Page 43 of On Broken Wings

“Let’s go in here a minute.” I turned us toward the indoor shops. “You like popcorn?” I grinned as I stopped us in front of Garett’s Popcorn Shoppe.

“Sure.” She shrugged. “I guess.”

“Wait until you try this.” I winked as I turned to the girl behind the counter and ordered a small mixed bucket. Jenni watched, slightly skeptical as I paid and took the bag from the girl. “Let’s go out here and sit.”

I led us back outside and searched for a bench to sit on. Once I found one, I sat and offered Jenni the bag. “You gotta take some of both kinds in the same bite.” She curled her lip. “Just trust me.”

I watched as she popped two pieces in her mouth. “Mmmm.” She sighed as she slowly chewed.

“Good?” I laughed as her head nodded rapidly.

“Very good. You can’t have this back.” She grinned as she moved the bag out of my reach. “I’ll trade you.” She handed me the remnants of her cotton candy.

“You can keep both.” I chuckled.

“Thanks.” Her grin spread even wider, making her look like a little kid who’d just gotten away with something she shouldn’t have. “The cotton candy is really good though. You should try it.” She moved closer, pressing our hips together on the bench, and peered up at me as if she was begging me to kiss her.

ooooooooo

Jenni

I don’t know what I was doing, but he looked so good tonight. When Evan came to pick me up, and I saw how hot he looked, I almost swallowed my tongue. It didn’t help that he smelled good too. The entire night I’ve been trying to work things out in my head that would let me relax and enjoy him. A kiss couldn’t be too bad, right? I’ve been so worried about leading him on or making him think that I want more, that I’ve been driving myself crazy.

“Jenni.” His voice sounded strangled, and he cleared his throat. I blinked as I stared at his lips. “You keep looking at me like that, and I’m not going to be able to just sit here much longer.”

“Looking how?” I swallowed as I licked the pink sugar off my lips. My heart was racing, and I think I may have been holding my breath. I honestly don’t know. I do know that Evan was getting closer and closer, and I was just about ready to close the remaining distance between us.

“You can always tell me no. You know that, right?” He leaned in, causing his breath to feather across my face. “I’ll listen to you every time. Tell me no if that’s what you want, but you look like you want to tell me yes.”

I swallowed. “I do. I want to tell you yes.”

Evan’s hands came up to cup my cheeks, framing my face in his palms. He tilted it as he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. They were soft but insistent, giving me just the right amount of pressure. I gasped as he held us there, slipping his tongue past my lips and tangling it with mine. It was the first kiss I’d had since Nate, only it was so much better. I thought Nate was a good kisser all those years ago, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Evan.

When the kiss ended, Evan rested his forehead against mine. His eyes were closed as he slowed his breathing. “You are amazing, Jenni,” he whispered.

“So are you.” I giggled. “That was…” I stumbled for words.

“Yeah.” Evan chuckled. “We better get home. I don’t need your brother coming after me.” He pulled back and stood up, offering me his hand. We walked back to his car in silence, just enjoying the summer night and each other’s company. It was the perfect end to the perfect date. I knew then that I’d found someone special. Evan was healing the brokenness inside me. He was teaching me to fly again.

Chapter 19

Jenni

It was finally the weekend, and for once I had plans. Evan was coming over tonight to watch a movie and bring pizza. It was a giant step for us. I’d never let anyone come over, especially a guy. When Evan picked me up the other night, it was the first time I’d ever let him get that close to the apartment.

I’ve been cleaning all morning. The place didn’t really need it, but that’s what I do when I’m nervous, I clean. “You wanna do my laundry while you’re at it?” Mason stopped in the doorway to the bathroom and propped himself on the jamb.

I glared at him over my shoulder. “I’m not your maid.” I dipped the rag I had back in the bucket of soapy water as I wiped over the front of the cabinets again.

“I think you got it clean enough to eat in here, Jen.” Mason chuckled as he motioned around the room.

“Well, it needs to be clean. Evan will come in here tonight, and I need it to be perfect.” I sighed as let the rag drop and eased back to sit on the floor. I’d been in here for the last hour on my hands and knees, scrubbing everything I could reach.

“Relax.” Mason stepped forward, and when I glared at his shoes on my newly scrubbed tile, he stepped back with his hands up in surrender.

“I’m just,” I growled as I pounded my fist on my thigh.

“I know.” His voice softened. “Do you want me to stay home today? I could call in. I’m sure Sam would understand.”

---