kiss me, like you wanna be loved.-- Tanner

[lykomgitsashley]

Caroline sat on the deck of the beach house, she felt like the cool ocean air and the smell of salty seawater would help clear her head. Her mind was still whirling from the wine and what had just happened. Not that much had happened, it wasn’t even that big. Tanner had made her dinner, something he’d probably done a million times before. But there was something about tonight, something that felt different, bigger. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, didn’t know what was happening inside her head, or in there. She didn’t like not knowing what was going on. It wasn’t like she was a control freak or anything. But she liked being in control of her own feelings and thoughts. Right now she felt like she had no control, her heart, her mind and body were telling her to one thing but, she wasn’t really sure where it was all coming from.

The thought of being with Tanner wasn’t one that was horrible. Actually it made sense in all the right ways. If she was honest with herself these feelings weren’t new. They’d always been there, below the surface clawing to get out. Ever since they’re double date they’d been coming on stronger. She remembered the intense feeling of jealousy that she’d felt when she’d come home and saw him coming out of his room half naked, thinking that there was a girl in there. Caroline was about the easiest going person you could ever meet. Jealousy wasn’t really her thing. The thought of him hooking up with some random girl on they’re cute little getaway surprisingly enraged her more than she expected. She knew they weren’t together; she had no right to get mad at him for possibly hooking up with someone else. But the though had hurt her.

Luckily she couldn’t have been more wrong. She felt like an ass for thinking he’d hooked up with another girl. Especially after that dinner, it was so romantic. She really enjoyed it. It had been just what she had needed to get her out of that funk that she’d been feeling. But what did it mean? She pushed the swing that she was sitting on with her one foot that dangled down. Needing to feel some sort of motion, some sort of something other than complete confusion. That dinner had to definitely mean something right? She wasn’t crazy, she knew it. "Tanner come on, let the dishes go we can do them later." And by we, she meant he would was them and she would dry them. She wasn’t exactly good at the whole housewife thing but she could at least as a thank you for making her that dinner.

Truthfully she was eager to get him alone again. Well they were going to always be alone. They were the only two people here, but she wanted him outside. Under the beautiful stars and the moon shining over the ocean. She wanted to know what was happening, what could happen. The anticipation of what could be was practically killing her.

[lance warren wright]

Tanner was hovering over the table as he grabbed all the dirty dishes from their place. He hated to leave the dining room a mess, especially on their first night. Unwilling to let it become a growing trend he figured he could just knock it out real quick and get back to Caroline. Caroline, now that was why he didn't mind the work because he needed to let the thoughts process in his mind. Their dinner had gone so well he couldn't have asked for a better reaction from her. A smile made it's permanent residence on his lips as he started to fill the sink with the dishes so he could let them soak. Had he been crazy, or had they flirted a little more than they normally had? And it seemed sincere to the point that it wasn't innocent anymore. Had he been reading to far into things? It wouldn't be the first time he'd done it. In fact he'd been known to over analyze things, which was why he needed these few moments to himself. To calm himself down and not to get his hopes up. He didn't want to end up making things awkward, or worse get his heartbroken by finally admitting his feelings for her.

His thoughts were shattered when he heard Caroline's voice carry in from outside. He set the plate down and took a deep breath, letting all the complicated thoughts cease. He could do this. He could act normal in front of her and not make things awkward. This was just supposed to be a fun getaway for her. He was here for her. Not himself. And with that final thought process he emerged outside with a small grin on his face. He had his hands in his pockets and he slowly made his way to where she was sitting. "I think I ate too much," he groaned pulling his hands from his pockets to cross over his stomach. He took a seat on the swing adjacent to hers and looked out at the view. "Wow..." was all he could muster, his mouth hanging open a bit at the site of the beautiful night sky. Everything that came out of his mouth was calculated, he didn't want to start up a conversation that could potentially end badly. So he was just going to keep it as innocent as possible.

"Hang on, i'll be right back," Tanner stood from the swing and walked back in to quickly scoop up their wine glasses and refill them. He walked back out and before he took a seat he handed her, her glass from over her shoulder. As he sat down he lifted his glass leaning it in her direction, suggesting a toast, "Let's toast," he said softly, knowing she would raise her glass as well. "To having a great time while we're away. I couldn't imagine spending this time with anyone else." He finished leaning his glass in as he heard the clink when they connected. He eagerly took a few sips wanting to let his nerves leave him as he had caught himself staring into those beautiful blue eyes of hers. His eyes rested on the night sky above them as he continued to sip on his wine, while keeping his mouth shut so he didn't ruin their time.

[lykomgitsashley]

He was taking too long, she was gonna have to go in there and get him. She was about ready to do just that when he came out. She laughed a little at him saying that he’d eaten too much. Well yeah, she thought they both had. "You? Ha, I feel like I’m pregnant and I just ate for two." She said with a slight laugh. "I’m pretty sure I have a food baby right now and if I stood up, I’d look about two months prego." She laughed a little more, shaking her head. Babies, oh god that was the last thing she needed to be thinking of. But, she allowed her mind to go there, if only for a second. She wouldn’t mind having babies… one day she wasn’t ready for that right now. But if she had to get pregnant, and could chose whom to get pregnant with. Tanner would be a good choice. Someone she could depend on to not only take care of her, but the baby as well.

She shook her head, trying to knock those thoughts out of her head. "I know its so beautiful tonight," She looked at him, a slight pout that he was sitting on the swing next to hers instead of next to her. For some reason she wanted to be close to him. Probably the same reason that was making her think crazy things. "Hanging," She said when he told her to hang out that he’d be right back. She watched him walk inside, wondering what else he could have in store for tonight. She smiled slightly when he brought out two full wine glasses. Ah that would help calm her nerves definitely. Now if he’d only sit next to her. She pouted again when he didn’t though. She took the wine glass from him, smiling at his toast and clinked her glass against him.

No, there was definitely no one else she’d rather be here with right now than him. "I can drink to that, cause I wouldn’t wanna be here with anyone else either." She said, taking a long sip of her wine. She looked down at the beach again, sighing at how beautiful it is. Then she looked at Tanner, he was looking at her., but then he looked away. She quirked her eyebrow slightly. "Hey! I have an idea." She said jumping out of her seat, and going inside the house. She got one of the blankets and a pillow that was on the couch, and set her wine glass down on the table before going out side again. "Come on," She said going down the steps to the beach.

It was a relief the second she felt the sand under her feet. She never felt more comfortable, at home then when she was at the beach. She could live there permanently. She tucked the pillow under her arm and spread out the blanket for them to lay on. "Am I a genius or what?"