Kassidy's Crescendo by Marianne Evans Page B

light—free. “Moments like this, with you, are exactly what I need. I’m glad we’re able to spend time together outside of the tour.”
    Did he imagine her glow of pleasure? Did hope magnify or distort the delight he sensed?
    “You’re so sweet.” Her voice held a playful lilt. “I love the way you pay such lavish compliments when you haven’t even sampled my cooking yet.”
    “Which reminds me, what’s on the menu for tonight?”
    “Stew. My mom’s recipe. It’s been simmering in the crock pot all day, so it should be perfect by the time we’re ready to eat.”
    Thoughts of a comforting meal shared in Kassidy’s company spurred Drew forward as they departed Westerville High. Near the halfway mark to her apartment, they needed respite from the rain, so they pulled off the bike path near a small municipal park. A stand of trees with branches still crowded by fiery leaves afforded a bit of short-term protection from the elements. Drew climbed off his bike and propped it against a thick tree trunk.
    Kassidy did the same, surrendering to a laughing fit as rain poured and cold wind blew water everywhere—across her face, against her windbreaker, against the cotton of her jeans, through her hair. “Obviously the bike ride preceding a storm wasn’t our greatest idea.”
    “I think it’s fantastic.” Drew nabbed her hand and ran toward the nearest cover of thick, weighty branches.
    He positioned her against the tree standing before her to act as a physical buffer against the atmospheric tumult. As soon as their eyes met, the world fell away. Moving close, he tracked the motion of his fingertips as he stroked wisps of wet hair from her cheeks. Her skin was chilled and moist, but his heart pounded and his pulse pushed thick and rich, warming him through.
    Raindrops formed a cascade down her temples and cheeks. A bead of moisture landed on her lips. The droplet became his undoing. He could taste it—feel its silky moisture against lips full and supple…
    Leaving himself no chance to back down, Drew leaned in and captured her mouth with his. An exclamation of pleasure lifted instantly from Kassidy’s depths, feeding his heart. Her arms circled his neck, and her fingertips trailed through his hair. He cupped her face, tempering the kiss by slow degrees until at last he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers. “I promised to take you by surprise.”
    “Mission accomplished.”
    Though laced by a smile, her words weren’t altogether steady. That pleased him, assured him of the power of her feelings. He nuzzled her neck and a musky, floral scent filled his universe. His lips touched hers once more, a back and forth brushstroke only…a feather dance meant only to retain their newfound intimacy.
    “I should have been a gentleman and asked for your permission first.”
    “No worries. You have it.”
    Drew kissed her just as he had promised—giving her all that he was—honoring and respecting the gift of trust she bestowed. How could he feel so vulnerable, yet at the same time, so indomitable?
    Once again he forced himself from the temptation she offered, gently cupping her face, glossing the pad of his thumb against her wet cheeks. “I think I hear that stew calling, KC.”
    “Yeah, we better get going.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

9
     
    As soon as Drew crossed the threshold of Kassidy’s apartment, he breathed deep of air flavored by the aroma of cooking meat and simmering vegetables. His stomach rumbled, which made Kassidy chuckle.
    “I’m glad you approve.”
    “Can’t help it. I’m starving, and the food smells awesome.” Drew helped her slide free of her jacket then tacked the garment on one of the wooden pegs that formed a short line along the entryway wall.
    “Feel free to make yourself comfortable. I’m going to freshen up real quick.”
    While he pulled his coat off, she crossed through the living area and closed the door of a bathroom that he already knew was the Jack-and-Jill