* * *
"Kenny, are you kidding me?" Maddy was incredulous as she climbed
into the waterbed next to him. She was dressed in her pink short set
pajamas, but had placed an Ocean City sweatshirt over the tank top; she
didn't want to create any unnecessary temptations. When she thought he
was naked, though, she'd jumped right back out.
"Alright, alright, actually I am kidding!" he laughed. "But normally I do
sleep in the raw. Not used to even wearing boxer shorts to bed."
"Well that's the rule if you want me to sleep here," her voice was soft
but firm.
"I know, sweetheart, I know. I just like teasing you, that's all. Come
on, come to bed now." His tone was coaxing as he extended his arm.
Maddy hesitated, prompting him to pull down the covers to reveal his
Navy bottoms. "See?" he asked.
"Oh, ok," she agreed, feigning indignation. Still, that nagging feeling
of behaving like a tease persisted, his good nature notwithstanding.
Nevertheless, Maddy snuggled in close to him, relishing a chance to spend
an entire night together, finally. Her mom had truly been relieved when
she'd announced her plans to drive back from Ocean City in the morning,
prompting a twinge of guilt, along with excitement. Now as they lay in the
quiet, beneath the light of the moon, they drifted off to a peaceful,
contented sleep.
* * *
"Maddy, sweetheart? Madeline?" Ken did his best to awaken her
from her customary sound slumber. Although it was only 4 a.m., he'd
gotten a call from the plant asking if he could head over there right away;
apparently someone had a family emergency and they needed him to fill
in. And as Ken had expressed since the day he'd been hired nearly two
years ago, as the only single guy in the entire operation, he wanted to be
the designated go-to employee under such circumstances. Not only was
the extra income welcome, he'd hoped his good work ethic would serve as
a springboard to something better, whatever that might be.
But as he gazed down at her in the soft light of early morning-the
long, reddish hair spread out across the pillowcase, the tiny hands tucked
beneath her chin as she lay on her side, and the petite, curvy body
outlined under the burgundy, satin sheet, the last thing on his mind was
work. Funny, she never even moved when the phone rang, nor did she
wake up when he'd stepped into a hot shower. He thought for sure by the
time he put on his uniform and sat on the edge of the bed to put on his
work boots, she'd at least stir in her sleep.
Finally, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. Stroking her shoulder,
he whispered, "Maddy, please wake up sweetheart."
And then at last, she shifted in bed so that she was now facing him.
"Is it time to get up already?" she asked groggily as she rubbed her
eyes.
"Not for you, baby. But I just got a call and I have to go in. I wanted
to get up this morning and make breakfast for you before you went back,
but one of the guys had an emergency and they really need me. I am so
sorry, but I will make it up to you, I promise." He stroked her cheek as he
spoke, then sat down beside her.
"Wow, look at you in your official clothing!" she remarked, noting his
work attire.
"Yes, well, it's not forever," he reminded her.
"Kenny, it doesn't matter what you do; it's who you are on the inside
that matters most to me." She took his hand in hers as they remained
silent for a moment. Then she sat up and embraced him tightly. He buried
his head in the softness of her neck and shoulder, his arms holding her
firmly against him. "You know that, right?"
"I know baby, I just want to make something of myself that's all."
"And you can do anything you set your mind to, I have no doubt. I just
want you to understand that you're good enough for me right now.
Besides you already have so much to be proud of, sailor man."
"How come you always know just what to say to make me feel
better?"
His voice was low and masculine, prompting her to plant kisses on his
neck, which still had an irresistible, shower-fresh smell. He moved his
hands rhythmically up and down her back before bringing her face close
to his.
"I love you, Maddy," he whispered, drawing her lips to his before she
could utter a sound. A moment later, he was carefully situated on top of
her in the bed as their passion began to mount.
"Kenny," she laughed, finally coming up for air. "Baby, you have to
go to work. I don't want to get you in trouble!"
"This is exactly the kind of trouble I like, Madeline Rose," he
affirmed with a wink, moving back in for another kiss.