After Katie's revelation that her father lost her mother when they were both very young, it all makes sense. The way he protects his daughter as if his life depends on it and the words he spoke to me about my own family- I guess life really can be too short.

"So," I smile over at Katie as we sit side by side on the small blanket I brought with us, "how's this first date holding up compared to your imagination?"

She looks over at me, spellbindingly beautiful with eyes glowing free, and grins so wide that her cheeks crease around her eyes.

"It's amazing, better than I ever could have imagined."

"Really?" I question in disbelief, we are sitting in the middle of nowhere eating peanut butter sandwiches on bread bordering on stale.

"Of course!" She laughs and rests her head on my shoulder, "I'm with you!"

I almost forget how sweet and innocent this girl is when I'm not with her. She's different from any other woman I've ever spoken to or known.

It feels like I must have been blessed by something because surely I deserve to be punished after years of whoring, smoking and drinking around, and yet I've got this angel perched on my shoulder.

"I'm sorry this is all we can do..." I apologise sheepishly, I'm not exactly good at dating. Now bedding women, that's what I'm good at, on the first date or not. But with Katie, I know I can't exactly demonstrate my talents just yet.

"Why are you sorry?" She murmurs as she takes another bite from her rubbish sandwich, smearing a small blog of peanut butter on her cheek.

"I'm sorry because you deserve more than this."

Katie rolls her eyes playfully at me and swallows her mouthful before shifting closer to me. So close that our lips brush and our breath mingles.

"Rogue, would you please stop being so hard on yourself, this is perfect."

"Really?" I question and smile as I watch her huff in frustration- I really enjoy pushing her buttons like this.

I lightly slide my hand up to cup her head and gently pull her lips down to meet mine. She lets out a little squeak of excitement before she tentatively opens her mouth against mine.

After a while I'm aware that Katie is shifting uncomfortably on her knees as the sticks and rocks of the forest dig into her delicate skin.

Sighing, I move my arms around her waist and pull her onto my lap sideways so that she's safe from pain.

Eventually, Katie properly pulls away from my lips and rests her head against my thudding heart.

"That was nice." She mumbles and immediately makes me blush- I forgot that this is probably as much sexual exploration as she's ever had and the fact that she enjoys even my kisses does nothing but inflate my ego even more.

"Thanks...." I chuckle awkwardly, I'm not exactly sure what to say but all I do know is that Katie won't mind, whatever I say.

A phone buzzing brings us back from reality and Katie slides off my lap making me frown in disappointment as I already miss her warmth on my lap.

"Oh no!" She exclaims which I realise is as close to her swearing as we are ever going to get. "My dad just texted and he's on his last drink. We need to leave now!"

She jumps up from the ground and hastily begins to pack up my pathetic attempt of a picnic as I quickly stand and grab the blanket.

"Don't worry Katie, we've got at least 20 minutes before he'll be back."

She looks at me sternly before beginning to walk swiftly back in the direction of the car. I quickly jog to catch up to her and even though we are in a hurry, I still make sure to hold her hand tightly.

Somehow, after only a short space of time it feels wrong to not have her next to me, her hand in mine.

Part of me worries I've gone soft, the other part of me doesn't care. If going soft means having Katie at my side then I'm a marshmallow.