Author's note: This story starts where Pt. 2 left off. While not required, Pts 1 and 2 are recommended first, to follow the story. Do enjoy. As this chapter is a little shorter, I'm publishing Pt. 3 and Pt. 4 at the same time. All copyrights reserved to the original author. - TIB
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The following Monday at work, Kelly was a little trepidatious in approaching Denise.
"Are you okay?" Kelly asked.
Denise gave a beaming smile. A little... too big, actually. "Hey honey. Sorry we got split up there after the festival. But it looked like you ended up having quite a night."
Kelly felt the blood drain from her face. "W-wha... what do you mean?"
Denise raised her eyebrows knowingly. "After we got separated, I looked around for you for a while, then came back to the park. Eventually found you behind one of the tents, but you were... errrr... quite preoccupied with someone." She winked, as Kelly blushed in embarrassed horror. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. That was rather hot. You two look good together, and he seems like quite a stud, huh?" Denise smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "I didn't watch for long-mostly tried to ensure you two were left alone."
Kelly didn't know what to say. "Denise, I... well... um... thank you, I guess."
Denise chuckled. "I guess I wouldn't mind being somebody's 'fuck toy' either."
Kelly buried her face in her hands. "Ohhhhhhhh... Denise, you bad, bad girl."
"Says you," came the reply.
Kelly found herself daydreaming again at work, and looked up "Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs" on the internet, as Caelin had told her to do. She was amazed at what she read, looking at the world differently than she ever had. Had she too been unaware of dangers to herself and others? What role would she choose for herself? Clearly after the attack the previous weekend, she needed to be able to protect herself. This was something she would have to think about.
On her way home from work, Kelly's phone rang. "Hello?" she answered.
"Hello, baby girl. It's Caelin." Kelly's heart jumped a bit. "Let's get together this weekend."
"Yeah, I'd like that very much." Kelly pulled to the side of the road so she could talk. "Saturday? It's the 4th of July. I love the city fireworks show."
There was a stretch of silence on the other end. "The 4th." Another pause. "That used to be my favorite day of the year." Oh... used to? What did that mean? "It sounds like you're planning on going to this show."
Kelly pursed her lips in some puzzlement.. "Well, not exactly. But I guess I have been going to it every year. Would you prefer something else?"
Another brief pause. "No, that'd be fine. I'll pick you up at 8." She gave him her address.
Kelly couldn't wait. The week dragged by ever so slowly, each day inching her a little closer back to him and their first real "date". Kelly decided to wear her pretty blue dress that evening that complimented her fiery red hair, which she styled in long waves. Dressing up a bit, she chose to go with garters under her dress, holding up a set of black sheer stocking hose, and a thick black belt over the dress to accentuate her waist.
Opening the door for Caelin, her heart a bit aflutter, his unspoken reaction to her appearance was everything she needed for affirmation. Clearly, he approved of her choices. He looked like no slouch himself, wearing a pair of charcoal grey slacks, a navy polo shirt, and dark sports jacket that made his large frame even more imposing. A white pocket square just peeked from his breast pocket, making him look ever so dapper.
He gave her a light kiss. "You dressed up for me."
She smiled.
"I like that," he said, smiling back warmly, holding and rubbing her arms as if to warm her, then giving her another kiss on the forehead. "Let's head out."
They spent the evening making small talk, getting to know each other as they walked the streets. There was so much Kelly wanted to know about him, but was cautious, taking her time, sensing a minefield underneath. He wasn't very talkative at first, but did seem very interested in her and what she had to say. As the evening wore on, though, Caelin seemed more at ease, and began to open up to her, talking a bit about himself as well. Mostly casual conversation.
People were out and about, waving flags, wearing Americana-themed clothing, barbecuing with friends, and playing frisbee in the park with the family dog. Street vendors sold hot dogs as the food staple of the day. Approaching the time for fireworks, Kelly asked if they should start heading to the capitol building to see the show.
Caelin hesitated, pushing his lips tightly together. "Let's stay away from crowds there. We're only a block or two away right now." He turned, looking up at the sky. "We have a great view from here. Perhaps this sidewalk cafe?" He motioned across the street.
Kelly agreed, and they sat, ordering drinks. Caelin had requested a table at the edge of the cafe, and sat with his back to the wall. Sparsely occupied, they had space to themselves. The waitress let them know the city asked that all lights be turned to a minimum during the show, so the cafe and streetlights would be extinguished shortly. They pushed their chairs together, then sat quietly. Orchestral music was playing gently over the cafe pavilion speakers, from a radio station set to accompany the show with a live performance from the local symphony. Right on time, the lights dimmed, and a new song began.
Sitting in dim darkness, the couple enjoyed their drinks and the music, but Kelly noticed that Caelin seemed just a bit nervous, uncharacteristic of him. Then...
Whoomp...
A soft, low thump from off in the distance, the sound of a firework rocket being launched. Caelin froze. Then it burst overhead with an explosion of beautiful red light and a "bang", trickling off into fizzling pops.
Caelin startled, eyes wide, sliding backwards. He set his drink back on the table, fumbling, knocking the glass over and spilling the remnants across the tablecloth. Another firework popped overhead and he jumped again, body stiffening. Kelly didn't know what to do, grabbing his hand and holding it tight in both of hers. He turned to her.
"I'm sorry..."
"No, don't be," she said.
"I..."
She put a finger on his lips, shaking her head in the dim light, quieting him, silently letting him know no explanation was needed. Another firework burst, and his grip tightened hard in her hands, their faces lit up between them in the momentary blossoming overhead illumination. He looked into her eyes, his sparkling from the aerial glare, revealing a tension she had not seen in him before. She gazed back, showing a soft, caring look. She took his hand in her right hand and laid it at the top of her chest, his palm flat on her exposed skin just above her breasts. Then she reciprocated and placed her left hand on his chest, keeping her eyes locked on him.
They sat motionless for a moment. Another firework blew overhead, flooding the area with a bright blue light, and Caelin again twitched, yet only half as much. Kelly didn't move, looking back and forth between his two beautiful eyes, connecting with him deep inside. Another firework. She stared unflinchingly at him, making him her whole world for the moment. He relaxed a bit. She leaned in and kissed him tenderly and lovingly, pressing her soft lips into his. His body responded, melting to her touch, tension disappearing.
Kelly pulled back and ran her fingers through his hair. "Better?" she asked.
