Read Online Like This And Like That by Nia Stephens - Free Book Online Page A

hill?”
    â€œHey, have you ever played ball in open-toe sandals? Not fun,” she complained, and then started laughing. “Actually, that’s a sight I’d love to see.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” Drew said. “I guess I should have been more specific about footwear. It’s just—well, I wanted to surprise you.”
    His face furrowed with concern, and Gemma realized she didn’t want to spoil his plans by complaining.
    â€œNah, it’s on me,” she said. “I just wanted to show off my lovely new nail polish.” She lifted her foot and wiggled her toes. “And I’m glad you surprised me. This is ...” She held her arms out wide, indicating the incredible trail they were on. “Beautiful.”
    â€œI’m glad you like it.” He turned and started up the hill again.
    Gemma grinned. His excitement to share this with her, his confidence now that they were doing something he really loved—it all added up to an appealing guy.
    Gemma glanced over her head. Clouds were beginning to form. Uh-oh. “We’re going to get caught in the rain.”
    He didn’t respond. He was too far ahead to hear her. She stepped up her pace and caught up to him just as tiny raindrops began to fall.
    â€œIt’s about to rain,” she said in a panic.
    â€œSo?” He looked perplexed.
    â€œSo?” Gemma repeated. “I just had my hair done yesterday.”
    â€œYeah, so?” he asked again.
    She stared at him. “You don’t have any sisters, do you?”
    Confused, he shook his head, so Gemma spelled it out for him. “Black women do not get their hair wet.” She hurried over to the nearest tree for cover. “You can keep climbing if you want to but no way am I messing up this ‘do.” She pointed to the crown of her head.
    Drew watched her for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. “I got you covered,” he said, reaching into the knapsack he was carrying. He pulled out a tiny blue umbrella and joined her under the tree. He opened the umbrella and shielded her from the rain.
    They were so close. His face was just inches from hers. Gemma felt herself flush. The only other time she had been this close to him was at the party and that hadn’t turned out too well. This time was different.
    He gazed into her eyes. He didn’t seem at all concerned about the silence this time. “We may be here a little while,” he said softly. Gemma couldn’t find her voice, she just nodded.
    He placed a hand on her waist and, keeping the umbrella over her, gently guided her to a boulder under the tree. Once she settled onto the rock, Drew handed her the umbrella. “I’m not worried about my hair,” he teased.
    Moments later, the tiny trickles of rain stopped. Drew glanced up at the sky. “Just a little farther to go,” he said, standing.
    Gemma was almost sorry that the moment was broken, but then he took her hand, and it felt right, as if it belonged there. They hiked the rest of the way in silence, comfortable in each other’s company this time, enjoying the fresh scent of the woods after the rain shower.
    They reached the top of the hill, and Drew released Gemma’s hand. He stepped in front of her and held his arms out wide. “I’d like to introduce you to my favorite spot.”
    Gemma gasped. The sky was a brilliant blue and from their overlook she could see nearby hills, lush and green.
    â€œThis way,” he said. He took her hand again, and led her to a clearing full of wildflowers. He lifted a tarp from off the ground and underneath was a small, checkered tablecloth with a straw picnic basket sitting on top of it.
    â€œYou hiked all the way up here earlier to set this out for me?” She was completely dumbfounded, but at the same time her heart dropped. Here we go again , she thought. He was trying way too hard. Was there a bottle of champagne or something