Page 137 - Reason To Sing by Kelita Haverland

Chapter Twenty-Three

as free as a bird. I’m 18 and life is pretty exciting! I am out on
a date with a man I’ve had a crush on since I was a kid. I don’t
think it can get any better than this!
The drive to his place doesn’t feel long. My perception is a
tad clouded from all those fancy drinks. How many did I have?
Dreamy lives in a basement apartment and when we
arrive, he once again takes me by the arm and helps to guide
me down the steep steps.
The rush of warm air is most welcome as we enter his
place. “Let me take your coat,” he offers. He really is quite
a gentleman, that’s for sure. “I’m just going to mix us a few
drinks. Go on in and make yourself comfortable.”
“Sure, sounds great.” I am always so agreeable. Perhaps too
much so? I’m starting to feel a little nervous.
As Dreamy prepares the drinks, I settle myself in his living
room. This couch has seen better days. So have the rest of his
furnishings and there aren’t many of them. The apartment is
bare and stark. Not at all what I expected from a handsome
bachelor in his late 20s!
Dreamy hands me an ordinary drinking glass filled with
something that looks like Coke. I take a sip. Eww! I’m not
sure what it is but it sure is strong. And there’s no ice. Yuck.
How do people drink this stuff? I think it might be rye and
coke. I set it on the old crate that doubles as a coffee table as
my date nestles up beside me on the worn old couch. Part
of me is swooning with crazy youthful desires. But the other
part? Well, that part of me instinctively knows that whatever
happens next could take me some place I may not yet be ready
to go.
And then it happens. Without any hesitation at all,
Dreamy leans over and kisses me. Full on the lips. Wow!
Although I’m intoxicated, I instantly feel a sense of unease.

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