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as if I had seen these same distinct eyes before.
    He was at my side in seconds, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me into a tight embrace. His lips brushed my cheek and I blushed, checking the room to make sure no one had seen. But everyone was gone. It was just me and this amazing boy… alone.
    Without letting go, the boy murmured into my ear, “Sorry I missed your birthday yesterday. Dad made me close the store and by the time I got here, your mom said you’d had an accident and were in bed. Are you OK?” His voice, full of concern, tickled my ear and sent shivers down my back.
    I could feel my cheeks go two shades darker than embarrassment, my tongue tied up to the roof of my mouth. I had never felt so flustered before, but then again, I had never had a boy so incredible speak to me before, let alone kiss me.
    Louise entered the kitchen, saving me from an immediate reply. She carried another bucket, which she promptly dropped the moment she saw my visitor. Her eyes lit up and she ran to him, throwing her arms around his waist. “Dave!” she called out.
    He picked her up and swung her in a circle. “Hey, Louise! Brought something for you.” He pulled a small rectangle from his pocket.
    “Bazooka bubble gum!” she shrieked, snatching it from his hand as if it were gold. “Thanks, Dave! I’m so glad you two are back together again,” she said, shooting a smug look in my direction.
    I had no idea what she meant, but I couldn’t help but smile, watching the two of them. The face and name clicked together in my brain. Dave. Dave Slater, Sarah’s old boyfriend. I couldn’t believe my good fortune. Out of the whole bizarre mess, something good had to come from it, and I was looking right at it. Dave Slater was my boyfriend .
    “I knew your sister would come around,” Dave said, as he chucked me lightly on the shoulder. His eyes held a serious tone to his playful nature, and I raised my eyebrows. What was their story, my aunt and Dave?
    Taking in his rugged tanned features, I shivered. I thought he’d been good looking as an adult, but the younger version of Dave Slater was something else entirely. My stomach flip-flopped as the sparks of attraction zipped through my body. Dave reached over and smoothed my hair, tucking some loose strands behind my ear. The faint touch sent me reeling and I leaned back against the sink. Get a grip, Kate, I told myself. Don’t scare him away by acting all freakish.
    Dave leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “Do you think we could meet tonight, at our usual place?” Mischief twinkled in his eyes. “I have to give you your birthday present.” And then he winked at me so Louise wouldn’t see.
    I looked between Louise and Dave, stalling my answer. I felt overwhelmed at the idea of meeting this boy for the first time, alone. It would be my first date with any boy… ever. “I don’t know. I… I guess so,” I managed to stutter. Dave’s mere presence had me all anxious and acting like an idiot. My mind whirred at a hundred miles an hour, already picturing what it would be like to hold his hand, touch his chest… “Are you sure you want to meet at the usual place?” I asked, hoping he would give me some sort of clue as to where to go.
    “Sarah!”
    Gran’s voice broke into my thoughts, breaking my hypnotic trance on Dave. I jumped away from him, a guilty blush warming my cheeks. I felt like I’d been caught doing something wrong. Could Gran read my thoughts? I hoped not.
    “Sarah,” he whispered hurriedly, “you know the only place we can meet is the rapids. I close the store at eight. I’ll be waiting for you.” He swept from the room before I could respond.
    “Sarah! If you don’t get out here, I’m sending your brothers in to get you!” The stern warning came from the steps of the porch.
    The feelings that rushed through my body were new and intoxicating. I felt light, weightless, as if I could walk on air. My heart felt as if it had swelled three