Doug knew better. He knew this was not something he was allowed. Involvement with the family was NOT permitted.
But he was human, after all. Betsy was the essence of love, of everything Doug had always wanted. He couldn't help himself, no more than he could stop breathing.
So, Doug indulged his heart, allowing Betsy's body to press against his, her mouth to bond, and allowing, for just this once, his feelings to be expressed.
He quickly escorted her to the passenger side of the car, helping her into the front seat and closing the door carefully after her. He walked slowly around the car, taking deep breaths and trying to relax, to calm down. As he opened his door and slid into the car, there was Betsy, pressed against his side, her hand reaching for his. Her scent filled the car, her warmth seeped into him, filling him. Her other hand reached up and cupped his chin, turning him to face her, moving her mouth once again to his, her lips lightly brushing against his, softly encouraging them to open and accept her. He groaned lightly as he felt her tongue touch his, and his body responded to her. He wanted Betsy so much. He wanted to love her and protect her and keep her warm against him for the rest of his life. His hands slid to her back, the safest place he could find, and he massaged her spine, feeling her warmth against his palms.
He would never get his fill of kissing her, he knew that. He could happily spend the rest of his days, holding her and kissing her and just being with her. The kisses deepened, Betsy was moaning into his mouth, pressing closer and running her hands over his arms and chest. Doug gently pushed her away, and started the car. Betsy settled against his side, her head on his arm, her hand holding his. It was a little difficult to drive with one hand, but Doug would rather die than admit that. Her hand holding his was a lifeline, a cord connecting them.
He drove slowly back to Denver. Passing the big house, he pulled to a stop in front of Betsy's cottage. He opened his door and slid out, finding Betsy right behind him. She stepped into his arms as if it were the most natural thing to do, her arms reaching up and wrapping around his neck. Her face was tilted up to his, her eyes closed, the moonlight shining down, giving her a luminous glow that totally captivated him.
He had to kiss her. He had to hold her close and inhale her into his heart and soul. She was the woman he had waited for all his life. Now it was Betsy who pushed away. She took his hand and smiled at him. The smile of a woman who knew exactly what she wanted and planned to get it. She led him to the veranda, waiting until he sat comfortably on the deep wicker sofa. Then she settled on his lap, her legs drawn up at his side, her head nestled on his chest. She listened to his heart beating, she felt his breath on her hair. She was so content. And she was so restless.
Betsy had never been in love, never even been in like before. In Sanctuary, all the kids ran together in a pack. No one singled out another. Matches were made when the friends went out of town to college or for a summer job. New people were brought back and integrated into the crowd, but the core members remained just friends. So, this was Betsy's first foray into a romance. Truthfully, she had never thought of Greg as a romantic interest. Kissing him had been just nice, just vanilla, just pleasant.