Queen of Men (King Maker 2)

A scowl crossed my expression, which I happily gave to her. How would looking as if I already had sex benefit me in any way this moment?

By the time we arrived in front of the town’s all-purpose building, most of the families had arrived and were inside. Our hometown makeshift band played and the sound carried out into the night.

If the outsiders who were so curious about us saw this night, they’d never confuse us with the Amish again. Our leaders recognized that our youth would find other ways to busy themselves if they weren’t given something to look forward to. A dance where distance between partners was scrutinized by chaperones was enough concession for even the most religious among us to be okay with.

Inside, I recognized many members, although time had changed a few faces along with the happy life that included extra padding around the middle for some. My brothers stood with my parents and the girls. I waved and Jake looked relieved.

My father said something and turned to walk away after an acknowledging wave back. My mother gave me a delighted smile and noticed that Turner held my hand. She winked and walked toward home with Piper’s hand held in hers and Iris a few paces behind.

The band, which had been playing for the family affair that preceded the dance, decided a mood change of music was in order. A slow number hummed out, and Turner twirled me to land solidly against his chest. “You know, I remember our first kiss.”

My cheeks flamed in remembrance. I’d barely been a teenager. “I remember,” I said fondly.

He captured my gaze. “Do you? You were six.” Puzzled, I paused for a second before he got me moving again. “My parents came over to your house. Everyone cool was heading to the creek, but you clung on to me and my parents told me to stay or take you with me. I wasn’t yet enamored with you. You were a nuisance.”

“You weren’t used to a younger sister,” I teased with a wide grin.

“No, I wasn’t.” We spun for a second until I was lost completely in the memory. “My older brother, God rest his soul, had to put up with me.” He too was caught up in things long since passed. “You wanted to play house. Which is funny now if you think about it. I guess you have a domestic streak in you.”

My eyes rolled. He chucked before continuing, “I thought, well, I’ll show her.”

“And you kissed me,” I said, it all coming back to me.

“Yes… I did.” His eyes got all dreamy. “Something happened in that second our lips connected.”

It had been extremely short, barely a peck on the lips. I remembered the shock I got. I thought it was static.

“You were nicer to me after that.”

“I was,” he answered. “I may not have known then what happened. I was only eight. But I think somehow I knew then you were my destiny. Fate put us together for a reason.”

He closed his lips and focused on mine. The connection between us built, becoming palpable. He leaned in.

A tap on my shoulder made my head turn to see who was interrupting. Turner’s lips met my cheek as I saw Margaret standing there. “Can I cut in?”

The vixen in me wanted to say back off, bitch. But this was the community, not a New York club. Using a five-letter word like that would come with harsh repercussions.

“Sure,” I said, taking a step back when Turner reluctantly let go of me.

I walked to the corner and found a place to stand where I wouldn’t see Turner and Margaret. No doubt she’d put on a show to try to piss me off.

Another tap came, this time to my left, and I nearly yelled, “What?” It wasn’t as loud as a yell, but it was certainly rude.

Violet’s blue eyes looked stunned.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, unable to not be upset with Margaret’s bothersome presence. “I didn’t think you were coming.”

“Steven didn’t come home.” She shrugged as if his not showing up was okay or common. No individual house had a phone, and cell phones were banned. According to my father, people lived thousands of years just fine without new technology. Thus, Steven had no way of letting her know he’d be late. I hated to give him the benefit of the doubt, but there it was.

“Where’s Turner?”

I angled my head in his general direction, wishing I had a drink for the first time I’d come back home. We’d drunk the other night, but that wasn’t my idea.

“Oh,” she said. “I’ll go get us some tea.” She walked off, and I made the mistake of catching the smile on Turner’s face as he laughed with Margaret.

A mild case of jealousy washed over me for a second before I shrugged it off. I walked farther around the perimeter, looking for my brothers for whom I should have been watching. The music changed, and I told myself it was okay if Turner was still dancing with her.