Page 65 of A Lesson In Beginning

“Let me show you.” He tossed me a look, one that made me think his words were not just in the interest of ice cream education, but were also referencing my own sexual education. The car bobbed and weaved through traffic until we arrived at a small hut-like building called Clarabelle’s Confections.

“Let me introduce you to Clarabelle’s Confections. Easily the best ice cream shop in the entire city.” He pulled into a parking space and turned off the car. A few moments later, he was around the side of the car, opening my door like a true gentleman. I had to admit, I appreciated the gesture.

There were people lined up in a small queue by an open window where employees were taking orders, plus several tables where people sat to enjoy their desserts, both inside the building and out.

“Before we head over there to order, there’s one thing I’d like to do.” His voice pulled my attention, turning my head back to where he still stood, only a few inches away from me.

“What’s that?” I had to crane my neck slightly to see him, our height difference obscuring his face some in the dark light of evening.

“May I kiss you?”

“Kiss me?”

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you since I left you last night. If you don’t feel comfortable, I absolutely understand and —”

“Yes.”

“What?”

“Kiss me, Joel. Please?” Before I could take another breath, his hand wrapped around the back of my neck, tipping my head back and holding me exactly where he wanted me. His lips found mine, soft and supple, caressing mine as he sought entrance. His arm wrapped around my lower waist, pulling our bodies together and pushing me back against the car door in one fluid movement.

I lost all thoughts of time and place as the familiar taste of his tongue against mine whisked me right back to that room, to last night, to his hand between my thighs and his eyes locked on mine as I succumbed to his masterful artistry of pleasure.

“Thank you.” His breath fanned against my lips as he spoke, our lips only barely parted, foreheads touching as we both reveled in the feel of the kiss.

“For what?” I managed to mutter the words and stop myself from thinking about his skilled fingers long enough to speak.

“For letting me do that. I couldn’t stop thinking about it.”

“Me either.” Giggling lightly at the absurdity of it all, I opened my eyes again to see his smiling face. He was so handsome, with that long hair just begging to be untied and played with.

“Good. Now, let me introduce you to the glorious world of specialty ice cream.” He tugged at my hand, boyish charm pouring out of every pore as we literally sprinted across the parking lot to the line of people waiting to give their order.

“I have no idea what I’d even get. Do you think they have chocolate chip cookie dough?”

“Do they have chocolate chip cookie dough?” He scoffed playfully. “Please. Just a sec.” He left me in line to dash to the front, taking a paper from the counter and running back to me. There were easily a dozen patrons in front of us, waiting patiently.

“The real question is whether you are a death-by-chocolate kind of girl, or if you prefer interesting flavor combinations. Or perhaps you’re more of a fruit lover when it comes to desserts? They’ve got it all.” Handing me the menu, he waited patiently as I skimmed over the long list of options available that night.

“There are so many to choose from! I don’t even know where to begin.”

“Well, we’ve got time, so there’s no rush. I have all night, love.” I was growing quite fond of the little moniker he had chosen for me.

“What is your favorite?”

“Oh, goodness. I am a death-by-chocolate fan, so ‘Until the Cacao’s Come Home’ is my go-to, though I occasionally like to mix it up with something interesting and new. The green tea peach ice cream is surprisingly good. As is the lavender lemon cake.”

“Lavender lemon cake?!” I quickly scoured the list to see if it was included for this evening and sure enough, it was right there, under the name ‘Lavelicious Longings’. “That’s the ice cream for me. Lavender ice cream with vanilla bean and real lemon pound cake? Surely I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

“Wait till you taste it, love. It’s even better than the lavender creme latte I got the other day.” He winked at me, turning towards the counter as we stepped forward as the line began to dwindle. His hand found mine, intertwining our fingers as we waited as patiently as we could. It seemed to be a difficult feat for him, as he nearly bounced in place with excitement. I could not keep my eyes from peeking at his boyish charm every few moments. He was exuberant in his love for ice cream; honestly, for many things in life. It drew me like a moth to a flame. The simple pleasures in life were enough for those who wished to enjoy them. It was something I had forgotten long ago, and the reminder was beyond pleasant.

In no time at all, we each had a cup of ice cream in hand.

“Where would you like to sit?” I asked him, looking around at the crowded tables and chairs that littered the lawn between us and the parking lot. It was a busy place.

“Let’s eat it in the car.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to make a mess.”

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