Page 3 of Kiss Me Kate

I inhale deeply before confidently making my way onto the landing. The four people gathered downstairs immediately turn their heads to look at me, the sound of my heels tapping against the hardwood flooring catching their attention.

I've never been one for tomboyish clothes, but I've never felt comfortable in dresses either. My mother wipes away tears with a tissue and whispers something to herself, though her words are too quiet for me to make out. I can only assume they are tears of pride at her baby grown up. My gaze falls on Silas, and his jaw drops before breaking into a smile that lights up his face. Either pleased with my appearance or happy to see me.

I know tonight will be perfect.

Chapter 3

Silas

My heart swells with gratitude and joy, knowing that I am the luckiest man alive. Together, we enter the high school gym, transformed into a dazzling spectacle of streamers, twinkling lights, and billowing clouds of dry ice. The theme for tonight's event is A Night to Remember, and I have no doubt that it will live up to its name. As we make our way through the crowded room, every gaze is drawn to the stunning girl beside me, her dress shimmering in the light like a starry Texas sky. I don’t know what I did to deserve this treasure, but so help me God, I’ll spend the rest of my life making myself worthy of her.

As I lead her onto the dance floor, my heart fills with pride and adoration for this stunning woman by my side. Her radiant presence outshines everyone around us.

“You look beautiful, darling,” I whisper the sweet words of admiration into her ear, my hand gently skimming against the smooth skin on the small of her back. The soft touch sends shivers down my spine and ignites a passionate fire within me. My heart beats wildly, drowning out the sounds of the popsong blaring overhead. In this moment, nothing else matters but holding her close and making her fall hopelessly in love with me. Although thoughts of her college applications linger in the back of my mind, I push them aside, unable to do anything but cherish this moment with the girl of my dreams.

"Thank you for joining me tonight," Kate says with a shy smile. Her delicate features flush with a warm, rosy hue that accentuates her beauty. She quickly glances over her shoulder, hiding her blush from me.

I place a finger under her chin and gently turn her gaze back to me. Her beauty steals my breath. The soft lights from the glitter ball illuminate her features, showcasing the gentle curve of her cheekbones and the sparkle in her eyes. It's just the two of us in this moment, and I never want it to end.

My lips brush against her soft skin as the aroma of her perfume fills my senses. The tangy sweetness mixes with the heady rush of desire in my head, making me feel dizzy and drunk. "Wild horses couldn't stop me from being here with you," I whisper, my voice husky with longing. "You mean everything to me, baby." My mouth waters at the thought of tasting her, but I push the thought aside and continue speaking. "I know it's a bit early, but we've known each other for years and always been friends…" The wordfriendhangs in the air between us, heavy with meaning as I struggle to find the right words. The last thing I want is for her to think of me as her buddy.

As she lifts her head to meet my gaze, her emerald-green eyes widen in surprise and disbelief. Her lips part slightly, revealing a hint of quivering bottom teeth as she struggles to maintain her composure. Her small hand reaches out tentatively, and she gently places it against my chest. I can’t help but notice the slight tremble in her voice as she asks, "Do you only want to be friends?" The innocence and vulnerability in her expression tugs at my heartstrings, making it impossible for me to hold back.

“No, sweetheart. I want so much more. You’re a dream—the best one I’ve ever had. And I never want to wake up.” With every step we take on the dance floor, our hearts beat in sync. I can feel her warmth radiating through our embrace, and my lovesick gaze falls on hers. The music surrounds us, enveloping us in its sweet melody. As we sway back and forth, locked in each other's arms, I know that there is nothing I want more than to be with her.

"Oh, Silas," Kate breathes, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I've waited so long to be with you. Since the very first day we met, I've prayed for this moment."

Kate's words catch me off guard, like a sudden gust of wind on a calm day. We were both so young when we first met, only twelve and nine years old. At the time, I thought she was just a cute little girl, an extension of her older brother Calvin. But as the years passed and she grew into her long legs and stunning features, my admiration for her evolved into something different— a burning desire that consumes every fiber of my being whenever we are apart. My love for her torments me constantly and leaves me longing for her company every second that we're not together.

Kate’s soft, honey-colored hair tickles my cheek as I whisper the words I've longed to say. "I want to be with you, Kate.” I take a deep breath and continue, “I know the next few years will be tough, but together, we can make it work.” I tighten my grip on her waist and with a gentle pull, bring her closer, our bodies melting into one another. Our lips meet and with a single taste, the world around us fades away. This isn’t our first kiss, but everything about tonight feels different. The fantasies I’ve harbored, the ones that always felt cruelly insurmountable finally feel attainable. If I play my cards right and love this little girl the way she wants and needs to be loved, we have a chance at forever.

And there’s nothing easier than loving Kate.

Chapter 4

Silas

“Holy hell, little girl. Everything you do blows my mind,” I whisper through kisses, my lips sealed to hers. Every touch, every movement of her body against mine sends electricity sparking through my veins. After an hour of dancing and watching my Kate win prom queen, I swept her away for a candlelit dinner at the finest restaurant in Hilltop. The food was amazing but not half as incredible as the company.

As previously planned, we made our way to a secluded spot on my grandfather's sprawling ranch, nestled in the shadows of pine-tree-covered hills. I scoot into the center of the bench seat and lift her onto my lap, bringing her closer into my arms. “We don’t have to do this, darling. Say the word and I’ll take you home.” My breath catches in my throat as I press my lips firmly against hers, savoring each kiss and losing myself in the heat radiating between us. I mean every word, but God help me, I’m not sure I have the strength to stop now.

Kate moans and confesses, “I want to stay here with you.” She tilts her head to the side, allowing me free reign to devourher neck. Her skin tingles as my warm breath brushes against it, causing her nipples to harden beneath the soft fabric of her pink dress. In a surprising move, she lifts my hand and places it over her breast, her eyes fixed on mine, daring me to continue. When I hesitate, she curls her fingers beneath the silk straps and lets the material fall off her shoulders. “I want to be yours, Silas.” Sweeter words were never spoken.

“You are mine. And I’m yours.” My voice comes out in a rasp, my throat tight with emotion. I gently lift her chin and lock eyes with her, desperate to finally utter the words that have been weighing on me for so long. "I love you, Kate," I whisper, my voice trembling with sincerity. "I want to spend every moment of my life by your side, and one day, when our time comes, I want to die in your arms." The words hang in the air between us, like a vow made to God or the universe. I can see the tears shimmering in her eyes as she takes in my declaration of love.

“I love you, Silas. I’ve loved you for so long. I don’t ever want this moment to end.” Kate's words spill out like a secret she's been holding for far too long. They wrap around me, electrifying my senses and stirring something primal within me. I've always been a gentleman with my girl, but my self-control is slipping away and threatening to knock every lick of sense from my lust-addled mind. The caveman within me wants to be unleashed.

I open the door of the cab and lend Kate a hand as she steps out of the truck. I lift her into my arms, making sure to protect her new shoes from any mud on the ground. After gently placing her onto the tailgate, I return to the truck and take off my tuxedo jacket before tossing it onto the seat. Then, I grab the blanket I placed in the backseat and make my way back to Kate. Together, we spread the blanket across a soft patch of grass and crawl on. It's not nearly enough for such an important occasion, but Kate had mentioned wanting to make love under the stars, so this was the best I could do at the last minute.

“I love you, little girl. I’m dying to make love to you, but we can wait.” My heart pounds so hard, the words come out as a stammer.

Kate shakes her head as her green eyes hood with desire. Her trembling hands reach for her dress’s hidden zipper, tucked beneath her arm, and she slowly lowers it. As she completes the motion, the top of her dress slips down to her waist, revealing her bare breasts to my hungry gaze. The sight makes my head dizzy as blood rushes south, lengthening my cock to unreal proportions. I’ve never been more aroused in my life. Only Kate can do this to me.

With a gentle smile, Kate's cheeks flush a rosy pink under the bright moonlight. She covers her face, but it doesn’t hide the sparkle in her eyes. "I promise, I want this," she whispers, her words carrying a sense of wonder and awe. "You and me under the stars, with the entire galaxy cheering us on. If I'm with you," she continues, her voice soft but unwavering, "everything is perfect."

In that moment, under the twinkling night sky, I know we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.

The night whispers around us, and the soft glow of the stars barely illuminates the gentle curves of Kate’s supple breasts. As I draw her closer, the warmth of her body melds into mine. She peels the dress shirt off my shoulders and presses her warm hands against my chest. My skin turns to gooseflesh under her gaze and my mind dizzies with a heady feeling of intoxication. She’s so beautiful, I don’t know how I managed to make her fall in love with me.

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