“So, bounce them off me.”
“It’s probably better if I don’t. The walls have ears.”
I knelt on the raft and poked him hard in the chest. “Peter Preiss, you’re ridiculous. What are you hiding? Why can’t you tell me? You’re just as bad as them!”
I grabbed my shoes, stood, and hurried over to the door. He jumped up and hooked his arm around me. I struggled, but he lifted me up by my waist and carted me over to the raft. We landed in a heap. He ended up lying on top of me. I pounded his arms and kicked my legs.
“Let me go, you jerk!”
He drew my hands over my head and kissed me. I tried to move my mouth away from his, but he was too strong. I stopped struggling. My mind drew a blank. I couldn’t stop kissing him. I was so mad but wanted him.
“Please…please don’t be angry.” He nipped at my mouth. I could taste his blood. It didn’t bother me. I moaned and arched backward. He unbuttoned my coat.
I sighed, and his mouth did something incredible against my neck. I held him close. “We need to talk,” I whispered, and tilted my head to the side for him to nibble my throat.
“I-I know. But first I need to be with you.” He raised his head and cupped my face. “You’re my entire life, Wendy. I’m afraid if I tell you what I know, you’ll run away.”
“I would never do that, Pete.” I grabbed his face and gave him another kiss.
Soon, we were kissing again. I pulled off my coat. I was so warm.
“This is manipulation, you know that?” I whispered as he sucked on the side of my neck.
“I know. But, after what happened tonight, I need you. I have a bad feeling I’m going to lose everything. Can we just be together and forget this crap with Pam and Toby for a few hours? That’s all I want. Then I’ll tell you what you want to hear.”
Pete shivered, and it wasn’t from the cold. He acted scared and had this desperate expression in his eyes. His heart pounded. Mine did too. He wanted comfort, and I longed to give it to him.
“Oh, Peter.” I cupped his bruised cheek and rubbed my nose against his. St. Patrick’s Day had come early.
I sat up and caressed his shoulders and arms. He still held my face in his hands, probably afraid I would bolt. I wiped away a bead of sweat sliding down my neck and into the front of my dress. His eyes widened, and his face lowered. His lips met my chest, and I tightened my arms around him. He held onto me in a warm embrace. His lips tickled, and I smiled, resting my cheek on top of his head.
“Do you have protection?” I asked him. I still hadn’t gone to the doctor’s yet.
He looked up dazed and somewhat shocked. “Uh, in my bag. You?” He stumbled over his words.
I kissed the side of his neck. “Not yet, but since you’ve come prepared, that’ll have to do for now. I do trust you, you know.” I pressed my mouth over his ear and stuck out my tongue.
Groaning, he gave me a hard, wet kiss. He whispered something against my mouth I couldn’t catch. When we finally separated, I took in some much needed breaths and slid off his coat and undid his tie. My fingers fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. His hands ran up and down my back, at last coming around and sliding over the front of the bodice of my dress. The light from the lantern cast shadows over the room. As cheesy as it sounded, it was one of the most romantic things I’d ever seen.
“I’m trusting you, just like you trust me. I give you this.” Taking his hand, I placed it over my heart.
“I love you so much, Wendy,” he whispered, and tears came to his eyes.
I started to tell him the same, but his mouth crashed over mine again. This time his kiss was needy, hungry. I’d never felt anything like it. I lay with him on top of me then shivered, not only from the cold but from the heat of Pete’s kisses and touches.
Because I trusted him so much, and my love for him was unlike any I had for another, I gave him the part of myself he deserved, just like he gave that part of himself to me.
It was as close to perfect as we could get. I didn’t even give a second thought to the what ifs.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Feeling okay?”
“Yes. How about you?”
“Like a million dollars.” Pete nipped my ear and, spooned against my back, he buried his face into my hair.
I linked our fingers together, placing them against the middle of my chest. I lay on my side, watching the moon through the window. I snuggled into his embrace under our coats that we’d made into covers to keep us warm from the cold night air.
“What time is it?” I asked, feeling very drowsy. I could stay here all night in his arms.
“A little past eleven. I think we should leave. The cops check this area, and I really don’t want to explain why we only have our winter coats on and nothing else.”
“You have a good point there, Preiss.” I pulled my coat up under my arms.
He rose onto his elbow. His other arm was under the coat, lying across my waist. He tickled my stomach with his fingers.
I combed back his damp hair. Leaning down, he gave me another one of his wonderful kisses. I rubbed his shoulders and curved my leg around his hip. With a groan, he moved his head away.
“Brrr…. You might be okay with the cold, but I’m not. Let’s get dressed and head home.”
“Then we’ll talk?” I gave him a don’t-mess-with-me stare.
“Yes, ma’am.” He pinched my chin, and we shared another kiss. He then rolled away and dressed. I stretched, so ready for my pajamas and bed.
I put on everything except my stockings and shoes. He shook out the blanket, took the open condom wrapper, then picked up the used condom with it. Opening the door, he went outside. I put on my coat and picked up his. When he entered again, rubbing his arms, I handed him his jacket.
“Where’d you go?”
He dipped into his coat pocket and took out his car keys. “Garbage.”
I started at him confused, and then it hit me. “Ah.”
He nuzzled the side of my neck. I shivered, wanting more.
“You’re quick on the uptake,” he replied in a sarcastic tone.
I pushed him away, pretending to stumble. “Blame it on the passion!” I held out my arms and laughed.
Grabbing me again, he kissed me. I twined my fingers through his and sighed happily. After a few more mind-numbing kisses, he broke away. I pouted, and he tugged on my hair.
“Come on, Wonder Woman. Let’s get you home before we end up camping here for the night.”
“It’s still early. We don’t have to be home until one, remember?” I poked him in the side.
“The quicker I get you home, the sooner I can hold you in my arms again.”
“And we talk about what went on tonight.”
He knew I meant the drama in the parking lot and not what occurred between us here in the boathouse.
“Yup. A promise is a promise.”
Since the light in the lantern had burned out a few minutes ago, we only had the moon to guide us. He folded the blanket, locked up, and helped me into the car. He got into the driver’s seat, pumped up the heat, and we drove away. We held hands and smiled, lost in our own thoughts.
***
Pete accompanied me up to my front steps and gave me a hug. We huddled in each other’s arms.
“Sure you’re okay?” he asked.
“Never better.” I wasn’t that truthful. Certain parts of my body ached, and I was anxious to hear what he had to say. I wanted more reassurances from him that all was well between us.
“I would ask you to come in, but the parental units will ask a million questions.”
“I know. I’m gonna wash up, put some cream on my face, and get changed out of this getup. I’ll meet you in twenty minutes or so.”
I nodded and scratched my head. “My hair is destroyed. I hope my mom doesn’t notice.”
“Just tell her a balloon got caught in your hair and you had to take it apart.”
I snorted. “You’re so not good
at making up stories.”
Leaning in, he gave me a quick kiss. “Be right back.”
I grabbed him by his coat and gave him a loud smack on the lips. “You better. I think I’ve found my second wind.”
Chuckling, he sprinted across the street. Turning, I entered my house.
“You’re home early.” Dad glanced up at me and then returned to reading the newspaper.
“It wasn’t as fun as I thought it would be.”
“Oh?”
I took off my coat. “It could’ve been better. Where’s Mom?”
“She’s in bed.” He patted the seat next to him. “Sit down and talk to your old man.”
“Can we talk tomorrow? I’m really tired, and my feet are killing me from all the dancing.”
“Sure. Will you be able to go to mass tomorrow morning?”
“I’ll have to see how I’m feeling. I might go to afternoon mass, if that’s okay?”
“I don’t see it as a problem.”
“Night, Dad.” I hurried up the stairs.
“Night, Wen.”
***
Not wanting to spend any more time away from Pete, I rushed to the bathroom, washed my face, wiped a warm, wet washcloth over my body, and put on my warm, comfortable plaid pajamas. When I left the bathroom, Dad had just come upstairs. He yawned and went in after me.
I hurried into my bedroom and closed the door. As I hung up my dress, I heard the bathroom door close. At the same time, Pete climbed through the window, wearing his matching BHS sweatshirt and pants.
“You’re yummy in purple,” I whispered and kissed him on the chin.
He started talking, but I hushed him, listening. The bathroom door opened and the light went out under my door. The sound of footsteps faded away.
I tugged him over to the bed and began pulling off his sweatshirt. I really wanted to see those nice muscular arms of his again. “Mom is out like a light, and Dad seemed pretty tired. They won’t hear a thing.” I kissed Pete’s neck, ready to move down lower, but he stopped me.
“Time out. I forgot my backpack at the boathouse. I need to go get it.”
I tapped my forehead against the middle of his chest. “Are you crazy? It’s almost midnight. You can go tomorrow morning.”
He acted too stubborn for his own good. “My whole life is in that bag.”
“Aren’t you being a bit overdramatic? You locked it up. No one is going to break in.”
“There’s a reason I need it now. Something important is in it.”
I clenched my fists and took in some deep breaths. I didn’t want to argue with him. “What’s so important—?”
“Condoms,” he blurted.
I covered my mouth to stop from laughing too loud. “Pete, we don’t have to do that. I’m okay with just cuddling.”
“What if I want to?” he mumbled.
“I think I created a monster. Fine. I’m coming with you.”
He sat me down on the bed and knelt in front of me. “It will take me less than twenty minutes. I’ll be really fast.”
“But it’s late. What if you are mugged or killed?” I gripped him by the front of his collar and gave him pecks on the lips. He sat back on his heels before I could pull him up on the bed.
“Wendy, there’s nothing to worry about. Nothing will happen to me. We live in one of the safest towns on the East Coast.” He caressed my cheek with his fingertips and gave me a kiss that left me aching for more.
After a few more minutes of some wonderful lip action between us, he stood. “Trust me on this, Wen.”
The moonlight hit his face as he went to the window to begin his descent. I cupped his cheek with my palm. “I’m giving you until twelve thirty. If you’re not back by then, I’m coming to get you and bringing you here.”
He placed his palm against my locket and gazed at me with such tenderness in his eyes. “I love you. You know that?”
I tapped the tip of his nose. “Yes. I do. And I’m not giving you those three words until you’re here in my arms where you belong. And remember, buster—”
“I know. We need to talk about all the drama tonight.”
I pinched his cheek. He gave me a wink, another kiss, and climbed out my bedroom window just like all the other times since he’d been eight years old.
He waved then turned the corner to jog across the street. The sound of his car starting rumbled through the night air. I rubbed my arms, standing in the middle of my room, listening to him drive away.
My alarm clock showed 12:05 a.m.
I yawned and wanted to pace, but the floor creaked and might have awakened my parents. So, I sat on my bed and leaned against the headboard to wait for my lover’s return. I giggled. I had a lover! Pete was my one true love. Now and forever.
As my eyes grew heavy and darkness descended, the last thing I remembered was Pete’s face while I lay under him, the feel of his body on top of mine, and all the kisses he gave my mouth and elsewhere.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Rolling over, I blocked the sun glare as it came through the window. I’d forgotten to pull down the shade before I fell asleep. Through glossy, sleep-filled eyes, I touched the side of the bed where Pete had slept. It was cold. I stretched and yawned, still tired. The inside of my legs cramped uncomfortably. Glancing at my clock, it showed eleven.
It took me a few minutes to get my bearings. I wasn’t much of a morning person. I stretched and yawned again. Then, my brain starting to work again, I sat up, realizing he’d never returned last night, and I’d fallen asleep waiting for him.
I went to my desk and grabbed my cell phone. There were no missed calls or any text messages. He owned a cell phone but barely used it. If he’d decided after he came back from the boathouse to go home instead of here, he would have called.
Oh! I thought he’d wanted to make lov—Aha! He probably wanted to get out of telling me about the whole situation with Pam.
Why, that low down dirty.…
“Wendy?” Mom knocked on my bedroom door.
“I’m awake. You can come in.”
She entered, wearing a long, puffy white bathrobe. She must have just finished her shower based on the towel wrapped around her head.
“Honey, there’s a police car in front of the Preiss house.”
“Really? Maybe the car just isn’t there because they couldn’t find any other parking on the street?”
“I saw two officers walk up to the house. Did something happen last night?”
Crap. “Nothing too out of the ordinary.”
“Mr. Preiss’ car is missing, too. I thought Pete wasn’t working this weekend.”
My heart gave a small jump. There was no reason for his car not to be in his driveway.
I exited my bedroom with Mom at my heels and hurried downstairs to peek out the front window. There was a police car parked across the street in front of Pete’s house like she had said. Dad popped out from the kitchen, holding a few garbage bags.
Opening the front door, I went out on the front steps. I still had my cell phone in my hands and called Pete’s phone.
“Who are you calling?” Mom asked.
I peered over my shoulder. “Pete’s cell.” His phone kept ringing until his voicemail picked up.
“Pete, it’s Wendy. When you get this message, give me a call. Bye.” I hung up. “Dad, do you know what’s going on?”
“No clue. I talked to Sarah and Tom for a few minutes after they came home. Tom asked if I’d seen Pete leave for work since the car was gone. I told him no. He found it strange. Pete took off today because of the late night you two had.” He scratched his chin. “Maybe he went fishing?”
“Fishing?” That would be strange in the middle of February, even for Pete. Plus there was no way he would leave me alone like that. We had unfinished business that needed to be resolved. He never said anything to me.
“What time did you two get home last night?” Mom asked, drying her damp hair with her towel.
“
I think it was after eleven thirty or so. Right, Dad?”
“About that time. I went to bed soon after you did.”
Mom moved away from the door to answer the ringing phone.
I had a very bad feeling. Something wasn’t right. Pete should’ve been back in my room before one. But, he never made it back. Where could he be?
I rushed up the steps, while behind me Dad started the lawn mower. As I opened the front screen door, Mom came outside with the phone. A police officer exited Pete’s house with his father. They both crossed the street and headed to my house.
Dad stopped the mower. Mom whispered on the phone. Concerned, I descended the steps, hurrying to our visitors who came up on the front lawn.
“Hi, Tom, Wendy. This is Officer Jones,” Mr. Preiss explained. “Perhaps you can help us with something?” He blinked rapidly and appeared worried.
“Sure,” Dad and I said at the same time.
The officer with black hair and a mustache held out his hand for us to shake. “Wendy, can
you tell us the last time you saw Peter?”
I almost wrapped my arms around my waist but stopped. That would be a sign of guilt. I swallowed and peered up at Dad. He motioned for me to answer.
“Pete and I came home around eleven thirty or about that time last night. My dad was still up. He can tell you the same thing.”
“Did you see him enter his house? Or did he take the car and drive somewhere else that you can think of?”
“Um, no. We just went to our school’s Valentine’s Day dance. With all the dancing we did, we were ready for bed. He could barely stay awake.”
Officer Jones put his hands on his hips. “You know Peter pretty well, with his habits and all?”
I nodded. “He’s my best friend.”
He gave me a hard stare. I made sure not to fidget.
“What’s going on?” Dad asked.
Mr. Preiss rubbed the back of his head. The habit reminded me so much of his son’s. “Pete’s not home, and the car’s missing. I know sometimes he’ll go off by himself, but he doesn’t like to drive that much. He likes to ride his bike instead. I wasn’t really worried until Officer Jones and his partner came to see us. The Toyota is parked by the lake near the boathouse, and Pete’s nowhere to be found.”
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