I bounded into the kitchen the next morning, feebly hoping that the photo studio, the new tattoo, the kiss had been all but a dream.
The glances that Chad gave me turned that hope to dust.
Especially the kiss he gave me after I had finished watching the dishes. I eased out of it for a moment, feeling giddy and both overwhelmed.
“Can we go for a walk?” I asked breathlessly. “I need some air,” Really, the reason was to give myself a clear head and talk with Chad nowhere near a bedroom…
Chad agreed, and in a few seconds we were walking out on one of the intricate trails that snaked its way around Mercer Island. The faint sunshine poking its way through the heavy clouds dappled the mud underneath our soles, creating patterns on the tree trunks surrounding us.
We were silent for a few seconds before I spoke, “So, about yesterday…”
Chad glanced at me, “Yes?”
“It was a little bit unexpected…what you did.”
After kissing me for a few moments, Chad had picked me up and laid me on his bed. At which point, I had pushed him away. I really did want to go further than just a polite make-out, but the problem was that I didn’t know where to stop. And that was frightening.
“I apologize for that,” Chad murmured, clearly taking my words the wrong way.
“No, no, it was fine!” I nearly shouted. “It was just--”
“Really?” Chad interrupted me. “Being in bed was fine?”
I nodded, just about to speak my answer when water struck my cheek. I looked up to see another drop hit my nose. And to see storm clouds looming above us…
“Rain!” Chad stated the obvious. I hurried along the trail, “We need to get home!”
A rumble of thunder sounded as if to punctuate my point. Chad and I ran along the trail, shoes covered in mud, clothing soaked. By the time we had gotten in and locked the door, we looked and felt like two half-drowned cats.
“Oh my God…” I peeled off my sweatshirt and headed towards Chad’s bedroom. We both entered and instantly Chad began stripping off his clothing.
“Chad?” I asked. “What are you doing?”
“I’m taking off my clothes,” he said it as if it was obvious.
“And then?” I put my sweatshirt in the hamper.
“Get in bed,” Chad was doing that as he spoke. “People need to be in bed on a day like this.” He nodded his head towards the pouring rain and the trees swaying from strong winds. As I admired Nature’s show of strength, lighting cracked, lighting up the gloomy bedroom for one instant.
“You wouldn’t mind putting this in the hamper?” Chad tossed something white towards me and I caught it. My cheeks turned red with embarrassment as I realized I was holding Chad’s boxers. I dropped them in the hamper.
“Why don’t you get in bed with me?” Chad was watching me. Daring me to get in bed with my naked cousin.
“No, thanks.” I headed towards the door, shoes making a quish every time I took a step. “I’m going to get some tea,”
“There’s some in--”
“Fresh tea!” I tossed over my shoulder before going down the steps. I pulled off my shoes and socks at the kitchen door and entered. I got a tea bag, some hot water and a mug. The tea calmed me down, made the shroud of nervousness caused by the thought of Chad naked dissolve.
“What am I supposed to do?” I murmured to myself. I sure couldn’t sleep with Chad naked, but I couldn’t sleep with my clothes on either.
Could you really not sleep with Chad naked, teased this voice in my head that sounded something like Chad’s voice. I shook my head, mentally retorting, Two naked people in the same bed basically leads to sex.
So, you like him, replied the voice.
I do, but having sex with your cousin seems… I trailed off as images flashed in my head. Lips teasing the other’s body to insanity… sweaty skin pressed against sweaty skin…desires and needs fulfilled…
I shook my head, took a sip of the tea again. But the tightening of my jeans betrayed my arousal. I cursed to myself, drinking the rest of the tea.
God, I wanted to be in bed with him so bad it almost hurt. But I couldn’t because my parents would never forgive me. I didn’t want to hurt him--have me regret something I did.
This was America last time I checked, piped up the mental voice.
I was being fucking convinced by this annoying voice. I sighed and began to head for Chad’s bedroom.
