Across the Miles by Kristen Dickerson Page A

they found. They even got matching airbrush tattoos
on their arms from a booth on the side of the street.
     
    Before they knew it, the day was drawing to a
close.
     
    “I can't believe you actually bought those
massive, purple sunglasses,” Rose joked, as they made their way
back to the tour bus.
     
    “Hey now, you're one to talk. At least I
didn't buy rainbow tube socks,” Liam nudged Rose in the side, both
of them laughing.
     
    “They're awesome and look fabulous on me. You
can't blame me for wanting them,” Rose retorted
     
    “Yeah, yeah. Sure. So, what next? Want to go
listen to the live bands in the park, now?” Liam asked Rose, as
they dropped off their purchases onto the tour bus.
     
    “Only if you'll dance with me,” Rose replied,
flirting with Liam. Liam smiled down at Rose.
     
    “As if I'd ever give up any excuse to hold
you close to me.”
     
    They slowly made their way back to the park,
Liam's arm wrapped low around Rose's back, both walking in silence,
taking in the fresh night air.
     
    “This summer has been so amazing,” Rose
suddenly said, breaking the comfortable silence.
     
    “Yeah. It really has been. I thought going on
tour would be pretty great on its own. I was going to get to
explore the country and sing for my adoring fans. But who knew that
it all wouldn't have meant a thing without you by my side. I never
thought I would have found someone as amazing as you. How did I get
so lucky?” Liam questioned.
     
    “You know... I was just wondering the same
thing.” Rose replied, reaching up to give Liam a short kiss on the
lips as they entered the park, greeted by the sound of live
music.
     
    “You promised to dance with me,” Rose
reminded Liam.
     
    But Rose didn't need to remind Liam, because
as she was speaking, Liam was grabbing Rose's hands and pulling her
close, beginning a waltz-like dance.
     
    Rose giggled as Liam spun her away from him,
then pulled her back in, dipping her backwards. Liam began humming
along to the song, swaying in time with the music.
     
    “You're a natural,” Rose said.
     
    “So are you.”
     
    Then Liam pulled Rose close, placing his
hands on Rose's hips. Rose wrapped her arms around Liam's neck,
pulling him close, leaving no space between their bodies. Their
foreheads rested against one another and their noses were touching.
They could feel the air from each others breathing brush against
their faces.
     
    Liam had never felt so close to someone in
his entire life. Not just physically, but emotionally and
spiritually. Rose had become a part of him, and he never wanted to
let go. He wanted Rose by his side, forever and always. And he
wanted people to know that this beautiful, talented, kind woman
that he was currently holding loved him back, because nothing had
ever made him feel so special than the knowledge that someone as
amazing as Rose could love him.
     
    “I want people to know about us,” Liam said
out of the blue, speaking his mind out loud.
     
    “Umm... Liam. We're dancing together in the
middle of a crowded park. And you serenade me in front of sold-out
crowds pretty regularly now. I'm pretty sure people know that we're
together,” Rose said, laughing at Liam's silly remark.
     
    “No, I mean, like, for real. Not just
paparazzi shots and rumors. And not implied through us dancing
together in the park, either. I want to show you off to the world.
Scream from the roof tops that I'm in love with Rose Moore! I want
everyone to see how awesome my girlfriend is.”
     
    “Girlfriend?”
     
    Liam and Rose had never discussed what they
were. They were just together. That was enough for them. So Rose
was surprised to hear Liam refer to her as his girlfriend.
Completely flattered, but still surprised.
     
    “Ummm... crap. Sorry. I didn't mean
girlfriend...” Liam stammered, pulling away from Rose in
embarrassment.
     
    “You didn't?”
     
    “Well, I did. I just- I'm sorry I just
assumed. I haven't even asked you...” Liam