Gretchen stood behind the counter in the Amish market-golden hair tucked neatly under a crisp, white kapp, striking blue eyes scanning the busy room, a mixture of faces so familiar, a mixture of outsiders so inquisitive.
Her shapely figure was appreciatively glanced at as she moved between tables, though she remained quite unconscious of any possible effect on anyone. A little taller than the average, and with long legs, blonde hair, big blue eyes, and a nice round butt, she was one of those striking girls you couldn't help but notice, even in her simple Amish garb.
The market was more for Gretchen than just a simple profession. It was a peek into a world far beyond the sheltered confines of her community. Every time one of those outsiders came up to her and started talking, it sparked her curiosity, igniting a desire to break through the barriers of the simplistic life in which she was raised.
Gretchen's world had been defined by the strict boundaries of the Amish existence. She was one of those very good Amish girls, following the Ordnung--a set of rules developed by her community--but she was still curious about the world beyond her sheltered upbringing. Her job gave her a glimpse into a world beyond her sheltered upbringing..
It seemed like a safe way to experience that world while remaining true to her Amish roots. Or so she thought.
As she served slices of steaming homemade pie and fragrant loaves of bread, Gretchen was delighted with the smiles and laughter of contented customers. The generous tips were a welcome bonus, though it was the tales and bits of conversation that really spurred her imagination.
Gretchen had taken the time to develop a very unlikely friendship with her co-worker Mary, a boisterous redhead from the "English" world--that's what they call anyone that is not Amish--with a laugh that can light up a room. Their shifts were filled with stories and giggles, forming a bond between the two girls that bridged their different worlds.
Mary's infectious laugh and wild tales of romance with her boyfriend Gary had left Gretchen both intrigued and slightly envious. She felt a little hint of guilt about her envy of Mary's romantic escapades with Gary. Their matching names amused Gretchen, too, and she knew Gary was a good man who cared for her friend well. Sometimes, she longed to have a boyfriend like Gary.
Compared to that, her courtship with Sammy, her hometown boyfriend, had been chaste. The stolen kisses in his buggy, the odd daring caress, sent thrills coursing through her body. Sometimes Sammy would get a little bold, and when he would lift her skirt, or his fingers would happen to brush against her skin, it brought color to her cheeks, but she knew there was so much more to explore.
That expectation of what was next with Sammy sent her stomach into flip-flops of mixed excitement and terror. They hadn't gone all the way, but the anticipation was intoxicating.
Gary would often meet Mary for lunch at the market. One afternoon, Gary came to join Mary for lunch as he had normally done. This time, however, he was not alone. Standing next to him was a friend with unruly curls and a boyish grin that made Gretchen's heart skip a beat.
Luke was muscular, handsome, with those sharp features. He was tall, easily six feet, and well-proportioned--a strong, athletic build that spoke of hours out of doors beneath the sun. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his eyes with a devil-may-care sparkle to them. There was an adventurous aura about him. Plus, being in such good shape, he looked like he'd just stepped out of a magazine.
The instant their eyes met, Gretchen knew there was something inescapable about him. Something about made her temporarily forget her strict Amish upbringing. She felt a strange flutter in her chest, which she hadn't felt in quite some time. He exuded confidence, charisma, every movement seemingly beckoning Gretchen to draw closer.
The moment Luke winked at her, Gretchen knew she was in trouble. A shock of electricity had run through her body. It was as if she had stumbled upon some kind of thrilling secret, the kind that scared and tantalized her all at once. Luke had a warm, inviting smile--an invitation into a world of exhilarating possibilities, ones she had never allowed herself to consider before. It startled her. The thing was, Gretchen was normally Miss Play-It-Safe, but something with Luke just pulled her in and at once both scared and thrilled her. She didn't know what to make of the feeling.
"This is my friend Luke," Gary said, introducing him with a little forward nudge. Luke extended his hand and Gretchen, after a moment's hesitation, took it. His grip was firm, sending a shiver up her spine.
"Nice to meet you, Gretchen," he said, in a low, smooth tone of voice. Gretchen proffered a soft smile. Her eyes dropped down, then quickly peeked back up at him. Everything around was buzzing with noise from the market, but it was as if time just froze.
"Nice to meet you, too," Gretchen stammered as her cheeks flared red. She quickly turned away, getting busy fetching menus.
As Luke, Gary and Mary sat down in a booth, Gretchen found herself losing some of her poise with her other customers. She seemed to need to get her mind off Luke.
Mary waved her over, indicating it was time to take their order. As Gretchen approached, her heart sped up. It felt as though Luke's eyes were caressing her body, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She could feel her face burn with a furious blush as she fought between flight and the urge to lean into his gaze.
Luke gave her a playful grin; his eyes stayed on her face a fraction of a second longer than they should have, and she felt her heart jump. She could feel the little shiver run down her spine.
It was as if every time he looked at her, he was looking her right through. Luke's gaze did seem to undress her, which made her shudder. She couldn't help herself; she blushed. She wasn't prepared for the spark this ignited inside of her.
After hastily jotting down orders, Gretchen scurried back to the kitchen. But going from table to table just wasn't as easy now. All she could think about was Luke--wondering what it would be like, running her fingers through those unruly curls. Did he have a girlfriend? What would it be like if he kissed her?
She smiled at Mary as she brought their food over, her eyes avoiding Luke's. "Here you go!" she said. They dug in immediately.
"Gretchen," he said, smooth as silk, "why don't you take a little time off and join us?"
"I-I don't know," she stammered very quietly. "I'm not sure it's proper."
"Come on," Luke urged, his smile bright and inviting. "Don't be such a party pooper!" Luke insisted. "Everybody needs a break once in a while." He smiled widely, showing his teeth. His eyes had a playful spark that made her feel all wobbly inside.
Gretchen hesitated. Indecision was written across her face. Though she wanted to go along, her responsibilities and her values tugged at her. Besides, someone had to keep an eye on the tables.
Mary smiled brightly and playfully shot her a wink, nodding her head towards the empty seat next to Luke. Before she knew it, Gretchen slid into that booth like it was the best seat in the house. Her head was spinning, her stomach fluttering, and her heart running. It was if she had begun losing control. She felt like she had stopped in front of something huge, without quite knowing what it was.
Luke turned to Gretchen and smiled, his voice low and seductive, in a teasing tone, "You know, you're not like the other girls."
Gretchen felt a weird surge of embarrassment with a little thrill at the compliment Luke paid her. Again, she blushed.
Luke leaned in casually, and his arm brushed against hers as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Every time his hand touched hers, she felt sparks running deep within her body. All of his flirtatious comments and light touches made Gretchen blush. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame, unable to resist his charm.
"What do you mean?" she asked, trying to play it cool, her voice shaking like an autumn leaf. Gretchen's cheeks flushed bright red as she laughed self-consciously. She was tipsy on Luke's attention; it was something she had never experienced before.
"You've got this. spark," he said, looking at her as if she were some sort of gem. "I've never seen anything like it." He leaned in a little closer. She felt his hot breath tickling her ear. "And the most beautiful eyes," he said, finishing his proclamation.
Gretchen felt herself blushing. "Thank you," she managed to say, trying to keep her cool.
"You intrigue me, Gretchen," Luke said, grinning playfully at her. "I've never met anyone quite like you." Every word just made her heart speed up. It was a little frightening, yet sort of flattering in a way she'd never felt before.
Luke flirted shamelessly with Gretchen, and she was completely into it. She had never had a guy give her so much attention, and she liked it.
"Gretchen," he continued, "there's a great big world out there that you don't know anything about," Luke said, his voice husky.
"I know a little bit," Gretchen said. "I read."
"That's great," Luke said, "but there's so much more to life than what you're used to." Gretchen simply nodded and grinned, caught up in the spell he was weaving.
"When I look at you," he said, "I feel like. I don't know, like I want to see what's possible, to see what could be. I just feel this urge to explore all kinds of possibilities. I'd love to show you life beyond the market." She just smiled weakly.
For the merest flash of a second, their eyes met, and in the depths of his gaze, she saw something electric. In that instant, she felt a want she'd never felt before, a want she hadn't known was even inside of her--desire mixed with a little bit of rebellion against the sheltered life that had been handed to her. It was part lust, part rebellious streak, pushing against the values and traditions that were so dear to her community.
As lunch wore on, Luke was increasingly enthralled by her. His attention became more focused and intense. His hand lingered a little too long on the back of the booth, and she could feel this heat spread through her. It was a passion she hadn't experienced before, one that was as exciting as it was nerve-wracking.
