"I’m glad you accepted. This was a great idea. Oh, I have something for you!" Quickly getting up, he hurried to the bike and opened the saddle bag, taking out the wrapped package. Walking back, he sat down cross legged next to her, placing the package in her lap. "I made something for you. Go on, open it."
She looked up surprised, wiping the pear juice from her lips. "For me?"
She took the plainly wrapped package, smiling to herself, appreciating that he’d recycled a paper bag instead of buying fancy wrapping paper. Opening the package, she found a leather hand bag with a shoulder strap, adorned with tassels and beads. “You made this? Cory, I love it!"
She stood up and slipped the bag across her shoulder, modeling it for him. "It's the perfect size for me. I carry so much junk!" She dropped back down on the blanket and planted a kiss on his lips.
Cory watched her face and could tell the moment she laid eyes on the bag she loved it. Watching her model it, he smiled but he didn’t see the kiss coming. She kissed him and he fell backward, his hands going around her waist as he pulled her on top of him.
He couldn’t resist the nearness of her and lifted his head, kissing her lips, slipping his tongue into the sweet warmth of her mouth, tasting the wine she’d just swallowed. She smelled so good, and the sun felt good on his skin. He felt himself falling for her.
Madison returned the kisses, but then broke away and rolled onto her back, lying next to him. She really liked him, but she didn’t want things to move too fast.
Cory felt her reticence and tried to fill the void. “I’m taking that as you like the bag? Your laptop should fit in there as well.”
"I do love it, thank you. What about you? What will you be doing this summer?" She rolled over on her side, so she could see his face.
Turning his head, he looked at her. "Working mostly and hoping I can spend more days like this with you. My stepmom is having a baby in the fall. That will change things up a bit. I’d like to get some things made for the shops.”
He watched as she dumped the contents of her old patchwork fabric purse out onto the quilt and started to transfer the contents to the leather bag. He laughed. “I am beginning to wonder if all your stuff is going to fit in that new bag. What exactly is in there?"
"Stuff for class, my keys, a pair of shades, money when I have it." She laughed, sliding close to him as she pushed the bag aside and pulled his head into her lap, running her fingers through his hair. "Do you mind?"
When he shook his head no, she proceeded to create a single braid close to his face. Pulling odds and ends from the items emptied from her old bag, she wove a few beads and feathers into the braid. When she finished her work, she planted another kiss on his lips.
"There, now you look like we belong together." She immediately blushed as the words left her mouth.
Cory let her do as she pleased with his hair. He loved the feel of her hands on him. She had a very delicate touch and it felt good to have someone paying attention to him. When she kissed him again, he loved how sweet and easy being with her was. There was no pressure to perform. Looking up at her, he liked her blush. She was so naturally beautiful.
"Are you saying we’re a couple?" Letting his hand play with her painted toes, he smiled at her.
She smiled and looked away, dropping her head back. "Couple? I've..., I don't know, I've never been a couple. I'm not sure I even know what that means. Are we a couple? I just met you, but I really like you..., a lot."
Sitting up, he took her hand. "Madison, I don’t mean to scare you. I don’t know if couple is the right word. I know we’re friends, but I know I’d like more. Maybe I’m moving too fast. Maybe I want more than what you want to give. All I know is, I never met anyone like you, and I want to spend more time with you." Letting go of her hand, he looked away. "I’ve never had a tight relationship with a girl before."
Madison loved his directness. She sat up and pulled her knees to her chest. "Well, that's okay. I've never had a tight relationship with a guy before. I had some boyfriends in high school, but nothing serious. And I've tried to stay focused while I was here at school. My mom met my dad in college. She ended up dropping out when they got married, and then she never finished. She says she always regretted that. Not the marrying my dad part, but the dropping out part. She says she wished they’d waited. I know it's going to be hard for me to make a living as an artist, so I'm hoping that getting the degree will help a little. I want to spend time with you too, Cory. But I have to finish school. I have to make that a priority. I hope you can understand."
Scooting up behind her, he stretched out his long legs on each side of her and laid his hands on her thighs. "Work is a priority for me too. My work is just as important to me. School is like a job for you, so I understand. I think if we just go slow, like we have been, things will be fine. I guess I just wonder if some other guy is going to get your attention." Cory grunted. "I sound like an idiot saying that. Sorry."
Madison laughed as she laid her head back against his shoulder and felt him lean his head against hers. "I don't think you have anything to worry about, Cory Medici. Besides, I'm definitely big on monogamy, and I've never bought into the friends with benefits lifestyle that exists on campus."
As she leaned back into him, he couldn’t help but smile. He played in her long hair. "I like how we are for right now, and I’m glad we can find time to do things together. Even simple things like this."
Reaching for the wine, he took a chug straight from the bottle before handing it to her. As the afternoon progressed, they ate the cheese and fruit, talked about their art and their dreams for the future. As the sun set, Cory knew he needed to get her home soon. He’d be expected back in the camp. "We should be getting back. The sun is almost set.”
"Yeah, I still have some art history homework to finish up tonight."
She started to gather the items and stuff them back in the basket, carefully folding the quilt. "My great-grandmother made this quilt. It's the only thing I have of hers. I love old things, things with a history."
She slung the new handbag over her shoulder as he secured the basket to the bike and threw his long leg over the bike, steadying it for her. She climbed on back and slid her arms tight around his waist. On impulse, she nibbled at his ear and whispered, "I could get used to you."
"That’s a good thing because I like being around you. Now put your helmet on, I want to make sure I get you home safe."
Firing up the Harley, they made their way back to her house and Cory did a few spins around town, delaying the inevitable. Someday, she would be his. He had his mind set on that. As they pulled up to her place, he shut off the bike and climbed off, removing the helmet carefully. Madison handed him her helmet and he untied the basket.
She took his hand and leaned in and kissed him. "I had a great time today. Don't wait too long to call me."
Holding her hand, not wanting to let go, it felt like the day had gone by much too fast. He knew he needed to get home. He had to get into the camp. There was no such thing as a weekend for the warriors.
"Don’t worry, I’ll call you later. Sweet dreams."