~Chapter 12~
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Jeffrey handed her the lunch box. "Oh, how beautiful!" Flare exclaimed as she removed the lid. An assortment of rice was adorned with decorative vegetables, shaped like flowers, leaves, bees and butterflies.
"My sister made it for you. She took a course last year in food arranging. When I told her that I was having lunch with... a special friend..." he blushed deeply "...she made it like this."
Lyka knew there was a girl in her brother's life. Her heart wrenched to see him looking forlorn as he often had these past few weeks. He was such a sweet and sensitive boy. When he shyly asked her to prepare a special lunch, she jumped at the chance. "I would love to, Jeff. Why don't you help me?" She showed him how to make roses out of the miniature tomatoes, vinca blooms from the carrot slices, twirling vines from bits of green onion plunged into ice water.
"I helped too" Jeffrey told Flare.
She picked up a nuggets encrusted in toasted sesame seeds. "Yumm! I almost don't want to touch anything; it looks so pretty, like a garden."
The two friends munched happily, shoulders touching as they sat on the wooden bench warmed by midday sun. After a delicious variety of delightful food and the last bite of strawberry mousse tart she sighed contentedly. "Thank you so much, Jeffrey. I feel spoiled."
Her smile enhanced his already-honeyed mood. He covered her hand with his. "I like making you happy, Bambina." He leaned slowly toward her and softly rubbed his nose alongside hers.
She inhaled his scent as his cheek caressed hers. She was surprised when he stood and pulled her gently to her feet. She allowed him to gather her in his arms, rocking her from side to side in a subtle dance. Meditatively stroking her hair, he held her close to his heart. Thus they remained, buoyed in their bubble of affection until the school bell cut jaggedly into their reverie.
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In Socials class she rested her chin in her hand, remembering the sweetness of the past hour. Sweet, yes, that's how it felt to be with him. Sweet... and joyful. But exciting too. When the bell had rung he had held her face in both hands and kissed her so thoroughly and passionately that her legs weakly wobbled as he pulled away. And now she was surprised to find herself boldly wondering what it would be like to be horizontal with him. Her cheeks colored.
"Hyra!" The teacher was waiting for her answer.
"Pardon?" Uh-oh. She was caught not paying attention.
"The impact of World War 2 on the emancipation of women?"
She hurriedly thought back to how Gaven had helped her with this part of the assignment Taking a deep breath, she latched onto something relevant in her memory and answered...
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Kian's limo pulled forward as he emerged from the gate. Once parked, the driver went around to open the door. "Good afternoon, Master."
"Good afternoon. We'll be driving Hyra Flare today."
"Very well, Master."
Kian allowed the heaviness of his feelings to weigh on him as he sank into the leather upholstery. Being jealous of his best friend and doubting the outcome of his heart's desire was very frustrating. Pushing his fingers back from his forehead through his hair, he waited... waited for her to come lift him out of his cage.
When he caught sight of her highlighted tresses in the distance his heart beat faster. As she neared his ears got warm and began throbbing. He wondered if he would be able to maintain some semblance of control around her this time...
