Somewhere in Molly's father's house, a clock chimed softly. Molly stirred against me, and I opened my eyes enough to see the clock beside the bed...it was only 10:30. The prospect of spending another few hours in bed like this was appealing, but I didn't want to spend them sleeping!
To make the most of our time together, I gave Molly a one-armed squeeze. When she looked up at me, I kissed her soft lips and smiled. "Come on," I said. "Let's not waste the day!"
Molly smiled back, muttered "OK" sleepily, and slipped out from under the covers. Was there ever a sight more lovely? She padded slowly across the cool floor, her skin creamy and beautiful, her hips swinging sensuously, and the side of her breast just visible enough for me to enjoy the bounce each step gave her. She disappeared into the bathroom, and I took a moment to reflect on how amazing this morning had been already. Then I got up, pulled on my boxers, and pulled back the drapes to let in some sunshine. It looked great outside, so I opened the french doors and a soft breeze blew through the bedroom.
The bathroom door opened then, and Molly came out wearing a dark blue robe that showed off her legs and gaped just enough to reveal the valley between her breasts. She smiled in appreciation as I admired her, then grabbed my hand and led me down the hall. I went along happily to the kitchen and watched as she made two cups of Colombian coffee in the Keurig. She handed me one, then said, "Let's go outside."
Through the dining room and out the doors to the patio. There was a loveseat with deep white cushions set under a pergola in the shade, and we sat there side by side. After a few sips of coffee, Molly placed her cup on the table in front of us and turned to me. I put my cup aside as well. She had a puzzled look on her face, and seemed to be groping for how to begin.
"I don't know how to say this," she said, "so bear with me..."
I didn't say anything-I just gave her a small smile of encouragement.
"I always thought "making love" was stupid expression, but I have never felt anything like what we just did. I mean, we've done it...had sex...a couple of times now, and it's been awesome. I've had sex with people I was in love with, and that was great, too. This was totally different, though. From the second I woke up with your arms around me until we got out here, I don't think I've said 10 words, but I've never felt so totally connected with somebody. Is that what making love is?"
These were deep waters, and I proceeded carefully. "Molly-that's exactly what making love is. It means you care about somebody, and you love making them happy, and they make you happy in return. We've known each other a long time, and we've cared about each other for a long time. The times that we've gotten together these last few months have definitely taken things to a whole new level. This morning was a way of expressing that...and it was amazing!"
"It was," she agreed.
"So what's the question?" I asked gently.
"I guess...what are we doing here? Are you in love with me? I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you, and I'm starting to feel really strange about it. I started out feeling grateful to you and I wanted to show you how much, but..." Her voice trailed off.
"Well," I said in my best grown-up voice, "I know that I love being with you. I feel alive and aroused and close to you in a way that I haven't felt in a really long time. So I'm grateful, too."
"And..."
"And we both know I have a family and a life 40 miles away that I love as well. It's not a contest-I could never leave them, and we both know that you need to be with someone who isn't twice as old as you are. You're young and smart and sexy and beautiful, and you have to make your own choices. I'm part of your past. A good part, I think, but still..."
"Of course you're a good part!" she said loyally. Then she paused to consider all of what I'd said. "I guess that's right-it's not a contest between me and your...family. I just know that I want to be with you right now while I can...is that bad?"
"Fuck, Molly-I just drove 40 miles to climb in bed with you, and it was amazing! How can that possibly be a bad thing? We make each other feel good in a lot of ways, not just with sex. We also both know that in a few weeks, you'll be back in school and I'll be back at work. That's just life. But I do know that I want to spend whatever time I can with you. Since we can't really be going out like a regular couple, I think we have to make the most of what we have here, okay?"
She looked levelly at me, her intelligent eyes flickering with emotion after emotion. I left her alone and sat quietly. Sunlight filtered through the trees and made the pool water sparkle.
Finally, Molly's full lips settled into a faint smile. "Let's make the most of it," she said agreeably. She reached for her coffee, and after I grabbed mine, she clinked her mug against mine. We both took a sip in celebration of our new accord, and then she pivoted slightly, putting her back against the arm of the loveseat. Her feet went over my lap and tucked themselves under the arm cushion next to me, and I caressed her thigh idly while I grinned back at her.
"It is a shame, though..." she said, still smiling.
"What's that?" I asked.
"I could totally get used to this!" she said happily with a small gesture to indicate our situation.
I took in the magnificent creature next to me. Bare legs pale and smooth across my body. Beautiful full lips smiling at me lasciviously. Full breasts behind a thin layer of cotton. Eyes clear now that we had moved past a difficult moment. I could get used to this as well, I thought to myself, trailing my hand up and down her leg again and smiling to myself.
I couldn't tell you how long we sat there in harmony, but eventually Molly snapped me out of my reverie with a simple question: "Do you want some breakfast?"
"I could eat," I admitted.