Chapter 56

Grass flew between them in a flurry as they called childish insults, laughter and squeals of delight echoing through the clearing. Alissa landed a clump of grass square in his face, she threw her arms in the air, “Goal!” she squealed laughing as he shook his head. Grass fell from his face and hair, he looked up at her. A mean grimace crossing his lips. “Uh oh.” She tried to get up still laughing but he grabbed her leg hanging on as she shook it trying to shake his grasp, both laughing.

Alissa fell back onto the moss, Luca scrambled to pin her down. “Got you!” He flopped on top of her taking the breath from her lungs. “Can't. Your. Crushing.” He laughed as Alissa managed to push him off rolling onto his back.

They both laid there breathless, laughter escaping every few breaths. “Luca,” Alissa panted, “You didn't do anything wrong yesterday. I had a lot on my mind.” She turned her head to look at him. His features brightened “I really enjoyed yesterday, it was really sweet of you to or