Page 54 of Loving Decker

His mouth slowed, and he caressed her lips in a beautifully long, intense moment of love and desire all mashed into one.

She didn’t think she could stand on her own two feet any longer.

And he didn’t stop.

She clung to him, she responded. Everywhere his lips went, she answered. And then he deepened the kiss, and she wanted to melt right there. What was this fiery storm raging inside? She always imagined a kiss from Deck to be sweet, caring, gentlemanly like he was. But this. She could hardly think.

And then people around them came back into focus. They were making noise. Clapping?

“Oh, Deck!” she murmured.

They paused. And with her eyes still closed, she rested her head against his. “Is everyone looking?”

“I don’t know yet.”

She opened her eyes to see his staring into her.

Soon they were surrounded by everyone they knew and loved, by people who’d watched them grow up together. They were chanting their names in a loud confusion that just made Faith laugh.

She put hands to her cheeks and then cheered with them all.

Decker pulled her up on his shoulders, and they moved out into the center of the floor again. The music picked up, and everyone danced together in one bouncing, packed group. She waved her arms around above them all. What a great town. She yelled up into the air, “I love you, Willow Creek!”

Everyone cheered louder.

After another hour out there on the dance floor, she and Decker slid into their booth. She was wet with perspiration and immediately began fanning herself.

Caleb showed up with their queso. “The first batch got cold.”

“You’re awesome, dude.”

“Thanks. Happy to see you two together.”

Faith smiled.

And then they looked at each other and laughed. “I had no idea everyone would be so happy.”

“Me neither. I didn’t know they even noticed.” She shrugged. And then drank her water, all of it.

“Those were some moves out there, Faithy Haws.”

“I could say the same about you.” She sighed. “This is fun.”

“I haven’t had fun in a long time.”

“Me neither. Thank you.” She toyed with their chips. “When did you decide you wanted to kiss me?” It felt like a built-up, pent-up, decade-long desire, much like what she felt.

“I don’t know. I think it’s been building. I realized it had been building just this past month. When I invited you for dinner, I sort of forgot how to speak.”

She laughed. The wonder of it all suddenly coming back to amaze her. “Are we sure this is real?”

“I’m going to ask myself that same question tonight.”

“Whenever you wonder, just send me a text.”

“That was some kiss.” He whistled.

“Deck.”

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