It's the Little Things: A sweet romantic comedy novella
Page 5
We strolled down the street, trying to make the walk to the car last as long as possible. Somewhere between the restaurant and Marren’s car, he grasped my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.
“I had an amazing night.”
I smiled and leaned into him to rest my head against his shoulder. “Me too.”
Marren pulled me to a stop and turned to face me. Still holding my hand, he cupped my cheek with the other and kissed me. It was tender and sweet, and everything a woman dreams of on a first date. I knew I could easily fall for this guy.
“Will you go out with me again?” He whispered.
We were standing in the street, where anyone could see us, and I didn’t care. “Just try and stop me.” With a playful smile, I leaned up to kiss him again. He rested both hands at my waist, sending a tingle up my spine. After the kiss, I wrapped my arms around his torso and rested my cheek against his shirt.
“I like this,” he murmured into my hair.
“Me too.”
While we couldn’t stand there locked in an embrace forever, neither of us seemed to want to be the first to pull away. I wracked my brain, trying to think of something to say, to delay going home just a little longer.
“What made you decide I was worth the effort?” It wasn’t a sensible conversation starter at all.
“It’s the little things,” he replied. I couldn’t see his face, but I knew he was smiling.
“Oh.” I didn’t know what he meant by that. Something, he seemed to pick up on.
“Like… The way you tuck your hair behind your ears when you’re nervous, and how you manage to completely derail a conversation. Even in the most embarrassing moments, you never lose your temper. You’re kind and caring, and when you smile, it’s contagious. Being around you is nothing short of entertaining. The more I get to know you, the more I want to know.”
He didn’t hesitate between any of the things he mentioned, and there was conviction in each word. Marren was every bit the nice guy I’d pegged him to be, and he wanted to be with me. I felt like I’d hit the jackpot.
This time when he held my hand as we walked, I squeezed back. I still needed to find a job and I couldn’t live with my sister forever, but for the first time since the arrest, things didn’t feel hopeless anymore.
Acknowledgments
This book was so much fun to write. Being something of a klutz myself, I could completely relate to Leona’s escapades. Hopefully you enjoyed a laugh or two at Leona’s expense.
Writing a romantic comedy is not something I’ve done before, so I couldn’t have done it without my amazing support crew. A huge thank you to the following: Sandy M, Amber L, Vanessa F, Nicola F, Peta R, Stacey B, Becks M, Andrea H, Nikki C, C.J. E, Erin H, Christina S, and my wonderful family. Whether it was giving feedback on the story, the cover, the blurb, or even just holding my hand when I doubted myself… thank you.
Lastly, thank you readers for taking a chance on this new chapter of my writing journey. I’ll see you again next time.
WAVERLY WYNTER is a New Zealand author of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. She loves board-games and curling up in a cozy chair with her cats, coffee, and a great book.