Midnight Whispers (Cutler 4)

"You never put that in any of your letters."

"I was too ashamed," I said. We headed for the gazebo again.

"Despite her, you had the greatest party," Gavin said when we sat down.

"I know. I can never thank my parents enough." A cool ocean breeze made me shiver.

"You're cold," Gavin declared.

"No, it's all right," I replied, afraid he would say we should go back in; but he had his jacket of and quickly put it over my shoulders.

"Now you'll be cold," I said.

"I'm all right," he replied bravely. "You danced with a lot of guys tonight," he remarked, trying to sound casual about it.

"Not with you though, and I wanted to very much, Gavin," I declared. He nodded, sadly. Then, he smiled.

"Well, it's not too late," he suddenly decided. Although the music still coming from the hotel was very subdued, we could hear it. Gavin stood up and held out his hand. "May I have this dance, madame? Or is your dance card full?"

"No, I have a spot for one more," I said, laughing, and stood up. He put his aunt around my waist and slowly drew me to him. We giggled at first, but as we danced on the gazebo, looking into each other's eyes, we moved closer and closer together until my cheek was touching his. I was sure he could feel my heart pounding.

Suddenly, as if we both had sensed the need at the same time, I lifted my head and my lips met his, the kiss starting very softly, tentatively, full of uncertainty, and then, as the warmth and excitement grew, turning harder, firmer, both of us surrendering to the warmth. I laid my head on his shoulder and we continued to dance, both of us afraid to speak.

"I wish I didn't have to go right home tomorrow," he finally said. "But Daddy's got to get back to work."

"I know. I wish you could stay longer, too. Did you talk to your father and mother about working here this summer?"

"Yes. It's all right with them."

"Oh Gavin, even though it's only a few more weeks, I can't wait. We'll have such a good time. We'll go boating and swimming and . . ."

"Hey, I'm supposed to be working, not playing here," he chastised softly.

"Everyone has time off, and I have some pull with the boss," I said, but Gavin didn't smile.

"I don't want to take a job and not do it right," he said firmly.

"Don't worry, you won't." He was just like Daddy, full of pride and ready to hoist up his flag of self-respect at a moment's notice; yet just like Daddy, Gavin could be soft and tender, sensitive and loving.

From where we stood, I could see Mommy, Jefferson, Mrs. Boston, Aunt Trisha and Daddy returning to the house.

"I better start for home," I said. "It's late."

"I'll walk you."

He held my hand and I kept his jacket on my shoulders until we reached the house.

"Thanks for the use of your jacket," I said, slipping it off.

"Didn't you feel anything in the pocket?" he asked as I returned it.

"Pocket?" I noticed that he wore a coy grin. "Gavin Steven Longchamp, what do you have in there?" I demanded. He laughed and plucked out a slim gift-wrapped box.

"Daddy and Momma gave you a gift from all of us, but this one is just from me. I wanted to give this to you privately," he said, handing it to me. "Happy birthday, Christie."

"Gavin!"

My heart pounding in anticipation, I tore open the gift and opened the box. Lying on a bed of soft paper was a beautiful gold identification bracelet. Above and below my name were two hearts entwined.