The Secret Garden (Friday, 4:30 pm)

[Sharise]

Nicolette stared down into the creek as it trickled over pebbles and forest debris. She got lost in the crystal waters, letting her mind wander far away.

The call of a bird woke her from her revere. Glancing about, she felt a slight chill in the wind. Warm hues were painted across the park, marking the arrival of Autumn. What a beautiful season...

Beautiful...

Logan.

Logan! He was late. He was never late. Whatever anger she might have felt quickly dissolved into worry. What if something had happened to him? Or what if she had gone to the wrong place? She could have sworn he told her to meet him in their secret place... the peaceful clearing in the park where they first met.

[LNS]

For some reason Logan was nervous. He didn't quite understand it. His hands were sweating slightly though, which wasn't helping the tiger lily he held in his hand. The tiger lily, how long it had taken him to decide on that flower. Roses seemed to cliché but the boy wanted to take Nicolette a flower. After ten minutes of back and forth, he selected a lovely pink tiger lily, paid for it and walked as quickly as he could to the park.

As he neared that special spot in the park, his pace slowed. What if he was so late she wasn't there any longer? Logan swallowed hard, trying not to think that maybe she was gone.

As he stepped into the secluded clearing by the creek his lips turned up into a smile. She was there! His heart raced. Without a word he walked to where she was, presented the tiger lily to her and stood shuffling a foot for a moment, uncertain as to if she'd like the flower or not.

[Sharise]

Nicolette was so wrapped up in her thoughts, that she didn't even hear Logan enter the clearing. It wasn't until a blur of pink made its way in front of her face that she snapped out of it. Blinking a few times, the flower came into view. It was beautiful.

A smile crept across her delicate features as she gently took the flower into her hand and looked up at the boy standing before her. "Logan..." She stood and, without thinking, wrapped her arms around his neck in an embrace. The last time she hugged him, she thought he was going to have a heart attack.

[LNS]

"Hi Nicolette." Logan's voice was soft, "Been waiting long?"

He hoped not. The poor boy felt bad as it was keeping her waiting at all. Besides wasn't the guy the one who was supposed to be sitting around waiting for the girl?

Logan's entire body stiffed for a second. But it was only a hug, right? Nothing wrong with that. Relaxing he returned the hug, both arms wrapping around Nicolette's lower back and pulling her just a little closer. Any closer though and the kid was likely to blush to death.

It took a minute before he released her. There was a smile on his face that he just couldn't shake. He still couldn't believe he had the privilege of getting to know this gorgeous, wonderful, amazing young woman before him.

[Sharise]

"Not too long." She smiled as they hugged. It was all worth it, though. She felt as though she could wait forever for him.

Nicolette sighed quietly as Logan let her go. He was so shy, but at least this time he didn't seem as nervous.

Taking a seat on the large, flat rock, she patted the spot next to her. The closer she could be to him, the better. There was just something about Logan that made her feel... safe.

Two toned eyes drifted to the flower that was gently resting in her hand. The vibrant color stood out against her black dress. It was almost mesmerizing.

[LNS]

Logan didn't hesitate this time. He willingly sat down on the rock next to Nicolette. There was easily enough room between the two for someone else to sit. Before she could Logan decided to scoot a bit closer to her, closing the gap between the two.

Glancing down he thought of holding her hand. Of even, gulp, running a hand through her hair. It looked so soft. But if he did, where would that lead? He was a good boy. Always had been and he wasn't sure where anything would lead if he did something like that. He didn't want Nicolette to think that he was trying to take advantage of her or anything.

[Sharise]

Nicolette saw Logan scoot closer from the corner of her eye. A mischievous smirk crept onto her lips. She turned to look at the boy. "Why Logan, you wouldn't be trying to get fresh with little o'me, now would you?" Her Southern Belle accent was dripping with sarcasm.

She wasn't a saint, though she might look like one, and even sound like one. But then again, she wasn't a floozy either. Still, she had wanted to kiss Logan from the moment she saw him. Too bad ladies aren't supposed to make the first move.

[LNS]

Logan was completely caught off guard. His face flushed deep pink as he stammered to say something. His tongue seemed tied as the teenager tried to offer some sort of an explanation. Now came out.

Glancing downward his cheeks still red with embarrassment he hastily said, "I could never do that."

Out of the corner of one eye he watched her. That smile. Those lips. He ached to kiss her. But was that allowed? Was the church against that too? It hadn't ever really been covered before. He could feel his heart racing. What would Nicolette think if he tried to kiss her now? Would she think he really was trying to take advantage of her?

[Sharise]

"And why not?" Nicolette's voice was a purr as she locked her eyes on the stammering boy.

If it weren't so damned improper, she would have jumped him by now. Instead, she had to wait for him to make the first move. It had only been a month, but it felt like a lifetime. She was dying to feel his lips against hers.

[LNS]

Logan's eyes went wide. He was certain they must have been as big as saucers. She wasn't mad? She didn't mind? The boy was more befuddled now than before.

Slowly he lifted his head back up and looked over at her. She was like a vision from a dream. All the boy could see were stars and hearts floating overhead as he leaned in closer to Nicolette, unaware of just what his body was doing.

Before he had time to stop himself, lips pressed against hers. The boy was certain he had just died and gone to heaven.

[Sharise]

Nicolette couldn't believe it. She was probably in more shock than Logan. Not that anyone could tell, of course.

Reaching up, her fingers lightly brushed the side of the boy's neck before tangling themselves in his hair. His lips were soft, and warm. A tingle shot through Nicolette's body. She didn't want this moment to end. Never had she felt this way when kissing any other guy. This time it had meaning, and she loved it.

Her body did what it wanted. She had no control at this point. Parting her lips slightly, she allowed her tongue to flick out against the boy's lips- begging for permission to enter.

[LNS]

An arm found it's way behind Nicolette as his hand gently rested on her back, only slightly pressing her closer to him still. The teenager was no longer thinking at all. The only thing that crossed his mind was nothing that felt this right could be wrong. As her tongue touched his lips he shivered a little. He had never kissed a girl before and no idea what exactly to do, but he parted his lips. Though Logan believed she was an angel he didn't have a problem believing that maybe one or two guys had kissed her before. Nicolette was far too beautiful in his opinion not to be kissed ... even if that meant other guys had done so.

[Sharise]

Nicolette smiled as her tongue entered Logan's mouth. Using all the skill in the world, she gently massaged his tongue with hers. Kissing was one of the intimate actions she truly enjoyed. And it showed.

Losing track of her thoughts, Nicolette put all of her emotions into the kiss. It could easily be described as the most passionate moment of her life. It wasn't a surprise, though. There was something about Logan that just felt so... right.

[LNS]

Logan had to admit he liked the feeling of Nicolette’s tongue against his. It was a new sensation, not a bad one, but one he hadn’t quite expected or at least not yet.

The boy was much too much of a good boy though and hadn't a clue what to do. But maybe Nicolette wouldn't mind. Maybe she'd even be willing to tolerant him long enough to teach him a few things. Well maybe.

[Sharise]

Nicolette slowly pulled away from Logan, but not before kissing him softly. "You're a good kisser." Her voice was ragged as she spoke.

It took everything she had to not jump him right then and there. Though she was sure that her eyes said it all.