Page 8 of Sexual Healing

Leah wasn’t quite sure how to broach the subject. So she just dove in. “Reese went to visit his family last night.”

“And?”

“I don’t think it went well.”

For a moment, Jocelyn didn’t say anything. Finally, she said, “I think in your heart, you know Rachel Singleton is a fair person who deeply loves her sons, as any mother would. You weren’t here to see what Reese went through when you left, Leah. He loved you, and you were his world. Then you took off without a word. Rachel and Daniel resented you for it, as did several other people in town. Heck, even I was upset with you for treating Reese that way. However, when you returned and told us the reason you left, Reese and I understood. Rachel and Daniel would, too, if they knew. Have you thought about telling them?”

She drew in a deep breath. “I’m not ready to do that, Jocelyn.”

“Then you need to accept that until you do, Reese’s family will feel they have no reason to forgive you for what you did to him five years ago.”

Leah couldn’t stop the tears that fell down her cheeks. She knew what Jocelyn was saying was true, but it hurt to hear it. She loved Reese--she had always loved him. Why couldn’t the people who knew her figure out that something had happened, something that had sent her running?

She knew the answer to that question. Back when she was younger, she had let it be known far and wide that the first opportunity she got, she would split Newton Grove and never look back. However, that had been before she’d met Reese. After that, her entire outlook changed. She had wanted to remain here in town with him–as his wife and the mother of his children. Hadn’t anyone noticed how she’d changed? Obviously not. When she’d left, the people in town assumed Reese truly hadn’t meant anything to her and that she’d done what she’d always said she would do anyway--leave Newton Grove without looking back.

She left her office to find she had a busier after-lunch crowd than usual. So she stayed busy—and stopped worrying--by helping Angie in the kitchen and taking orders along with Marie. Things stayed busy until closing time. She couldn’t help smiling when Reese walked through the door. And when he smiled back, she could finally take a full breath. For her, he was always a beacon of love and hope.

•••

Hours later, Reese and Leah had left the theater and were strolling up the walkway to her door. He stood back while she unlocked it. She didn’t ask him if he wanted to come inside because she knew he did. As always, he would kiss her good night. It was the only physical contact she could allow.

“I really enjoyed the movie, Reese,” she said, wanting to break the still quietness of the night. “It was a good idea.”

“I’m glad you think so. I enjoy spending time with you. Always remember that,” he said, unlocking the door for her.

When she closed the door behind him, he touched her hand, and she turned to him. This was a part of their relationship they both looked forward to. She always knew that no matter how intense the kiss became, Reese would pull back before things got out of hand. She admired his ability to stay in control—it allowed her the chance to let go—even if only for a little while—and indulge in at least one facet of her fantasies.

She gazed into his face, thinking, as she always did, that she was a lucky woman to be with such a gorgeous man. Tall, broad-shouldered, dark ebony eyes and skin the color of semi-sweet chocolate. She felt his hands move to her waist, and instead of feeling panicky, heat filled her insides.

“Good night, Leah.” His voice was deep and husky.

“Good night, Reese.” And the moment she said the words, he lowered his head and gently captured her mouth with his, and she let go, sliding her own hands around his waist.

She closed her eyes when their lips touched. The kiss reminded her of better times when she had been sexually free and uninhibited. Their tongues mingled, dueled, tangled. He made a sound deep in his throat. She heard it and was totally aware he was becoming aroused. She could feel the hardness of him pressing against her stomach. But she wasn’t afraid of it because, in the back of her mind, a part of her needed this kiss from Reese as much as she needed air to breathe.

Slowly, he pulled away. She glanced up at him, and he smiled. It was a slow, warm Reese Singleton smile that touched her all over. Then he reached out and tilted her face up and leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips one more time.

“Dream about me tonight, sweetheart.”

She smiled. “I always do, Reese. I love you so much.”

“And I love you, too, Leah.”

And then he was pulling her into his arms, holding her close. This time, though, it meant more. She felt it and knew he felt it, too. In his arms, they both strove to assure each other of their feelings, their love, and the knowledge that what others didn’t understand, they did. What had happened that night five years ago was something they would deal with and work through. Together.

Moments later, he took a step back. “Don’t forget that tomorrow I’m leaving for Memphis to pick up supplies. I won’t be back until noon.”

She had forgotten. “Thanks for reminding me.”

And then, giving her one last kiss, he turned and left. And as always, she felt an intense surge of loss with his leaving.

Leah glanced around her restaurant feeling a little giddy. Today she would take the first step in the expansion of her café. The engineer from Cody’s Construction Company–the outfit that had bought her father’s company–had come by earlier to look around and take measurements. The man would be returning next week, along with the architect, to draw up some possibilities for the way she wanted the place to look.

“Leah, you have a call.”

She turned around and smiled over at Marie. “Thanks. I’ll take it in my office.” Leah quickly walked to her office, wondering if it was Jocelyn calling, and if so, why she was calling the café and not her cell phone. Probably because her cell phone was in her office. When they talked yesterday, Leah had felt down in the dumps. Her sister was probably calling to make sure she was doing better today.

She smiled as she picked up the phone. “Hello.”

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