Chapter 2
Reginald cocked his head. "Don't cry, Miss Scarlett, please don't cry," he cooed. He grabbed his handkerchief and gently wiped her tears away.
Scarlett sniffled as she leaned into his touch. "Why?" She said thickly. "He… I thought he loved me! What am I? Some… some floozy who's gonna be… be alone forever?"
He held her close, rocking her gently as he stroked her hair. "No," he cooed. "No, no."
"I only flirt so much because… because I'm so afraid! If I don't then… then no one will marry me! But if I do it too much they'll all leave!"
"You," said Reginald softly, rubbing her back gently, "are a strong, spirited, intelligent lady. I guarantee you someone would be more than proud to call you his wife."
She smiled gently. "Really?"
He nodded. "You know I like you, and it's because you're you. You have guts. Forget what these idiots think. You don't care! Because you know who you are. I do too. You are the absolute best friend anyone can hope to have and… I confess… sometimes I think we could be more than that."
Scarlett smiled. "I remember last Christmas," she said softly. "When I was in Atlanta, and found out that Suellen stole that boy from me. My heart was so broken, and you held me so tenderly…"
"Scarlett," he said gently, cupping her cheek in her hand.
She was surprised. He'd always called her Miss Scarlett. Did he…
He stroked her cheek and said very softly, "it's alright."
Scarlett smiled, leaning in. That was when she kissed him.
Reginald returned the kiss, gently yet deeply, pampering Scarlett's soft full lips. He then trailed kisses along her jawline.
Scarlett was almost panting. "Oh Reginald," she moaned. "Oh, have I your heart, my darling, I love you, I do!"
Reginald trailed little kisses up and down her elegant, soft neck. "I love you," he breathed. "I can't bear to see you suffer… I can't…"
Scarlett thought she was going to faint. She let out little moans and giggles of delight, and when they broke apart, she was very lightheaded. "I…" she said breathlessly, "I think we need to calm down. Let's… let's go mingle, shall we?"
Reginald smiled. "Sounds fine, darlin'." With that, they walked out of the room and mixed with the others, Scarlett practically bouncing.