voice.
“I’d better be sure.” Empowered by their perfect chemistry, he leaned in for more. Her body melted against him. He wrapped his other arm around her, and puled her close.
“Wow,” she whispered, her eyes dark and smoky
“Haven’t you ever been kissed before?” His eyes searched hers.
“Not like that.”
“Good.”
Nothing like kissing a girl senseless to boost his confidence. “I think I’l just stay here al day. The rain’s not so bad.” He caressed her damp cheek with his thumb.
“I’d like that.” She leaned her head back against the rock wal, gazing contently up into his eyes.
“The tour is overrated anyway.”
Libby leaned into him eager for more. Everything about her brought Peter alive. His life was great; he had nothing to complain about. But this simple girl turned everything upside down. He couldn’t get enough. He wanted to sneak her onto the bus and take her with him.
They parted, breathless and aroused, secure in each other’s arms. Peter’s phone rang. His family was back.
“I should have sent them to Iowa for lunch.”
“You can’t leave me now.” She sighed, wanting to stay in Peter’s arms al day.
“I think I’l have to kil them. With my bare hands. Except my hands are busy.” He emphasized, moving them down over her hips and back up.
“What are we going to do?” Disappointment colored her words.
They had opened a new door and complicated their lives.
Neither wanted to walk away.
“We’re going to talk as often as possible and text in between.” He hoped to reassure her this was only the beginning.
“Okay, but when wil I see you again?” she asked, the angst clear in her voice.
“I don’t know. We’re leaving the Midwest for a while.” Not knowing worried him too. “But that isn’t going stop us from being together. I’l figure something out. I promise.” He meant it with every fiber of his being. They barely knew each other, but he would not let her go. The connection they shared was extraordinary.
Libby nodded, her trust in him absolute. His phone played music again.
“You’re ringing.”
“They can wait, I’m with them al the time. You’re special.” He lowered his lips to hers once more, feeling neither the cold nor the rain.
# # #
Peter jogged through the steady rain, his heart bursting with joy. The silver bus stood ominous, surrounded by a thick fog.
He hammered on the door twice. It opened smoothly. He returned to the other part of his life, energized and empowered. He could conquer the world.
“Peter, where’s Libby?” His mother asked.
He pushed the hood of his jacket back and shook his head like a dog, spraying water on everyone around him.
“Dude, grab a towel, would ya?” Garrett blocked his face with his arm.
“She didn’t want a ride. She’s not far from home and wanted to walk.”
His parents exchanged concerned glances.
“She’s realy shy, that’s al.”
“Apparently not too shy,” Adam said, noticing Peter’s over-the-top mood.
Peter shrugged, a smug grin on his face. He moved to the back of the bus, high-fiving Garrett as he passed.
“Oh yeah, little brother.” Garrett said.
“We brought you a burger,” his mother caled.
“Not hungry.” He plopped onto the couch, popped in his earphones, and closed his eyes. He lost himself in thoughts of Libby.
# # #
Libby sat in the middle of her bed wearing her sweatshirt and underwear. The sopping wet jeans she wore earlier lay in a pile on the floor along with her squishy shoes and dripping socks. She spread the new gift out on the bed like the crown jewels.
Unfortunately she didn’t know how to use the shiny new phone. Al the kids at school owned phones. She was about to get one last year, but then the car accident happened. The box contained some cords and a smal instruction booklet. She picked up the high-tech device and ran her hands over it when a familiar Jamieson tune played.
She dropped the phone, then flipped it over and tried to figure out how to answer. She fumbled over the buttons on the screen until she heard laughter come from the tiny unit.
She picked it up and held it to her ear. “Helo?”
“Can you hear me?” Peter’s magical voice sounded close.
“Yeah, hang on, I’m trying to figure this out.” Libby turned the phone around and found the right end for her ear. “Okay, can you hear me now?”
“Your voice is music to my ears,” Peter answered.
Libby felt warm and tingly down to her cold feet. “I can’t believe you gave me a phone.”
“Wel, I had to do something. I couldn’t quit the tour and hide