Page 22 of Oz
“No, Laura.” Oz’s fingers pressed against my lips. “I need to know what you were doing on the mountain that day.”
I pouted. “I was taking a walk, I thought I heard something and…”
“You fell, I know I saw. But you weren’t hiking, Laura.”
I turned my head away. “I was taking a walk, and something scared me. Something I thought was chasing me.”
Oz blew out a breath. “I would never let anything hurt you, Laura. I would never hurt you. But I need to know.” His eyes met mine. “And I think you know. What is up that mountain?”
I didn’t answer him. I couldn’t. It wasn’t my secret to tell, not really. It was like my worst fear had materialised in front of me. Everything I had feared from the moment I had first kissed Oz. He was in the army. And I knew it would only be a matter of time before they realised there was something up there.
“It's ok, Laura,” Oz smoothed his fingers down my cheek, bringing my attention back to him. “I get it and thank you.”
“But…” I stammered. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t need to, Laura. We all have secrets. I’m going to let you keep yours. Your face has told me enough.” Over and over again he stroked down my cheek. “But one day I hope you will tell me.”
I blinked the rain out of my eyes. “You have a secret?”
Throwing back his head, he laughed. “Oh, I have plenty and I will tell you all of them. I told you before, Laura. I like you. More than like you. Do you believe in…” He chewed on his bottom lip, looking more adorable than I had ever seen him. “Do you believe in love at first sight?”
“No.” I spoke too quickly and his face fell. “I mean, I…”
“Well, I do, Laura, and I think when I tell you more about myself you will as well. At least I hope so.” He smiled ruefully.
“Oz,” I breathed his name out in a sigh.
“Hopefully you will understand when I tell you my secret, Laura, but for now, let me just kiss you. That’s the most important thing I can think of doing right now.”
