Page 58 of Keeping Kama

With a smile, Derek said, “I can’t wait either.”

“And I’m taking you surfing again, too,” said Leia.

“So, you can prove you are better than me at that, as well?” asked Derek.

“No,” said Leia. “Because that’s when I knew I couldn’t deny whatever was building between us. We can go back to the same beach.”

“After the marathon, right?” asked Derek.

“Of course, I’ll let you recover for a few days before I make you do anything too strenuous,” replied Leia.

“Then it’s a plan,” said Derek.

After parking the car, Leia walked to the baggage claim area. Derek said since he was staying for over two weeks, plus Christmas gifts, he had checked some extra bags. Wringing her hands together, Leia’s stomach churned on itself. It was only Derek, but so much time had passed since she last laid eyes on him, part of her wondered if they’d fall back in sync or be off from one another forever.

Sweaty palms were no good, Leia had no choice but to wipe them on the sides of her dress. Leia forced herself to walk to the arrival screens to find out if Derek’s airplane had landed. Eventually, she spotted his flight number. It indicated Derek’s flight was at the gate. Smoothing the front of her dress, Leia paced the small area in front of the exit. She wondered what the proper way was to greet Derek. Did she hug him? Kiss him? Had their time apart created awkwardness between them?

Her insides tossed and turned; the waiting was doing funky things to her. Finally, the sliding doors opened and out walked Derek. Leia ducked and dived around the others gathering to wait for their own family and friends.

Waving, Leia bellowed, “Derek!”

Their eyes locked.

BOOM.

And Leia knew she was in love.

The love that made you put everything on the line, the love that only made sense to the two of you and nobody else, that kind of love.

“Derek,” repeated Leia, in a quieter voice with a lot more shake.

When only a few paces remained between them, Derek dropped his bag down by his feet. Leia leaped into his open arms.

“Leia!” exclaimed Derek. He spun her around, making Leia giggle. Finally, Derek stopped. Leia’s toes touched the ground again. Her hands traced the length of his chest eventually wrapping around his waist. Derek mirrored her movements, embracing her in a tight hug. “You’re so beautiful,” Derek whispered into her hair.

His words tickled her neck, sending goosebumps down her spine.

Smiling, Leia tilted her chin up toward him, meeting his gaze. “It’ssogood to see you,” said Leia.

Taking a single finger, Derek weaved it through her hair, pushing it over her shoulder. Clearing his throat, Derek said, “I feel precisely the same way.”

For a moment, in the middle of the airport lobby, it was only them. The world around them grew dimmer, making everything silent except for the steady beating of Leia’s heart. In the here and now, it was only them, and Leia knew Derek was everything she ever wanted but never thought she would have.

Giving his middle a squeeze, Leia said, “Just so you know, since you’re only here for two weeks, I don’t plan on letting you out of my sight.”

With a chuckle, Derek said, “I’ll gladly comply with your desire.” Then his gaze smoldered.

The air sizzled, making a fire rage in her gut. So much was being said through his glance, that the hairs on her arms stood straight up.Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me,Leia wanted to scream. But Derek seemed determined to drag out the heat building between them.

He moistened his lips and continued, “I’ve waited so long to hold you,” He whispered, cupping her neck with one hand. Leia closed her eyes for a second as the heat from his touch warmed her entire body.

With a shaky voice, Leia whispered, “I know.”

Opening her eyes, Leia tugged his body against hers. Their hips knocking against each other. Standing up on her tiptoes, she made her lips collide with his. Immediately, Derek tightened his hold around her waist. Leia rested one hand on Derek’s chest while the other dove into his hair. His tongue swept her bottom lip, and Leia parted her lips to allow his tongue to plunge inside. Her pulse galloped, making her dizzy and weak at the knees. But Derek supported her weight as she leaned into him to hold her upright.

People parted around them, but neither were aware of the disruption they were creating. Though it was busy and chaotic, Leia didn’t notice. The dull ache in her heart, her constant companion for so many years of longing for someone, disappeared in the blink of an eye. With Derek here with her, she knew she’d never be alone again.

Eventually, a scrappy security guard came up beside them and announced loudly, “You two are creating a traffic jam. It’s time to move it along.”

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