First Kiss

The waterfall provided a perfect backdrop. The water gurgled and twirled around the bubbling brooks. The air was warm. The sun was beginning to set below the clouds. Birds chirped a playful song nearby. It was a world away from anyone. Secluded from the rest of the park and hid among the forest walls. The tall evergreens provided shade. No one would suspect that beyond them was paradise.

Brady sat next to Chloe on the smooth surface of the rocks that were raised out of the water below. Their legs dangled over the edge into the water. Brady was cupping the cool water in his hands then gently releasing it down her leg. Chloe smiled at his actions. It was the same harmless flirting that had been happening all summer. Something seemed different tonight. Brady was serious, he almost seemed to be solving a puzzle that only he saw, in his head.

They were coming back tomorrow. How would the dynamics of their newly formed friendship change when they got back? Brady wondered whether she still regretted not going to Puerto Rico. He only knew that he was grateful for the time they had spent together.

While usually he invited change, he was not so sure this time. For a while he had been contemplating bringing their relationship to the next level. He wanted a romance with Chloe but was unsure of how she would feel. It was time to take the risk.

Chloe could not believe that Brady could not tell how much she liked him. For so long she wanted to act on her feelings but she held back. She did not want Brady to think she was being to forward. She did not want to seem presumptuous, after all she really did not know how he felt.

It was now or never. The light cascaded through Chloe's hair bringing out the natural highlights.

Brady turned to face her. His eyes a brighter blue because of the sun.

"Do you think you'll ever be able to forgive me?"

"For what?"

"This."

Gently he smoothed his hand on her cheek. Nearing his lips to hers. Lightly he let them descend on her own waiting mouth.

It was really happening. It was no longer a repetitive dream. This was reality. She was not going to wake up and be alone. Finally after all the hints, all the signals, he was kissing her. His lips were salty from the heat but still unbelievable soft and sweet. Chloe threw her arms around him. Desperate to be closer.

He ran his fingers through her hair, softly rubbing her neck with his thumb. Leaving one more peck Brady pulled away looking at her. Still with one hand on her neck, he moved the other out of her hair and onto her cheek lightly trailing his fingers along her jaw bone.

"I can't believe you just did that"

Brady dropped his hands to his sides. He turned his eyes away from hers.

"I know. I'm sorry. I've been wanting to do that for so long and I just couldn't take it any longer. You just look so beautiful in this light...again...I'm sor.."

"No, I meant I can't believe you stopped"

Chloe smiled at him and pulled him back toward her, covering his lips with hers.

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8-21-01