The morning grass was still damp but he didn't notice as he walked across the park. His pace was just a bit fast, as if he were in a hurry but forcing himself to appear relaxed. The playground equipment was deserted; the children were all in school, and it was still too early for anyone to be enjoying their lunch beside the small lake. Only one other person was in evidence; she waited patiently near the edge of the woods. Behind her, a wood chip path led into the nature conservatory, a circuitous area shadowed by the thick undergrowth and a dewy canopy of leaves.
"Finally," he said, when they were face to face. Beyond that neither could do anything but smile. This moment had been in the making for months, and both wanted to simply savor the first look at the "real life" face of the other. The reality didn't quite fit the mental images formed by generalized descriptions and fuzzy pictures but each was nonetheless pleased. She wore a short denim skirt and white blouse; he was dressed in tan trousers and a dress shirt. Clasping hands, they set off down the path.
Not a word was said for a full ten paces, then he turned abruptly and clasped his lips to hers. Embracing each other desperately, their lips fought to taste as much of the other as possible. His tongue slid in to her mouth and back, she nipped at the retreating organ and followed with a thrust of her own. Their hands ran uncontrollably up and down one another's back, fingers eagerly exploring the flesh barely hidden beyond thin material. Within seconds they were breathing heavily into one another's lungs, desperate for air but not wanting to break the long-awaited kiss. He pulled her even closer until their bodies were melded together from the waist to their heated lips. When they finally broke contact, it was only to allow an inch or so of space between their shining faces.
"Finally," he repeated, smiling.
"We've never met, but I've missed you for years," she said, words coming much easier now. His hands continued to trace soft circles across her back, unwilling to lay still until every beautiful inch of her body had been discovered.
"I know; I feel like I've been waiting forever." Arms linked tight, they resumed their walk. The morning air was still save for the sounds of birds in the conservatory and the rustle of bark beneath their feet.
She laughed suddenly. "You promised we wouldn't do anything but talk the first time," she reminded him.
"I'm sorry," he said, abruptly awkward. "I didn't mean--"
She silenced him by turning and pulling his face down to hers for another kiss. After a moment they stood, embracing, regarding each other with a calm happiness. "I was just teasing," she said.
He glanced over her shoulder and spotted a small wooden bench. Looking down into her eyes, he smiled mischievously. "In that case, did you take me up on my dare?"