Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 33

The Big Brother/Big Sister Recruitment effort had been a success. The last minute modification had done wonders and the number of volunteers had exceeded the total number of the previous year. Keesha was proud of the work that she and the others had done, but now as she stood outside of her door, she was tired. She tried to stifle a yawn, but found that she couldn't, so she gave in to it with full gusto. When it was over, she blushed and laughed, "Sorry."

Jason smiled at her and said, "No need to apologize. You earned it today."

"I think we all earned it," Keesha said with a small smile. "Thank you for all of your help today."

"You don't have to thank me," he said. "I enjoyed myself. I don't remember a time when I laughed more and felt like I'd done something worthwhile."

Keesha frowned at Jason's words. Hearing him say "something worthwhile" had felt odd, yet, so very familiar. She didn't want to become caught up in the whirlwind of her feelings for him, so she changed her expression to a smile and then in exaggerated movements, pulled out her key.

"Is that supposed to be a hint?" he asked with a laugh.

Keesha laughed at herself. He could always see through her. She had to remember that in the future. "Well, I don't want to keep you and it is getting late. Besides, I'm sure Michael misses you."

"You're not keeping me, but I can see that you're tired. I'll go, but first I want to see you safely inside," Jason said as he took the key from her and placed it into her lock.

"Jason, you don't have to. I can unlock my own door," she said, as she reached for the key. Jason's hand didn't move, and Keesha felt the tingle of her hand on his flow through her entire body.

Jason felt it, too, and for a moment he didn't know what to do. Should he move his hand, so that he would be true to the promise he made himself, that he would be patient and go slowly with her? Or should he pull her into his arms and carry her into her apartment where he would make passionate love to her all night long? His body told him to do the latter, but his heart told him that the former was the better choice.

Jason pulled his hand away and said, "You most certainly can."

Keesha paused before she turned the key. She found it hard to believe, but she was disappointed. She didn't think he'd give in so easily and she was a little sad that he had. She was looking forward to the kiss that she could feel was just below the surface. She mentally shook herself and thought that she needed to get a grip.

She turned the key in the lock and opened the door. She stepped into her apartment and moved to face him. She saw the longing in his eyes before he changed his expression to teasing playfulness. She had a strong feeling that the longing she saw would haunt her tonight and quite possibly invade her dreams. Yet, another sleepless night, dreaming about Jason, she thought. But, for some reason, the prospect didn't upset her as it had in the past. In fact, she was looking forward to it. A little.

"Good-night, Jason, and thanks again," she said as she began to close the door.

"Keesha, wait!" Jason said, placing his hand on the door to prevent it from closing.

"Jason...please," she said. They had made it through the day without any slips, and despite her small disappointment a few moments before, she was not by any means ready for real physical contact with him. She wasn't sure if she would be strong enough to turn him away again.

"No, sweetheart, I'm not planning to try anything," he said as he removed his hand from the door. To prevent himself from touching her, he shoved his hands into his pockets. With gentle eyes, he said, "I just wanted to say thanks for letting me help out today."