Chapter 6

The next morning, I once again woke up in Kevin's arms. He was spooned up behind me. One arm was draped around me, holding me tight.

I could feel his warm breath against the back of my neck. For a long time, I listened to his rhythmic inhaling and exhaling. His arms felt so strong around me.

What are you waiting for, Melanie? I thought. It would be so easy for fall for him.

After a little while, I felt him stirring. I looked over at the clock. It was a little before 7:00. Rolling over, I rested my head on his shoulder.

Things had sure changed since high school. Eighteen years ago, I never would have dreamt that one day I would miss waking up in Kevin Westcott's arms. Or wish that I would have the courage to return his calls.

"Good morning," he said softly.

"Yes, it is," I replied with a kiss.

The two of us lay there for a long time. Not speaking. Just content to hold one another. We made love one more time before he took me to the airport and put me on a plane home.

There were tears in his eyes as we kissed right before I took my things to the security checkpoint.

"I'll call you," I promised. And this time I meant it.

I think.

"Listen, Mel," Kevin said. "I'm going to be in town next week. Maybe we could, um ... get together for dinner or something."

"I'd like that," I whispered. "I'll let you know what my work schedule is going to be."

With that, I turned and headed for the TSA screeners. I walked quickly and deliberately. I didn't want Kevin to see me shaking.

After I had cleared the metal detectors, I turned and looked back. Kevin hadn't moved. He meekly returned my wave, then I gathered my things and headed for the loading gates.

The trip home was miserable for me. My stomach churned. Oh, how I wanted to run back down the concourse and in to Kevin's arms!

I didn't, though. When I got home, Emily was still at school. Toby was at daycare for the afternoon. I shared the good news about my job with my mother. Both she and Father had arranged their class and office hours schedules so one of them would always be around to watch the kids if I needed them.

"You went to visit your friend again." It wasn't a question.

"Yes, I did, Mother," my heart started to pound at my admission. Why are you embarrassed? It's not like you have anything to hide!

"It looks like you two had a good time," she said. "He must be very good in bed."