Page 2 of Through the Storms

“Are we going to stand here talking?” Oakley ran her thumb over Lana’s bottom lip. “Or am I going to get that kiss you’ve been dangling in front of me?”

“Mmm,” Lana moaned. She swore her bottom lip was more sensitive than her nipples, and Oakley knew it. Fighting to regain some control, Lana sucked Oakley’s thumb into her mouth and flicked her tongue over it. Two could play this game.

Oakley’s eyes widened before they filled with desire. A smoldering Oakley was almost too much to resist, so Lana sucked harder on her thumb.

“You’re killing me.” Oakley gently removed her thumb from Lana’s mouth. “I want that kiss in the worst way. Hell, I need it, but if we start now, there’s no way you’ll ever get to see the surprise.” Oakley took two steps back.

“And that’s a problem?” Lana raised one eyebrow. “I’m failing to see why.” She couldn’t resist teasing Oakley a little more, so she ran her tongue seductively across her lips. They’d have to make time for a proper goodbye, considering the pressure building between Lana’s legs.

“I’m not looking at you.” For emphasis, Oakley put her hands over her eyes.

“If I’m the one seeing the surprise, shouldn’t I be doing that?”

Oakley peeked between her fingers. “Oh, yeah.” With her face still covered, her cheeks rose as if she were smiling. “Should I blindfold you?”

“Depends. Are you taking me upstairs or to see the surprise?” Lana smirked.

“Enough, you trollop.”

Lana laughed. “Trollop? Were you born in the Middle Ages?” Lana had no idea where the word originated, but it sounded good.

Oakley flicked her wrist. “Blame it on Asher. He’s been playing some stupid game and keeps talking about trollops.”

Figures.Of course, Oakley’s twin brother, Asher, would have something colorful to say, and Oakley would adopt it as her own. “Do you think we can get to the surprise?”

Oakley’s smile faded, and a serious expression took its place. “I have to tell you, this is big. Bigger than any other surprise.” She rocked back and forth where she stood, looking like a child who was about to show off a prized possession.

“I’m sure I’ll love it.” The possibility of an engagement ring grew with Oakley’s proclamation. It had been a long time coming, as Lana patiently waited for Oakley to get the wildness out of her system.

Oakley took Lana’s hand. “Are you okay? Your palms are drenched.”

Lana extracted her hand from Oakley’s and ran it down her slacks. “It’s just warm in here.”

“Promise to keep your eyes closed?”

“Where are we going?” Lana eyed Oakley suspiciously. If Oakley wanted to propose, couldn’t she do it here?

“Just close your eyes.”

Lana obliged. “They’re closed.”

“Okay, I’m going to lead you.”

Oakley walked slowly. The unmistakable sound of the squeaky front door assaulted Lana’s ears. Apparently, they were going outside. Lana hid her smile. Oakley probably hired a skywriter or had a twenty-foot sign installed in their front yard.

“Don’t forget,” Oakley said, “three steps down.”

“Should I put on shoes?” Lana asked, suddenly aware of her bare feet.

“No. It’ll be fine.”

Lana tentatively walked down the stairs and stepped onto the cement. Being late April, the sidewalk still hadn’t absorbed enough sun to warm it. The cold penetrated the bottom of her feet.

“Almost there.” The excitement was evident in Oakley’s voice.

They must have walked another fifteen feet, which would put them near the driveway. Surely, Oakley wouldn’t expect her to go somewhere without her shoes. Lana fought against the temptation to open her eyes, but she didn’t want to spoil Oakley’s surprise.

“Okay. Stop here.” Oakley’s grip on Lana’s hand tightened. “Before you open your eyes, I need to tell you that I’ve never been happier. My inheritance from Grandma has finally let me chase my dreams.”