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Audrey blinked several times. Then Kylie called Jillene over to sit with them. It was easy enough to steer the topic of conversation to Jillene’s impending baby.
Kylie wasn’t ready for kids of her own, but it was sweet to see how excited Jillene was about things like crib sheets and making baby food from scratch.
“Wait,” Audrey gripped the arms of her camp chair, “you mean to tell me there is such a thing as a milking machine for humans?”
“It’s called a breast pump, not a milking machine.” Jillene sighed. “I’m not a cow.”
Crossing her arms, Audrey wasn’t giving up. “It’s a machine that extracts milk. It’s a milking machine.”
Turning to Kylie, Jillene said, “Can you help me out here?”
Kylie threw up her hands. “Sorry Jill, I know literally nothing about babies.”
“But you worked in a children’s hospital.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t stalk people in the maternity ward.” She shrugged. “But also, I doubt the name milking machine would be very good marketing to expectant moms, so I can’t see it being called that.”
“Thank you!” Jillene reached over top of Audrey to grasp Kylie’s hand. “You’re a true friend. Not like this one.” She nodded toward Audrey.
“In that case. I’m taking back the crib mobile I bought you.” Audrey stood up.
Jillene’s face fell. “You wouldn’t.”
“Aw, of course I wouldn’t. I’m just kidding. I’m going to get another drink. You two want anything?”
Kylie stifled a giggle at Jillene’s confused/relieved expression.
For most of the evening, Derek stayed on his side of the garage, but conversation went all around the circle.
Kylie kept stealing glances at him and each time she did, he was watching her. His bashful smile made butterflies erupt in her stomach, and she wondered if there might be a repeat performance of their kiss soon.
On the way home after the party, Kylie wanted so much to reach out and take Derek’s hand, but it seemed presumptuous. Instead, they walked side by side in silence. Her head was still spinning over their earlier kiss. What did this mean?
When they got to her door, she turned to him and almost lost her breath at the sight of moonlight glinting off his eyes. “Good night, Derek.”
“Good night, Kylie.”
He didn’t leave, and she didn’t open the door.
Should I move in for another kiss? Does he want me to? Oh God, now I’ve been standing here too long doing nothing.
Before Kylie could chicken out and run into the house, Derek slid his hand into hers and moved closer.
“Are you still okay with this?” His breath was hot on her lips.
In response, she leaned in, brushing her mouth against his jaw. He shuddered, and their mouths met. The kiss was soft and sweet and over too soon.
Resting his forehead on hers, he whispered, “Goodnight, Kylie Martin.”
“Good night, Derek Carson.”
His hands dropped, and the cool night air on her skin made her shiver.
She watched him disappear down the street. As he passed townhall, he turned back, caught her watching and grinned.
And before the urge to chase him down and kiss him again took over, she opened the door and went inside.
She stood for a few minutes in the front hall of her parents’ home bracing herself against the painted door, her mind spinning. Had they really kissed? Multiple times? It was wonderful.
