The Wedding Policy

In the summer of 1941, before the war, Belle Stuart believed in dreams coming true. Especially on the warm June day when she secretly met her love for a box lunch picnic by the pond in the horse pasture. She wore a crisp white blouse and a freshly pressed skirt. Although his faded dungarees were patched, Belle thought Charlie, with his dirty blond hair and jaunty smile, a most attractive man. Wading in the shallows of the pond, they playfully splashed then raced barefoot back to the blanket, gasping for air and laughing. Charlie pulled Belle onto his lap and tucked an unruly curl behind her ear. From his pocket, he drew a small box. Inside sat a tiny pearl ring. "Oh, Charlie," she said, kissing him. "It's beautiful!" "It's not very big or fancy, I know," he said touching her cheek, "but when we're married, I'll have the resources to get you a better ring. I promise." "It's perfect. Just perfect." The tears ran down her face. "Sugar, please don't cry," he said. She shook her head, dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. "I thought you'd be happy," Charlie said. "I'm so happy, Charlie. Really, I am," she sobbed, "but you know I can't wear that ring. If my father sees it…" "I know." He pulled a thin cord out of his pocket. "I figured you could wear it on this until I talk to your father."

Aurora's Passion

By the front door, Kris turned to face Paul. She clasped her hands behind her back, willing herself to seem normal, trying to convince herself that there was nothing more between them than an awkward silence. Finally, she said, "Thanks for taking me to the game. It was fun." "Yeah." He stuffed his hands in his pockets and seemed nervous, rocking back and forth on his heels. A part of her wanted Paul to kiss her goodnight. On the other hand, she was frightened. What if he did kiss her? It could change everything. They might eventually become lovers. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that. Not only that, but she reminded herself the relationship could go nowhere. She was going back to New York. Right? So she didn't have a job right now, and in theory, she could stay. No. Not an option. She would go back. If she slept with Paul, it would ruin their friendship. No matter how much she wanted him, she couldn't risk it. "Well..." Kris said. "I guess I better go in now." She reached for the doorknob. Paul grabbed her, pulling her to him. Kris caught her breath at the look of deep longing in his green eyes. His nearness was so overwhelming that she almost pushed away.

Aurora's Passion - Second Chances

Just being near him made Bridget hot. During dessert, she caught him staring at her bosom and smiled slyly at him. He was definitely interested. It’s now or never, she thought. She touched Ryan’s knee and saw passion blazing in his eyes when she slowly caressed the inside of his thigh. Bridget struggled for self-possession and upon reaching his erection, finally asked, "Want to get some air?" Ryan’s hand fit perfectly in the small of Bridget's back as they walked out of the reception hall into the night. They walked down to the lake, and Bridget took off her shoes near the water's edge. A light dew had formed on the grass, cooling Bridget's aching feet. She considered tossing the sandals she carried into the middle of the lake. Who did she think she was anyway wearing strappy high-heeled shoes? She nearly broke her neck teetering around all day on the four-inch heels. She gazed over at Ryan. He was handsome - curly blond hair, clear blue eyes. He had a strong chin and a nose that obviously had been broken more than once. But it just added to his good looks. Ryan was muscular with a broad chest and firm butt. Oh... and he was well-built in other places, too. Bridget tried to control her breathing, but with her mind fantasizing about wrapping her legs around him and riding his massive length, she couldn’t quite manage it.