Secrets of the Great Oak

Chapter 23

The music drifted out of the club like a vibrating pulse. She could feel it in her bones. The night was alive with possibility. She could even imagine herself having that conversation with Jake. Admitting her love for him. She guessed that he loved her too, but he hadn't said it yet.

But, that shift, that final step. It was risky and frightening. And fifteen years of friendship was not to be gambled away on a whim. It wasn't just her and Jake's friendship either. It was Tam's. What Jake said that night, a few weeks ago, was true, though; Tam will never be ready for them to be together, she will just adjust when the time comes.

She didn't know what... but, something about this night felt right. Their dinner had been lovely and he insisted on covering the bill. The dancing was incredibly... close. She loved every second of it. He was walking near enough to her now for their hands to brush against each other every few steps.

"Anna?" he said, pulling her out of her own head. Her name sounded so sweet on his lips.

"Yeah?" She responded, hope blooming in her chest.

"I want to talk about... us." Was he feeling the magic of this night too?

YES! YES! YES! She wanted to scream, but she kept her cool. "Sure. Let's find a place to sit down."

They came upon a quiet bench in their favorite nearby park. Surrounded by tulips that were in full bloom. The scene looked like something out of one of her faerie tales.

Anna's heart was in her throat and she tried to keep her hands from shaking as they lowered themselves onto the bench, knees brushing. A cool spring breeze blew and she could smell his forest and rain cologne. She smiled, hoping that he put it on just for her.

"Anna... I think it's time we had our conversation. That's the real reason I wanted to bring you out tonight," he began. He seemed more nervous now than he had all evening. His hazel eyes met her own, the gold specks in them caught in the glow of the lamplight.

"Okay, let's do it. Do you want to go first or should I?" A shy smile crept across her face as she saw the nervous surprise in his eyes.

"Oh... Um... Okay. Well, can I go first? I'm going to lose my nerve if I don't get this off my chest."

"After you then." She gave him a playful grin.

He took a calming breath. And another. His eyes locked onto hers. He reached out every so slightly, like he was thinking of taking her hand in his again, but stopped himself. "Anna, we've been friends since we were little and you are one of the most important people in my life. I've been feeling a shift happening between us and I've waited a long time to bring it up because I was afraid. But, after tonight, I'm not anymore. I know what I want." Finally, finally, he reached out and grasped her awaiting hand. There was no hiding her ear to ear smile now. "That's five." She squeezed his hand and waited for the rest of his clearly rehearsed speech. "Anna, I'm... I'm in love with you," he broke their gaze, "and I have been for about a year now." He looked at their hands and laced their fingers together. "I want to do this at least once... May I kiss you?"

Her last bit of self-control snapped at the question and the fear in his voice. She pulled her hand from his and gently ran it up his arm and set it on his shoulder. She placed her other hand on the side of his face, drawing his eyes back to her own. Anna nodded as tears she couldn't help filled her eyes. A look of concern passed over his face, but then, she leaned in.

Their lips met. Finally. Finally!

***

The contact rang through him as something deep within awakened. He had strangled this hope, this desire, this longing for months. Her smile broke him. He had to tell her the truth, had to take that leap, had to kiss her.