Page 18 of Mended Hearts

“I want to test your theory,” I say before kissing her. She moans into my mouth as I deepen the kiss. I can’t hold back the want to please her that’s taking over me. “Sit down, baby.” I hold her hands as she slowly sits down on the small, wooden bench. I kneel in front of her, looking up at her curious face. She isn’t scared or remotely indecisive as to what I’m about to do. I stare into her eyes, knowing this girl trusts me completely…and I’ll never give her a reason not to.

“You know what I love most about these shorts you always wear?” I ask as I rub my hands up her thighs.

“Hmm?” she moans in response, never taking her heavy, heated eyes from mine.

“Easy access.” I slide my hands underneath the mesh fabric, and my breath hitches once my fingers meet the material between her legs. I proceed to show her that not only is my arm wicked, but so are my fingers. Once I’m finished, she returns the favor.

“Let me take care of you.”

My heart melts, and as soon as I feel her hand touch me, everything goes a bit blurry. Yet it was the clearest it’s ever been all at once. I thought I was putty in her hands to begin with, but the way she handles me with such love and intensity ruins me. The feeling of desire she ignites within makes me unable to see straight or, hell, think straight. My heart knows what’s taking place. In fact, it encourages it.

This woman of mine takes me to a place I’ve never been. I don’t want to return to earth. The way she makes me feel is unbelievable. We stare at one another for what feels like an eternity. She’s an absolute goddess. I offer her my hand as I stand, pulling her up with me, and hold her tightly against me.

“Thank you,” I whisper in her ear, causing a shiver.

“No, thank you,” she murmurs, letting out a heavy sigh of contentment.

“I’m so in love with you,” I admit, no longer able to keep it in.

She pulls away from me, resting her hands on my hips, and stares at me intently. Her eyes bounce back and forth, searching for any sign of doubt. She has to know how I feel. I cup her face in my hands, holding her gaze with the same intensity. I could get lost in her dreamy eyes.

“I’m in love with you,” I slowly enunciate each word.

Her shoulders drop, and the tenseness that took over her body dissipates.

Sincerity floods her eyes, and her hands dig into my hips. “I think I’ve been in love with you since the first day I saw you.”

I crush my lips to hers, reveling in the knowledge that this girl of mine is in love with me. I’ll never know what I did to deserve someone as perfect as her.

Afterward, we grab our bags and head for the parking lot. I know I’m cheesing like a fool, a love-struck one, and so is she. We’re both cheesing, blushing fools. I can’t help what I’m feeling. I stop, grab her hand, and pull her into me. I don’t care if there are people nearby. I need to feel her lips against mine. The kiss becomes so deep and mind-numbingly amazing that I forget we’re out in the open. Until I hear a loud, obnoxious throat clearing.

Echo’s body instantly stiffens. But I don’t. I remain calm for both of us. I can tell just by that annoying noise that her mood has changed like a light switch being flicked off.

“It’s okay.” I place my finger under her chin, tilting her head up, giving her my reassuring smile before lightly kissing her forehead. My feelings for her know no bounds. Most guys, ones that are smart or scared, wouldn’t have taken that extra step in the public affection department. I can tell Echo is half annoyed I did. I know she’s nervous about her dad, and the last thing she needs is the inevitable prolonged by more kissing in front of the overbearing man. But I’m done bowing down. I’m not going to cower away when we aren’t doing anything wrong.

Chapter Eleven

ECHO

The few blocks back home are torturous. My father doesn’t say a word the entire car ride. He even turns the radio off of the sermon he had been listening to. I know I’m in for it. He isn’t one to ever hold his tongue about his beliefs or enforcing them upon me. What he witnessed completely rendered him speechless. Until we pull into the driveway.

“I don’t want you ever seeing that boy again.” My dad finally breaks the silence as he stares out the front windshield, refusing to look my way. He’s clearly disgusted with me and I’m not sure how to take that. Or if I even care.

“I go to school with him,” I mumble.

“Well, we can change that if it’s going to be a problem,” he threatens, clenching his hands around the steering wheel. “And you’re grounded.”

I bite my tongue, pushing the words and bile that want to spew at bay. I internally count to ten to gain my composure before finally speaking. “For how long?”

“Until I say you’re no longer grounded,” he barks, startling me.

My body tenses and I hold my breath, unsure of what’s to come. When he opens his door, I do the same. My side is closerto the house, so I manage to beat him inside and attempt an escape back to my room.

“Hurry and wash up,” my dad mutters from behind as he shuts the door. “Dinner’s in ten minutes.”

“I’m not hungry,” I whisper as I keep walking, not even bothering to look back.

“Did I ask?” he snaps back.

---