Zenith in Love (Zenith Series #5) - Leanne Davis Page 0,54
ever call me by that name? The foster care people called me that, and I really don’t want to relive all the memories it brings up.”
His voice stayed even and casual. But his palms sweated and his heart skipped a beat. She took his hand and slipped closer beside him. “Of course. I won’t ever call you that name again.”
Smiling down at her, they fell into step. “So… what about that ice cream now?”
“Now. Let’s leave your car up at the food bank parking lot and get it tomorrow.”
“Because no one will bother it?”
She released a guilty laugh. “Maybe. But I want to go inside together. Your place is just up the hill anyway.”
“Okay. Let’s do that.”
And they did. Eating ice cream was a slow, fun torture. Kayla licked her spoon seductively, letting the cold, pink, strawberry flavor stay on her lips too long. He knew her games. He was starting to love them, in fact.
When they got to his place, the guards were still outside. They ignored them and kissed against the door long and loud while laughing. This time, neither one cared if the guards heard. Not guilty or sinful but filled with fun and joy for each other. Touching and stripping each other’s clothes off was a happy recreation. Laughing together when an arm got stuck here, or a leg refused to release one side of the pants there. They flipped off their shoes and socks and finally stared at each other before falling together into his bed.
They kissed and touched and licked and moaned. Smiling as they moved together, holding hands with their bodies joined, just being happy, touching their faces when they kissed, everything seemed perfect and right.
Chapter 8
SEVERAL WEEKS DRIFTED BY like that. The church ran into an issue while redoing the hardwood floors. Mold spores were found and the inspectors recommended fixing the roof where it originated from before a thorough cleaning and sanitization could occur. The news was literally as welcome as a breath of fresh air to Jim and Kayla. Jim didn’t have to announce the breakup yet. So few knew that no one would suspect it, especially if they saw Jim and Kathy together. They were as easy going and friendly as ever.
Unlike Kayla and Jim, who went way beyond friendly. They dated and went out to dinners, movies, a play downtown, and a music concert at a local, large casino. They liked to go back to the little hot dog stand on the beach, their favorite date spot of the summer. It turned out to be a golden, warm, lovely summer too. With her scholastic life on pause, Kayla put in many hours at the food bank.
“I lost the internship I wanted. But you know what I’ve never done before? I’ve never looked into doing nonprofit work? I mean, why not? Why shouldn’t I?”
“No money in it, for one.”
“But if my life’s work meant just a little bit more than the average person’s, it’d be worth it, right?”
“Well, obviously I think so.”
“I have enjoyed the privilege of being Rob and Mom’s daughter. Paid education, car, and all the other expenses. I literally have a head start, which gives me a chance to do things differently.”
“You have to do what feels right and good to you.”
“Honestly? So many things do. I have a lot of diverse interests. I could barely settle on one major. I’m just like that so I’m going to investigate the possibilities.”
“See? God’s ways always work out.”
She groaned with an amused smile. “I’ll give you that one because you’ve restrained yourself from using the, ‘God’s plans for me’ line, for so many weeks.”
He beamed back at her. “You noticed? I have tried not to say it because I know you don’t like it. But I actually did mean it.”
She touched his cheek. “I know you did. In the best way possible for me, right?”
“Yes.” He leaned over and kissed her scalp. “Always.”
“You’re surprisingly sweet. A lot more than I’d have ever guessed.”
He nodded and sighed. “Honestly, it’s far more than I ever guessed as well.”
She cracked up because he was serious.
More weeks drifted by in idyllic serenity. Despite their collective grief over the shooting and Eric’s long road to recovery, everything between them was strangely wonderful and good.
They spent all their time at his little apartment, going out and about the city. No one ever spotted them. They didn’t try to hide from anyone but it was nice to not feel obliged to define themselves. Her family