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off my way home, and I’m used to it.”
    Animatedly he pointed and with a crazy accent said, “Okay, then lead on, my fair lady, through the woods.”
    Heading toward the path, he stayed close to my side, allowing me to take in the wonderful aroma that emanated from him, and also leaving me wanting, very much, for him to hold my hand. He was, well...yummy!
    When we reached the edge of the path, the trees began to sway in the wind, giving the air an eerie feel. I pulled my jacket tighter and much to my excitement, Nathanael obliged me with more than just a hand hold. He immediately wrapped his arm around my shoulder, drawing me against him. “You look frozen. You should have let me drive you.”
    We were so close, I could feel his heartbeat pulse with mine, and the warmth radiating from him cuddled me up all snug and warm, like a protective shield from the wind and cold. “Thank you,” I said, meaning it.
    He chuckled. “Don’t mention it.”
    The trees got thicker and a couple twigs snapped from unknown sources just to the left of us. Nathanael jerked to a stop, holding me tighter, yet shielding me back a bit behind him.
    “Nathanael, I thin...”
    He put his index finger to his puckered lips, making me freeze in place. A heavier rustling, low to the ground came from just in front of us. Nathanael’s muscles flexed and our bodies melded together as my fear vanished, because where I was...it was completely safe.
    A nervous chuckle jumped from his throat when a deer stepped out from the brush. It turned its head and looked directly at us, then curled up on the path, blocking our way. “Looks like someone doesn’t want us to go any farther.” He smiled down at me, and even though there was no danger, he didn’t let me go.
    “Shoo!” I waved the backs of my hand at it—a small gust of wind picked up a handful of leaves, rolling them toward the deer, and eventually resting under its neck. It didn’t even so much as blink. “Go away!” I shouted out a little louder. The deer cranked its neck and looked at me, like it was asking, “What are you doing, you nut?”
    Nathanael laughed, then shot a quick nod off to the side. The deer looked behind it, turned back, then stood and continued on its way. Nathanael, rubbed the top of my arm. “Shall we continue? Are you warm?”
    “Yes,” I answered to both questions.
    “Come on, let’s get you home.”
    ~ * ~
    The front porch light was on when we came up the walk, but the rest of the house was dark. Digging in my knapsack to find my keys, I said, “Mom went out for dinner.” Of course my keys wouldn’t co-operate. “Darn it!”
    Taking it gently from my hand, he held it up. “Is it okay?”
    “Sure.”
    He reached in my bag without any scouring and yanked out my keys, then smiled, all proud of himself. “May I?” he asked, holding them toward the door.
    I stepped aside, allowing him to be as gentlemanly as he wanted.
    The key slid easily into the lock and the dead bolt let go—normally it groaned and resisted, taking me three or four tries. The boy had the touch. After pushing the door open, he stepped back and presented my things to me with a bow.
    “Miss.”
    “Thank you.” I took my belongings from him.
    “You’re welcome.”
    Nathanael was a boy who held a lot of secrets and mystery, yet it felt like I had known him my whole life and felt if he wasn’t part of it, it wouldn’t be complete. It was a whole new feeling, unlike anything before—Nathanael managed to cuddle up into my heart.
     
     

Six
     
     
    Nathanael insisted he wasn’t leaving until he heard the deadbolt lock, making me close the door on him. When it was secure, I stood on my tippy toes, peeking out the window and watched him as he stepped out onto the main sidewalk. Then, with no warning, he turned around right under the street light, and before I could duck, smiled and winked.
    Pitching my back against the door, I threw my hand up to my mouth to stifle my giggle. My legs