Author's Note: Long-awaited chapter 8, yes, I know. I apologize for not being able to write and post this sooner, but my life has been…well, let's just say hectic, for lack of a better word. I'm not sure I really know where this story is going. My mind has changed several times since the first draft of this chapter. I've pretty much cut out one of the major events in this story, but it just wasn't working. So we will have to suffer without it. Hopefully I will be graced with muses so I can continue to write on this story. I must warn you that I am trying to deal with an original work as well, so that will probably take a bit of time away from this adventure. Sorry it's short, but I wanted to get it finished and posted. So, without any further gilding of the lilies and with no more adieu, I give you…chapter 8…

Warning: High rating applies for this chapter...

Disclaimer: I do not own Summerland, nor do I own any related characters or places.

Longing to Know

Chapter 8

Entering the dim barn aisle, Bradin could feel Harley's warm body against his own as he backed her into the wall. Her chest rose and fell invitingly as she breathed deeply between kisses. Edging over, they fell together into the hay stall, and Bradin moved to straddle her hips. As he tilted his head to kiss her neck and collarbone, his hands moved down to pull out her slate-gray sleeveless shirt and he began to pop open the snaps one by one. His fingers caught on something and, glancing down momentarily, the flash of a small ruby stud piercing on her navel catching his eye. The thought of Callie flashed in his mind, but vanished almost as instantly as it had appeared when the last snap came apart, exposing Harley's beautifully rounded breasts, held by a silky black bra.

Bradin's attention turned upward as Harley moaned when his tongue found its way into her mouth. His hands caressed the soft skin of her curves, the sensation flooding his body with tingling adrenaline. As the kiss ended, Bradin slowly removed his lips from Harley's and ran them down her neck and chest. A moan of exquisite pleasure escaped her as he gently kissed the tops of her breasts. He stopped for a moment, looking up to Harley's dark eyes bearing passionately into his own.

Slipping her fingers into the belt loops of Bradin's jeans, Harley tugged downward, unbalancing him, and he fell on top of her. A new rush of adrenaline filled him as their bodies met. Taking charge of the moment, Harley rolled to be on top of him, and he felt her weight shift as their hips met. Harley's tongue slid beneath his ear and as her soft lips grazed his earlobe, he allowed a quiet sigh to escape. His breath coming more rapidly with each second, he could no longer withhold his sensuous desires. Bradin's hands came off of Harley as he moved them down to release the button of his jeans, but as he coaxed it apart and started for the zipper, she broke the kiss and pushed herself up.

"I'm sorry," Harley forced out, fighting to catch her breath. "I just—I just can't do it, I'm sorry."

Fumbling to button his jeans, Bradin tried to grasp the situation. Harley pushed onto her feet and moved away.

"I just can't do that." She shook her head distractedly, her breath coming in sporadic gulps. "It's against what my People believe." Her next words were too soft for him to hear.

"Your what?" Bradin asked, thoroughly confused. What was going on here? What was she talking about?

A harsh shiver ran through Harley's body as she sunk down onto the concrete floor. Bradin remained silent, staring at her glistening ebony eyes.

"I'm sorry," Harley sobbed, covering her mouth as the tears streamed down her face. She stood and walked down the aisleway hurriedly, holding her shirt together with her free hand.

Bradin's gaze followed her retreating form, his mind wrestling with the decision to stop her or let her go. He had seen the want in her eyes, the longing to know she was truly loved. She needed to know someone cared about her. Still uncertain of what he would do, Bradin started off in the direction Harley had disappeared in. Rounding a corner of the barn, he heard soft sobbing coming from one of the stalls.

"Harley, I'm sorry." Bradin said through the bars. "Look, I just…" his voice trailed off. What could he say? What was he supposed to say?

"Oh, just save it," she ground out harshly, stepping forward to look Bradin square in the face through the bars. "All you want is my body. You're no different from anyone else."

"That's not true."

"Yes, it is. Why else would you start taking my clothes off?" Harley lifted her hand, palm up, level to the bottom of her ribcage as she motioned to her shirt.

Bradin's expression softened, and he took a moment before he responded. "I though it was what you wanted."

Harley's eyes grew wide. "I…I..."

"You what?" It was Bradin's turn for hostility. "Don't tell me that where you come from what happened there wasn't gonna lead to it." Tears glistened in Harley's eyes and he instantly regretted the tone he'd used. "Look, I'm sorry. I thought it was what you wanted."

"I did." The words escaped Harley's throat as barely more than a whisper.

Bradin frowned. What? Why? "Why did you stop then?"

Shaking her head, Harley turned back to the horse. She was silent for a long time before she cleared her throat to speak. "I'm not ready for sex. I wanted it, but I just can't."

"That's okay, I don't care, Harley," Bradin tried to soothe her, moving inside the stall.

"I can't dishonor my mom anymore." She buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably.

Bradin stood silently, his arms wrapped tightly around Harley's shaking body. Flint reached his golden nose out to nuzzle Harley's back.

"I can't make any more mistakes," Harley said, pushing away and wiping her face. She sniffed once, then gazed up at Bradin. "So what do you think of me now?"

"What do you mean?" He frowned again, reaching out to pull her close, but she declined, stepping back instead.

"Now that you know I don't put out."

Bradin shook his head and smiled. "I still think you're worth it." Harley scoffed and started to turn toward the horse, but he lightly grasped her elbow and guided her back to face him. "I think you just need to know that you're cared about."

"And you're the one who's gonna show me?" she snapped, her eyes biting into Bradin's.

Pulling her close, Bradin lowered his lips gently onto hers. Harley tried to back away, but he had a hand on her neck, forcing her to stay.

"Bradin, let go," Harley forced out around the edges of the kiss. But Bradin kept his grip and kiss firm. Another moment of struggle was all it took before she melted into his touch, almost sagging in his arms. At last, Bradin released her, and she stumbled backward, surprise and shock written plainly in her wide ebony eyes.

"I think you're amazing," Bradin said, still looking deep into her eyes. He watched as a tear slipped down her cheek.

Harley ducked her head, shifting her weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably. "I…I don't know what to say."

Slipping a forefinger under her chin, Bradin lifted her head so their eyes met again. "You don't have to say anything."

Another tear slipped out, but Bradin caught it with his thumb as it rolled over her high cheekbone. He was somewhat shocked to feel Harley's warm body against him, her tongue gently brushing his. Harley broke this kiss, reaching a hand up to thwart the escaping drops of saltwater. She laid the side of her head on his chest, crying quietly.

Long minutes passed before Bradin finally spoke. "I'll drive you home."

Harley didn't vocalize her answer, but he felt her nod her head against his chest.

"I'll stay with you for a little while."

She squeezed him tightly. "I'd like that," Harley mouthed, unable to find her voice as she looked up at him.

"Come on." Bradin cupped her jaw in his hands, wiping the tears away again. Then he smiled, offering his hand. She took it, attempting a smile in return.