Every time Ive seen you.
Are you sure?
Are you kidding? I can tell a mile away if a babes got one on.
Thats impressive... How long is your car going to be out of commission? Lane asked, hoping to change the subject.
Ill have it off the blocks tomorrow. I wanted it ready so we could go out tomorrow night.
Sorry about that.
Maybe Ill give Candi a call.
I know, just kidding.
Jim said nothing. Lane got a tight, sickish feeling deep inside. She kept her eyes on the road.
You wouldnt mind, would you?
Be my guest.
She knew that Jim was teasing. He had no intention of taking out Candi. Hed dumped Candi in order to start going out with her. The threat of taking up with Candi again was nothing more than a form of punishment.
You know what they say about a bird in the hand, Jim said.
A good way to get a dirty hand.
Also, shes a lot more cooperative than some people I might mention.
And probably has the diseases to prove it.
Oooh. Mean.
But feel free to take her out. Its your life.
He reached over and put a hand on Lanes leg. You know I wouldnt do that.
I only know what you tell me.
I miss you, thats all.
I miss you, too. But theres nothing I can do about this weekend.
Yeah, I know. He squeezed her knee, and his hand moved slowly up her bare leg to the hem of her skirt. He caressed her thigh. It felt good.
Just dont go throwing Candi at me every time you get upset.
Jealous?
Suppose I was always threatening to dump you for Cliff Ryker?
That shithead?
You think youd enjoy it?
You wouldnt. Not if you went ahead with it.
Hes cute.
Not as cute as me. Jims hand crept under her skirt. She pushed it away. Hes no gentleman, either.
And you are?
Im not like Cliff. He isnt the kind of guy who takes no for an answer. First time out with him, and hed bang you till you couldnt see straight. If thats what you want, Ill be glad to take care of it for you.
You go out with Candi, and youll never get the chance.
Hrnmmm. I like the sound of that. You mean, if I dont, I do?
Where theres life, theres hope.
She pulled the Mustang over to the curb in front of Jims house. Checking the windows and rearview mirror, she saw nobody nearby. She turned to Jim. She slipped a hand around the back of his neck. No funny stuff, she said. Just a quick kiss.
How about coming in for a Pepsi, or something?
She shook her head. I have to get home. My folks are waiting.
Ten minutes? That wont throw off your trip by much. Tell them you had to stay after class.
I didhave to stay after class, she thought. It wouldnt be a lie.
Is your mother home?
Jim answered by swinging a thumb over his shoulder, pointing out the Mazda in the driveway.
Okay, Lane said. Ten minutes. No longer, though.
She took her hand away from his neck and climbed out. Jim stayed in the lead as she walked up the flagstones to the front stoop. He unlocked the door and held it open for her.
The air was cool.
The house was silent except for the hum of the air-conditioning system.
Jim didnt call out to announce that he was home.
Are you sure shes here? Lane asked.
Might be sleeping. Or taking a bath. Who knows?
They entered the kitchen. Lane leaned against a counter while Jim took a couple of cans from the refrigerator. The air smelled fresh. It was almost too cold on her skin. It chilled the damp back of her blouse.
Jim found glasses, dropped ice cubes into them, and filled them with soda.
A glass in each hand, he stepped in front of Lane. She reached for her drink. Instead of giving it to her, he stretched both arms past her sides and set the glasses on the counter. His arms closed around her, pulled her gently forward until their bodies met.
What if your mother walks in? Lane whispered close to his mouth.
I dont think she will. He tugged the tail of her blouse out of her skirt and slid his hands underneath.
Lane let herself sink against him. She kissed him.
Shouldnt be doing this, she thought.
But shed intended to kiss him good-bye, anyway. And his hands felt good roaming the bare skin of her back. And she liked the feel of his chest tight against her breasts. She could feel his breathing and his heartbeat.
He started to fumble with the catches of her bra.
She pulled her mouth away. Oh no you dont.
Its all right.
No, it isnt.
He unfastened the bra anyway. She felt it go loose.
She grabbed Jims arms and pushed them down to his sides. I said no, and I meant it.
Come on, whats the harm?
For one thing, your mother.
She might be in town at the beauty parlor, he said, smiling as if he expected Lane to appreciate the news.
The car...
She usually goes with Mary from next door. Right about three on Fridays.
You knewshe wasnt here?
Still smiling, Jim shrugged.
You lied to me.
Just a little fib.
Terrific, she muttered, reaching up under the back of her blouse to fasten the bra.
Come on, dont do that. He lifted his hands to her breasts.
Cut it out.
Come on, you like it.
I told you... She got one of the hooks fastened. He was squeezing, rubbing. She didlike it. Damn it, Jim. Not bothering with the other hook, she swung her hands around and pushed him away. I have to leave.
No you dont. Hey, come on.
This is what I get for trusting you, huh?
Look, Im sorry I lied about Mom being here. Okay? He looked into her eyes and gently held her shoulders. I just figured you wouldnt come in, and... we havent been together for weeks. I get crazy wanting to be with you. Sometimes, all I can think about is kissing you and how it feels to hold you. Especially after last time.
That was nice, Lane said, remembering.
She had been under orders to be home by eleven, so theyd skipped the second feature at the movies and parked in the desert outside town. Shed refused Jims suggestion to get into the backseat. Staying in the front, they twisted themselves awkwardly to embrace and kiss. But it was wonderful. She felt daring and romantic and sexy in the moonlit car. Her blouse came off early. She managed to keep her bra on, though. In spite of Jims begging and his attempts to remove it. In spite of her own desire to rid herself of the garment and feel his touch without a stiff layer of cloth in the way. Finally shed told him, Its almost time to leave. He didnt protest, simply nodded and murmured, I guess so. Reaching behind her back, Lane unhooked her bra. She took it off. His mouth fell open and he stared for a long time before touching. When he did touch her breasts, his hands were trembling.
Softened by the memories of that night, she stepped forward and put her arms around Jim. She kissed him gently on the mouth. Apology accepted, she whispered. But I really do have to leave now.
His hands slid down her back and caressed her rump. What about your Pepsi?
Times all up. You can walk me to the car, though.
He squeezed her against him and kissed her hard, then stepped away. Guess Ill just have to wait for next Friday, huh?
Itll get here.
Not soon enough.
Ill miss you, she said.
Ill miss you more.
No you wont.
Yes I will.
Wanta fight about it?
Yeah, he said. Lets wrestle.
Oh, youd like that.
So would you.
Maybe.
Holding hands, they walked to the door.
Thirteen
Larry stood at the end of the driveway, waving good-bye to Jean and Lane as the car headed off down the road. It seemed strange, being left behind.