Waiting to Believe Read Free

you.”
    â€œMy fault,” Kenneth admitted. “But I got some work out of him.”
    Kacey mussed Greg’s hair. “Doesn’t look like you’re working real hard now!” While grabbing her sweater, she pulled Greg from the chair, “C’mon, My Fair Lady starts in half an hour.”
    Kenneth walked them to the back door. “To be continued, Greg!” he promised.
    Sitting beside Greg in his old Ford pickup, Kacey watched his hand turn the key in the ignition. Something about that simple movement created a twinge deep within her. The act itself was simply a connection made between electrical forces. But for Kacey, it became sensual. She placed a hand on Greg’s knee. “Let’s not go to the movie.”
    Greg smiled and started down the driveway, flicking on the right turn signal as they approached the road. The truck built up a thick trail of dust as they moved toward their private spot at the edge of the neighboring woods.
    It was just ten minutes away, but it was hidden from sight. They called it their glen. Greg maneuvered slowly down the narrow, rutted road only they knew. Shrubs and low-hanging branches brushed against the truck. Finally it rolled to a stop in a small clearing. Oaks, maples, and birch provided a canopy. Wild daisies, Queen Anne’s lace, and Indian paintbrush popped up in the long grass that shimmered in the breeze. Kacey and Greg sprang from the truck, laughing.
    Greg pulled a blanket from behind the seat. “I’ve learned never to leave home without this thing!”
    Kacey feigned indignation. “So that’s the kind of guy you are!”
    â€œHey, you’ve been the only girl for me ever since I saw you throw Gerald a curveball!”
    They dropped onto the blanket. He took her in his arms, burying his face in her neck. His hands stroked her hair, her back. She reached her arms around him and held tightly, her eyes closed. Neither spoke.
    Gently he pushed her back, lowered himself till he rested first on his side and then on top of her. She shifted slightly under his weight. His mouth moved slowly over her face, and as he came to her lips, he moaned. She felt the urgency within her own body tightening her hold across his broad back, wanting to create a seamless joining with him.
    Lifting himself enough to fumble with the buttons on her shirt, he undid them with one hand, pulling up her bra to reveal, for the first time, her bare breasts. Kacey’s eyes opened with a start. She gasped as he put his face between the two small, innocent mounds. Instinctively, she reached to push him away, struggling to sit up. “Greg, no!” She pulled her bra back down and with trembling hands, buttoned her shirt.
    Sweat matted his hairline, the nape of his neck. The moment had been both overwhelming and unbearable. “Kacey,” he groaned, “don’t stop me now.” Both were sitting upright, a tangle of arms and legs. He dropped his head to rest against her shoulder.
    She shuddered, struggling to regain her composure. Her body, too, had responded in a way she had never experienced. She had felt the wetness seep from her at his touch, but when she spoke, her voice was calm. “No, we can’t do this. I’m not ready.”
    Greg plunged his hands through his damp curls. “You are ready!”
    Kacey saw his pain. Resting her hand on his cheek, she whispered, “C’mon. Let’s just hold each other.”
    He looked into her face, so open to him, so honest, and he knew she was right. Without speaking, they both lay back down—Greg on his side, Kacey on her back. He stroked her cheek gently. The fire was gone. “Okay for now, Kace, but some day even you won’t be able to stop.”
    4
    Rose folded the cardigan sweater, smiling shyly at her oldest daughter. Annie had grown tall and willowy. Her thick black hair had a wild wave to it that was difficult to tame. Appropriate , Rose thought.