Cinnamon (Shooting Stars 1)

He reached for the contraceptive and turned to put it on while I slipped back beside him on the settee. Then he moved over me, lingering for a moment.

"I've fantasized about this so much, it feels unreal."

"It's real." I whispered. I put my hands around the back of his neck and drew his lips down to mine. It was a long, passionate, wonderful kiss.

"Oh Captain, my special, private, wonderful Captain," I whispered. "Take me to paradise."

There were moments when I thought maybe Clarence was right: I was making love in a dream. It did seem unreal, ethereal, but my blood was stirred by my pounding, hungry heart, a heart starving for love, for real affection, for warmth. My head echoed with our moans of pleasure, our reaching out for each other, into each other. I was afraid it would stop and when it did. I came down from my ecstasy reluctantly.

He softened and relaxed over me, his breath slowing until he was able to raise himself away and look into my face.

"Cinnamon," he said.

"No," I said putting my finger on his lips. "Call me Belva. I am Belva."

He smiled.

"Belva. I-- I really love you."

"I'm glad. Captain. Now take me away from here," I said. "Take me someplace wonderful where we will always be happy,"

"Okay," he said smiling.

I moved over a little and he scrunched down beside me. I pulled the afghan over us and told him to rest and be still and enjoy our wonderful, blissful aftermath, He closed his eyes. We held each other and soon, we fell asleep.

Grandmother Beverly's screams shattered our dreams. She was in the attic doorway, grimacing with revulsion, her eyes big, her mouth twisted.

"What depraved and despicable thing are you doing?" she cried. Clarence trembled as if the house itself was shaking.

"Get out!" I screamed back at her. "This is my private place. Get out!"

"I knew it! I knew when I didn't hear a sound that you were wallowing in sin. Disgusting-- and in your own home, right above my head,"

I leaped up from the settee, forgetting my nudity, and closed the attic door in her face.

Clarence was rushing to get dressed.

"Oh wow, sorry," he said. "I'd better go. I fell asleep. I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry about. She had no right to spy on us." I started to dress,

"You going to be all right?" he asked when he got his shoes on and reached for his jacket.

"I'll be peachy keen as always. Don't worry about it. Clarence. This is a glass house. The people in it can't throw stones."

He nodded and reached for the doorknob. I Mess I couldn't blame him for being terrified. I hurriedly completed my own dressing and walked him down to the front entrance. Then I stepped outside. It had started to rain so we remained under the portico.

"I'll meet you at the lockers in the morning." "Yes."

He kissed me quickly.

"Night," he said.

"Good night. Clarence. Clarence," I called when he stepped down. He turned.

"Yes?"

"You made a wonderful Captain Arnold."