Page 128 of The Apple Tree

It was all so perfect.

He gripped my ankle with his good hand and lifted my leg, resting it on the chair’s arm.

The cool evening air found my sensitive flesh, and I sucked in a tiny breath and trapped my lip between my teeth. George Michael and one and a half beers were the perfect combination to keep me from comparing myself to the centerfolds under Kyle’s mattress or any of the women in town who were pining for him. One and a half beers made me feel powerful.

He picked up the beer, and I waited for him to drink it or do something kinky, like pour it between my legs and lick it off.

“Baby,” he tipped the beer, letting the rest spill over the railing, “the only thing I need in my veins is you.”

The can clinked, and his head bowed. He held the inside of my thigh as he kissed me, teased me with his tongue, and stole my breath.

“God …” I whispered, closing my eyes while my other heel pressed harder into the chair. My fingernails scraped along the wood arms.

The song lyrics seduced me. He seduced me.

Thoughts collided with feelings and mind-blowing sensations. I couldn’t tell if I was thinking the words “don’t ever stop” or if I was chanting them aloud.

I’d spent weeks trying to please everyone else. It was my turn. I wanted someone to care for me, even for only a fewamazingminutes.

CHAPTER THIRTY

PHIL COLLINS, “IN THE AIR TONIGHT”

Eve

After what Ifondly dubbed “the best beer and a half of my life,” I accepted Kyle’s suggestion to sleep at home because I wanted to take Grandma Bonnie breakfast, and she was an early riser. Just as I took the apple strudel out of the oven to cool a few minutes before seven, my mom pulled up to shit on my day.

“I’m glad you came home last night,” she said, tightening her robe’s sash.

“Yeah, well, I didn’t want to wake Josh or Kyle by leaving their house this morning.” I pulled the hot pads off my hands and shut off the oven.

“There’s been some chattering around town, specifically among our church family.”

“About?” I poured myself a glass of orange juice while I waited for the strudel to cool.

Mom filled the coffee pot with water. “It’s silly, really. But we can’t have people jumping to conclusions no matter how ridiculous they are.”

“Jumping to conclusions about what?”

“You and Kyle.” She rolled her eyes and measured the coffee grounds.

I paused my juice glass an inch from my lips. “Me and Kyle?”

“I know. I know. It’s so disappointing that people’s minds jump to such impure and, frankly, offensive ideas. You’re helping Kyle and Josh out. You’ve beensoamazing. And we couldn’t be more proud of you.” She waved her hand in the air. “Sure, there was the mishap last night, but your dad thinks Arnold Wells will fix it in exchange for a couple of your pies. My point is, as nonsensical as the rumors are, your dad and I have decided you need to sleep at home, and if there’s a concern about Josh needing help, then he can sleep here in Sarah’s room until Kyle’s arm is better.”

“Um …” I cleared my throat, “what specifically are they saying?”

“He’s not married, and you’re a beautifulyoungwoman. They don’t see you two as family the way we do. But your father is the pastor, so appearances matter.”

“And yet, you still wear reinforced pantyhose with open-toed shoes.”

“Stop it, Eve.” She laughed. “I’m not talking about that kind of appearance.”

I tore off a piece of foil to cover the strudel. “Well, the rumors are correct. Kyle and I are having hot sex, a torrid, scandalous affair. We can’t keep our hands off each other. I’ve never felt more like a woman than I do with him.” I shot her a toothy grin.

Mom rolled her eyes. “Can you be serious for two seconds?”

“I am being serious. Do you have any idea how good it feels to get this off my chest?” I dramatically placed my hand over my heart and sighed.

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