* * *
He closed the door gently with his body before easing Maddy
carefully onto the bed. Now somewhat accustomed to the rippling effect
of the water-filled mattress, she mingled with its currents as she sank her
head into a fluffy pillow, never taking her eyes off of his. She quickly
kicked off her sandals as Ken maneuvered himself on top of her, evermindful
of his weight. He gazed at her for a moment, and then decided
the less intimidating choice would be to lie on his back. He gathered her
in a warm embrace, allowing her to settle into the crook of his arm, while
she placed a hand on his chest. Above them, the skylight showcased a
billion twinkling stars.
"Comfortable, sweetheart?" His voice was low and masculine as he
kissed her hair and forehead.
"Mmm-hmm," Maddy sighed. "This is so nice."
He covered her hand with his while the other one slowly massaged
her shoulder. How he wished he could slide the cotton-blend material
down to reveal more of her soft porcelain skin and the firm, perky breasts
he could feel through her clothing every time they engaged in a passionate
embrace. The stimulating thought of tenderly working his way down her
body, leaving a trail of warm, wet kisses as he went nearly overpowered
him as he pulled her closer.
But as the Boz Scaggs ballad, Harbor Lights played subtly in the
background, Ken contented himself by running his hands slowly through
her beautiful hair and touching her bare shoulder, while his imagination
conjured up visions of a wedding night that satisfied body and soul. He
could picture her emerging from a fancy marble honeymoon suite
bathroom, wearing a short, white lace negligee with sexy décolletage and
flowing pale pink ribbons that exquisitely showcased her smooth, sexy
legs.
She'd smile sweetly as she made her way towards him, holding out a
celebratory crystal flute of Asti. They'd toast each other and once again
pledge eternal love and devotion before Ken would set her glass aside and
lift her up into his arms in one graceful motion. Then he'd carry her to a
plush bed of buttery soft Egyptian linens and lay her down gently before
tenderly making love to her for the very first time, ever-mindful of her
innocence and accompanying, understandable nervousness. It would be
one of the most cherished, sacred moments of his life; he was determined
that it would come to pass eventually, though exactly where and when, he
was not quite sure of yet.
"Kenny?" Her hushed whisper interrupted his reverie.
"Yes?"
"Is this ok for you?" She could have remained there content all night
had two conditions been met-being truly alone in Ocean City with him
for the weekend, and knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was
being fair and considerate of his feelings. The last thing Maddy wanted to
be was a tease.
"This is perfect for me, sweetheart," he replied softly, kissing her
forehead. "Why wouldn't it be?"
"I don't know," she sighed.
"Do you have any idea what you do to me?"
She was fully aware of the phenomenon to which he was referring; in
the stillness she could feel her effect on him against her thigh, even
through his black jeans.
"That's what worries me," she admitted as she traced circles on his
chest. She'd unbuttoned his shirt a few moments before, desiring to feel
his warmth and the pulsating rhythm of his heart. "Maybe it's not right
for us to be here. Maybe I shouldn't put you in this position and expect
you to be patient until God knows-"
"Shh," he comforted her. "I'm fine, Madeline. Euphoric, in fact, just
holding you here in my arms. The rest will happen in time and when it
does it'll be beautiful for both of us. You'll see."
"Wow, Kenny, you really are amazing." She lifted her head to meet his
gaze as she spoke.
"If that's true, it's only because you bring it out of me, sweetheart,"
he replied, before drawing her into another mesmerizing dance involving
soft lips, artful tongues and tantalizing caresses.