Daniel and Grace saw us off at the airport. Once we were airborne, Jessie got out of her seat and gave me a long hug.
“I’ve missed you so bad, Cory.”
“Yeah, they didn’t give us much time together.”
“Daniel tried to explain it to me, but I didn’t see what the big deal was.”
“It’s because that morning we left for the ranch, Daniel thought…”
“I know that. But we weren’t doing anything bad.”
“It just looked that way.”
“Yeah, and I guess we came close… He asked if you ever touched me inappropriately.”
“What did you say?”
“I said no, of course. I always felt it was appropriate.”
“Oh, that’s good. It’s not something we can do at home now.”
“Maybe sometimes if we’re alone?” She ran her hand down my arm.
“I don’t know. You know how angry Dad got when Mom talked about us getting married. What do you think he do if he caught us?”
“He didn’t care before.”
“He would’ve cared a lot if he found us, and you know it. And he’ll be sober now. I don’t want to upset him. He might start drinking again. Then it’d be Aunt Mel’s for sure.”
“Maybe if he’s not home?”
“Maybe, but Sis, you know how easily he catches me at stuff…”
“Okay, I guess you’re right. At least for a while. We have to keep him calm, and not make him mad. It’s going to be hard.”
“I know, but we can do it for him. Come sit in my lap, Sis. I want to hold you while I can.”
She waited until she was sure Lester wasn’t looking, and gave me a deliciously dangerous kiss. My heart raced and I felt that strange, fiery urgency again.