Noelle (Babysitter’s Club 4)

“It’s not the best but it’s the best I can do.”

“What’re you talking about? I did everything but lick the plate.” I patted my tummy and leaned back while he laughed. I did appreciate him not scolding me for eating too much.

“Let’s take a stroll around the garden, you can walk it off.” He reached for my hand and helped me up from the table and I noticed not for the first time, his old world manners, and my appreciation for them.

His mannerisms put me at ease and that’s part of the reason why it’s been so easy to slip into this thing with him, whatever it is.

Like the way he held my hand as we walked towards the door. The way he put his arm around me as we made our way down the stone steps outside before taking my hand again.

When he said stroll he really meant it. We crawled our way around the fragrant garden as the half moon and blanket of stars gave the only light.

The garden is another one of those places that make me feel sentimental. The old stone benches amidst the many colorful blossoms always seemed to be inviting one to sit and enjoy no matter what time of day or night.

I wasn’t surprised when he led me to one to sit. I laughed when he took the monitor from his pocket and placed it next to his side. “You’re such a good daddy.”

“Are you making fun of me?” He wrapped his arm around my neck and pulled me down to his chest. I like the way he kisses my hair, so naturally loving. The gesture always touches my heart.

“Look up at the sky Noelle.” I rested my head on his shoulder and we gazed at the stars together.

As usual when I was this close to him, my heart picked up its pace and the beauty of the night only added to the feeling of romantic bliss.

I really don’t like making comparisons, but it’s hard not to. I can’t explain my ease and comfort with him, when the boy I’d been destined to marry had only left me cold.

Being with him like this, and every time we’ve been together these last few days, makes me question everything I once believed about myself.

Along with the fear of losing my virginity, I’d always had a kind of Victorian view when it came to relationships. I was never one to rush into anything.

Yet the more time I spend with Callan, the easier it is for me to imagine taking that step with him. I’ve given myself a thousand reasons why that should be. One of them being the fact that he’s ten years older and way more experienced than I am.

I’ve even played around with the idea that I’m on the rebound and this was my way of moving on from my past. Kind of like he’s a stepping stone on the way to my future.

But deep down I know that’s not true. I know even though it’s only been a few days, that there’s something growing between us that I have no control over.

“What are you thinking about so hard love? I brought you out here to relax and enjoy the night.” His fingers moved into my hair and he massaged my scalp tenderly.

Before I knew it I was purring like a well-fed kitten and all but rubbing myself against him. My head was limp on my neck when he pulled it back far enough for his lips to reach mine. It was the sweetest kiss. Petal soft, like butterfly wings. Until it wasn’t.

He lifted me onto his lap, his arms like bands of steel around me holding me close as he sealed our lips together. Sometimes when he kisses me, like now. It’s as if he’s kissing an old lover.

I don’t know how to explain it, but his kisses, his touch, doesn’t seem new. He kisses me like he owns me. I don’t know if there’s anything sexier than that.

Because of my dreams my body always gets ahead of me when he puts his hands on me. Like knowing the best parts of a favorite book, but no matter how often you’ve read it, your heart still races and your excitement grows as you turn the page.

Since I’m the one who always gets carried away, and he’s the one who pulls back, I was hoping as I always do, that this time he’d go just a little bit farther. That he wouldn’t stop just when I needed more.

He rubbed his thumb teasingly along the side of my aching breast and I pushed against his hand telling him without words that I wanted more.

He deepened our kiss and it was impossible to get any closer to him. His arms, why does being in his arms always make me feel like a woman? Like the most desirable woman in the world.