Promise, Forever

At dusk she drove to their favorite beach; it was deserted.  They walked in silence, lost in their own worlds.  I have to find out how she really feels, he thought desperately.  He took her hand, she didn’t pull away.  They walked on, the waves slapping against their feet. 

Michael stopped and drew her to him slowly.  She didn’t try to fight him as his lips descended on hers.  The kiss was slow and gentle and awoke desires Regina didn’t realize she had.  Michael went down on the soft white sand taking her with him.  Her arms crept up around his neck.  It must be illegal to feel this good she thought insanely.  Michael thought he was going to burst.  She was pushing on his chest, bringing him back to earth.  One of his hands was up her shorts leg, the other caressing the back of her neck.  She had one hand on his waist, the other on his chest. 

“Water,” she whispered. 

“What?”

She looked down, he followed her gaze.  The water was up to their waists. She got up and held out her hand.  He took it willingly.  How long were we down there he wondered as he took several quick breaths and followed her?

This was a night for surprises.  She pulled into her driveway instead of the cottage.  He was shaking as he followed her inside.  Does this mean she trusts me now?  He looked around her house.  He found it strange that there were no childhood photographs or family photographs anywhere.  She was setting a table on the back porch. 

“How come you don’t have family pictures anywhere?” 

“I took them all down.” 

“Why?”  

“After my parents died, it was too painful to be reminded of the past.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

“Will you stop apologizing for everything you say.”

He was about to sit down. 

“Don’t!”  He looked at her puzzled.  “These chairs will be too hot.” 

He touched the chair with his palm.  Damn!  She went inside and came back with two lightweight plastic chairs.  He took the chairs from her and she went back inside to get their supper.  He tried to concentrate on what she was saying but his mind was off someplace else.  Wild fantasies -- imagining himself kissing her, touching her.  He needed her so badly it was beginning to hurt.  He bit his lips.  It was so hot his clothes were drying and he felt miserable. 

“What time does your flight leave tomorrow?” 

“Ten.”  

She walked with him to the front steps; he pulled her close, his hand resting on her waist.  She made the next move coming closer with her arms going around his neck.  She rested her cheek against his and he hugged her fiercely not wanting to let her go. 

“Bye.”  It was almost a whisper. 

He couldn’t say any of the things in his heart; it would not be fair to her.  There was no telling if he would ever have the chance to fulfill any of those dreams and he wouldn’t leave her with false hope. 

She leaned back on a post and watched as he walked to the gate.  Michael stood there for a minute, then turned and went back.  She came down a couple of steps.  He reached out and traced her lips gently.