for me.”
His bright eyes blazed. “A girl as pretty as you has never had a boyfriend?”
“I was too busy studying,” I whispered as I shook my head, my nose brushing against his
with every movement. The hand around my back clenched as he gripped me tighter, and I
could feel the desire surging through him.
He kissed me again, this time with even more heat. I felt like I was in a dream. There was
no way a man this gorgeous, this strong and clever, should be so infatuated with me.
Bringing my hands around to the front of his tight t-shirt, I dragged my fingers down his
chest, feeling every muscle along his torso. His hand slid along my outer thigh, down to my
knee. His fingertips circled my skin, moving to the inside as he began to inch under my skirt.
I had no idea that my inner thighs were so sensitive, and as he slowly moved another inch
higher, I heard myself gasp against his lips. Then I heard the porch creak on the south side,
and was suddenly sitting back on the bench, a polite foot away.
“I’d like to read some of your poetry,” Dean said quietly as if we were in the middle of a
normal conversation. “Is it all about life in the city?”
“A little bit,” I smiled, watching Miriam come into view around the corner. “Overall, I’m
exploring themes of how the human condition is influenced by modern-day life. Sometimes
it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, and oftentimes it’s just plain weird.”
Dean nodded. “Like how cell phones were supposed to bring everyone together, but now
everyone stares at the screen instead of at their dinner partner?”
“Precisely.” I turned to give Miriam a wave.
“Nice night,” she said. “Just checking the weather for tomorrow.”
“Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. So, no rain tomorrow?” I asked.
Dean laughed while Miriam gave a bit of a snort. “I wish it were that easy,” she said.
“There’s a tiny bit of red, but there’s lots of purple mixed in, and a line of clouds to the
north. I’d say tomorrow could go either way.”
“I think we’re due for rain,” Dean said. “I’m guessing it holds off until after lunch.”
Miriam nodded, studying the sky. “We should know by morning. Have a nice night, you two.”
“Good night,” I called as she disappeared back around the corner.
Dean reached out to squeeze my hand. “I’m sorry I had to push you away. I know that she