking me back by my coat.

“Whoa, easy,” Elliott said, his hands up.

“Go, Elliott,” I said, panicked.

“Are you . . . ,” Elliott began.

“Just go! Go!” I yelled, pushing him back through the threshold. I slammed the door in his face.

“Catherine!” Elliott yelled, banging on the door.

“Get out of here, you mutt!” Duke growled.

I held up my finger to Duke, begging him to be quiet. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Just shhhh,” I said, my hands trembling. I touched my palms to the door. “Elliott? I’m okay. Just . . . go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You’re not okay!” Elliott said. “Let me in, Catherine. I’ll explain.”

Duke grabbed my arm, but I yanked it away. I took a deep breath, twisting the lock bolt. “You can’t come in. I’m okay, I promise. Just . . . please go home. Please leave.”

“I can’t leave you here,” Elliott said.

I swallowed and looked over my shoulder, seeing the rage in Duke’s eyes. “Elliott, I don’t want you to get hurt. I promise I’ll see you tomorrow, and I promise everything will be fine. Please trust me.”

“Catherine,” Elliott said, his voice desperate and muffled.

I walked over to the window and tapped. Elliott met me there, pressing his hands against the glass. I forced a smile, and Elliott looked around for Duke, who’d stayed just out of sight.

“You have to leave,” I said.

Elliott frowned, the muscles of his jaw ticking. I could see the conflict in his eyes. “Come with me. I can keep you safe.”

A tear spilled down my cheek. “You have to leave, Elliott, or I can’t see you anymore.”

Elliott’s bottom lip trembled with anger. He tried to see behind me one more time. “Go straight to your room and lock the door.”

“I will. I promise.”

“I’ll be here first thing in the morning.”

“Okay.”

Elliott turned on his heel and ran down the porch steps. He jumped over the gate, sprinting home.

I closed my eyes, feeling more tears wet my face. I wiped them away and turned to face Duke. He was still breathing hard, still glowering at me.

“Keep him away from here, Catherine, or I’ll make him disappear.”

I pushed through my fear and walked toward him, pointing at his stained button-down. “You won’t go near Elliott, do you hear me? I’ll leave. I’ll leave and never come back if you lay a finger on him!”

Duke was surprised, blinking and fidgeting, unsure how to respond.

“The Juniper can’t keep going without me. You do what I say,” I hissed. “Go to bed!” I commanded, pointing upstairs.