“Really? ‘til when?”

“I’m only here for the semester, then I’ll go back to finish up my senior year at my school in Flagstaff.” She glanced at him and then away, hoping they could get on another subject. But he kept on.

“So, why are you here for this semester?”

She was never good at lying, so making something elaborate up was out of the question. If he ever asked her about it again, she’d probably forget, and mix everything all up. Even a very short version of the truth was uncomfortable. She looked out into the ocean, not wanting to see his expression when she told him. “Well, it’s kind of a long story… ”

“We’ve got time.” he said.

Sarah was silent for a second, “My mom has some problems she needs to iron out, and I have to stay with my aunt now. My best friend’s family offered to let me stay with them so I could finish out my senior year at my own school, but my mom refused, so, I’m here now. But once I turn eighteen this winter, she can’t stop me from going back.”

He looked at her, eyes full of questions, and she prayed none of them were about her mom. She really didn’t feel like discussing that part of her life with him, with anyone.

“Does your aunt know you plan on leaving?”

“No, I haven’t told her. I know she won’t want me to, but Sydney and Sydney’s parents are the closest thing I’ve ever had to family, besides my mom. I have to go back, Sydney’s waiting.” She held her chin a bit higher.

Sarah noticed how intently Angel watched her when she spoke, as if he didn’t want to miss a word.

“Besides, I’ve never really been close to my aunt. We only started visiting her about two years ago, when her and my mom finally started speaking to each other again. Even then, it was only once or twice a year.” She shook her head looking away. “I’d rather be in Flagstaff. It’s where I belong.”

Angel’s expression had changed, she couldn’t put her finger on it, but he seemed genuinely concerned or maybe something else… damn it, the last thing she wanted was pity. Not from anyone, but especially not from him. That’s why she was so determined to save money. Even when Sydney’s family had offered to let her stay with them, they meant rent free, but she absolutely refused. If she was going to stay with them, she’d pay them.

“What about after high school? Will you be with your mom then?”

Sarah kept her chin up. “No, I’ll work and go to school. Sydney’s parents said I could stay with them as long as I need to, and as soon as I can afford my own place, I’ll get it.”

That look hadn’t changed. It seemed even more intense now, and his lips were pressed tight. “Well, that’s too bad.”

Sarah’s heart dropped. She knew it, he felt sorry for her. She pulled her feet back abruptly and sat up, startling Angel. She started putting on her shoes. “We may not all have a great start, you know, but it’s where you end up that counts.”

Angel looked at her confused. “What? What are you talking about?”

She finished putting on her shoes and stood up. He jumped up in front of her. “What’s wrong? What did I say?” He searched her eyes.

Sarah glared at him. “My life is not that bad. Oh, sure, compared to yours maybe, but I don’t need all --”

Angel put a finger on her mouth, “stop, that’s not what I meant.”

She tried backing away but he slipped his big hand in hers. She stopped, but stood firmly facing him, unwavering.

He looked at her thoughtfully and put his arm around her waist. “Listen to me. All I meant was it’s too bad you’ll be leaving. I’m really enjoying hanging with you and now you’re telling me it’s only temporary? You’re damn right I think it’s too bad.”

Sarah stared at him speechless and feeling a little stupid for over reacting. “Oh,”

Angel smiled. “Wow, but you turned on me fast.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I just...”

His lips were on hers again. She allowed herself to indulge in a few more of his kisses, and then forced herself to wrap it up, before things got too heated again. It was getting late and she still had to meet Valerie somewhere so they could get home together.

They met Valerie in the parking lot of an In-and-Out near her aunt’s. There were a lot of other kids there from school. Valerie and her friends were standing around her car. They all gawked when they saw that Angel was dropping Sarah off.

Sarah completely expected him to just drop her off as discreetly as possible and drive off. Instead he got out of the car and walked her over to Valerie and her friends, holding her hand the whole way. When he said goodbye he pulled her aside, but still in plain view of everyone he gave her another mind blowing kiss.

CHAPTER 4

Angel groaned as the music from his sister’s radio blared in through his open bedroom door. He was having the best dream ever all about Sarah. It was so real, her beautiful eyes, her lips, he could even taste them. Who knew how far the dream may’ve gone. He frowned listening to the music that interrupted his fantasies. His sister Sofia was only sixteen but she’d recently discovered The Beatles and was blasting their music every chance she got. To top it off, the blow dryer was roaring.

His mood quickly shifted, when he replayed last night’s events in his head. He lay there thinking about everything that had happened. He chuckled to himself when he thought of how effortlessly he’d cracked her up. Everything he was feeling now was so unexpected.