The Book of David by Kate L. Mary

Author:Kate L. Mary [Mary, Kate L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Twisted Press, LLC
Published: 2019-03-07T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

On Saturday night, Jared and I once again meet under the willow tree. We sit side by side, talking, as the branches sway. It seems to add to the illusion that there’s nothing in the world other than us. Every second we’re together is a risk, but by now I can’t even think about going back. Plus, it’s worth it. Just being able to escape reality for a few hours is heaven, a place I was certain Father David had made up, and being with Jared is like a dream.

I take a leap and place half my hand over his. He seems to understand that I not only need to be the one to do it, but that I have to keep my hand on top. I’m scared if his hand covers mine it will make me feel trapped or held down, and I don’t want to destroy the illusion I’ve worked hard to create.

“There has to be a way,” Jared says, turning his head so he’s looking me in the eye. “If we ran away together, we could make it.”

We’re side by side with our faces turned toward one another, and we’re close enough that I can feel his warm breath when he exhales. The first couple times it brushes over me, panic threatens to bubble up. Heat surrounds me, and I have to force myself to focus on Jared’s eyes. The gray depths are full of worry and understanding, and it helps me relax.

“Let’s just enjoy the moment,” I reply. Thinking about giving him up sends an ache shooting through me. I can’t talk about it. Not now. “We’ll worry about the future later.”

His mouth opens—probably to tell me how little time we have left—but I cut him off by pressing the tip of my finger against his lips.

I leave it there for a second then hesitantly trace the bottom one. His gaze holds mine, and a need I haven’t felt before curls in my stomach. I swallow, thinking about the day before and the tiny brush of my lips against his. My first real kiss, so small and yet so big.

The longer we sit like that, staring at each other in silence with my finger pressed against his mouth, the more the need builds. Jared seems to be frozen by the time I gather the strength to lean closer, and when I move my finger aside, he sucks in a deep breath. I swallow, pausing less than two inches from him so I can once again search his eyes. Then I close the gap between us, and my eyes slide shut. This time, I let the kiss linger. Let my mouth move just a little over his. His lips are warm against mine. Soft.

My palm is still on his cheek when I pull back, but his face isn’t scratchy or rough, and when he opens his eyes, a crooked grin spreads across his face that makes everything inside me melt.

“Wow,” he whispers, and I let out a soft laugh.

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