As for my last chapter, I'm so proud of it! The scene where Jim and Kayley fought in the rain is the very first scene I wrote for this story and I'm very attached to it. That chapter is actually my favorite…well, so far anyway. There are two more upcoming scenes that I'm very excited about. One scene involves the climax and the other I thought up when I was listening to The Corrs' instrumentals. *cackles wickedly and twirls the end of an invisible mustache* Be on the lookout for clues. ;D

Credits: "Breathless" is a song by the fabulous, unbelievable Corrs. It was one of my favorite songs growing up, and it's still one of my all-time favorites. It hit number one in several countries, including the UK. Some lyrics are presented in the chapter. The Corrs and Robert John "Mutt" Lange. "Breathless." Lyrics. Perf. The Corrs. In Blue. WEA International, 2000.

"If I can Stop One Heart from Breaking." Emily Dickinson. Qtd. in a literature textbook I no longer possess (I memorized the poem from the textbook). Print.

Thank You, Rose. I know! :D *major hugs* I added a head smacking part just for you, silly gal. :P I love you so. 3

Thank You, elemental13. Thank you so much for both reviews, I just appreciate them so much! (I was more in-depth through the site. ^_^ By the way, can't wait for more of A Woman Scorned! )

Thank You, Wolfess. Never, ever be embarrassed for offering two reviews! I love them so much, I really truly do. Thank you for mentioning the setting! I just thought it very appropriate for Jim in the modern world, and it's rather humorous (at least in my opinion) watching Kayley trying to adapt to something that is in such contrast from her native Salisbury, haha. And that's a terrific question! In fact, I will make a separate paragraph to answer that, since I'm sure many other readers are curious as well. :D Haha, do you have a special request for a character? I'm not guaranteeing I can fit that person in the story, but I certainly can fit in a mention here or there. ;P Now, as for the first review you gave, THANK YOU! 8D It was very beautiful. I'm glad the part where he locked them out of the car seemed like him, I actually hadn't intended that, it just fit my plotline. xD And yay, you mentioned Sarah! I was hoping someone would, I had such fun writing her parts in that chapter. Also, I understand hecticness. *many hugs and wishes* My life as of late has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. *bows head* I admit I even had a breakdown and cried. Life can be so troublesome and downright confusing sometimes, eh? =) All the best. 3 My name is Stefi, by the way. ;D

Thank You, Emilie. That was such a beautifully written review; it literally moved me to tears. Much like Wolfess's, it was very emotional and heart-felt. I could empathize and feel what you were feeling (writing that moves one like so indicates that the person who wrote it has writing talent *wink; nudge*). It is refreshing to see such faith. I believe the same, and I believe that almost everything happens for a reason, even if at first it is hard to see the reason(s) why. You are very lucky to have sisters; I see it as a blessing, haha. I've always wanted a biological sister, but since I don't have one, I have a really close friend who stands as sister. I think you would be a terrific author, you give very organized and well-planned reviews! In addition, I would absolutely love to read your stories and hear all about your ideas! Honest. Again, thank you, and all the best wishes with your writing career!

Clarification: Each reviewer who has reviewed Chapter Thirteen has praised Kayley for stopping Jim from going too far. Yes, Kayley did the right thing. However, I feel that the readers kind of see Jim as in the wrong. That was not my intention! Both started what later had to come to a stop. Kayley was the first to realize this. I like Emilie's way of explaining: "In a way, Jim thought he was showing he cared for her." Yes! That was what I had intended. In addition, all their pent-up emotions were coming to a head and they weren't handling them well. No one is at fault (either that or they're both at fault for bottling up their feelings for so long, lol). I just wanted to make sure that was clear. =)

"Are any of the other original characters still involved?" asks Wolfess. Well, to be quite honest, I only had in mind Kayley, Jim, Julianna, and Sarah. Now, I had seriously considered Doctor Doppler, but then decided against it because he is half dog. (I have not read Treasure Island, so I have no idea what he was like in that if I wanted to take his human form.) This story is set in modern day New York, with normal humans as the characters. I really wish I could have fit Silver in, but I just don't see how'd he fit (especially as a cyborg). I will also not use Ruber (I despise him so, and this story doesn't exactly call for a ruthless villain [you'll see why at the climax]). However, I am still considering using Doctor Doppler in a single part of it, he'd just be in complete human form. I cannot guarantee anything, but I hope that answers questions about characters used in this story. =) Happy reading! [The next chapter will be much more interesting, promise!]

Chapter Fourteen

Part One: Receptions

Despite Kayley's promise to her mother, she couldn't help but fantasize about what had happened and what had almost happened with Jim. Memories of Jim pressed against her in the pouring rain kept replaying over and over in her mind. She trembled as she remembered his strong arms lifting and carrying her into his house; how she had almost given in to temptation. A part of her wished she had as she was again overcome with yearning and desire. All she wanted was to be with him, in his arms. She fell asleep hugging her pillow.

Jim was still furious with his mother. As he paced in his room, he wondered how Kayley was handling the situation. He knew it wouldn't be an easy thing to explain to her mother if she found out. Frustrated, he flopped down on his bed and groaned into his pillow. Then he sat up and began pulling off his boots. One plunked to the floor, the other quick to join its partner. He remembered how the jackets had fallen in a similar manner. A grin spread across his face. Then he frowned. Memories wouldn't bring Kayley to him.

He fell back against his mattress. The space beside him was empty, as it had always been for seventeen years…except for earlier that afternoon. It was a new experience lying next to somebody, and he wished it didn't have to end there. He hoped it wouldn't end there. He wondered what it would be like to actually wake up next to someone, someone who cared for him the way he cared for her. He tried to remember the feeling of Kayley snuggled into him, what it felt like to have her adoring, gorgeous, hazel eyes riveted on him. A tired smile appeared on his face and he drifted off. That night he dreamt of Kayley, so close before him, yet so far out of reach.

Monday morning, Kayley brushed her hair with shaking hands, wondering what kind of reception he'd give her at the school. After all, he had changed in attitude toward her so drastically all in a day. Or had he? He had said lovely, glorious things that made her want to cry, they were so touching. Or had they been murmured sweet nothings he knew she wanted to hear, whispered in an attempt to score? Or maybe he meant what he said but wouldn't display his affections while around the company of others, in which case, that would be just as awful as him not wanting her at all, and she'd practically be back to square one.

Kayley threw her brush in the sink. She was so angry with herself for thinking those awful, indecent things that she wanted to shake herself, then smack herself upside the head.

"Kayley," her mother called, "time to go."

Kayley glanced up at the heavens. "Please, let me think positively and let things go well," she silently prayed. Looking back down at the counter, she picked up her black hairband and tied her hair in a ponytail.

Exiting her bedroom, backpack slung over one shoulder, Kayley announced she was ready.

Julianna opened the door and exited, Kayley following behind. As Kayley stepped out, she awkwardly reached down and picked up the umbrella that was propped against the inside wall. Julianna eyed it with contempt before locking the door. Kayley tried to ignore the look. She tried to ignore the fact she was holding the object that helped bring about a recent, embarrassing, near mother-daughter feud. An object that resulted from her "carelessness."

No, it was much more than that, she realized. She felt a sense of glowing pride in it. This was the result of something wonderful, something only he and she knew the beauty of, something that she would never regret. What had happened with Jim had happened, and nothing could be done to change that. That thought in mind, Kayley proudly propped the umbrella on her shoulder and began marching down the stairs before her mother.

O~o~O~o~O

Jim pushed his way to school, his skateboard wheels clunking over cracks in the pavement. In his hand he held Kayley's handbag. His eyes were glued to it. He wondered what was inside, yet he dared not peek. Betraying her trust by invading her privacy was not a pleasant thought.

He pushed his thoughts aside and continued rolling toward the school. As he neared the schoolyard, he jumped off the skateboard and flipped it in the air, catching it with his free hand. He then began trudging through the mushy schoolyard, wondering what Kayley would do when they exchanged the items. She'd probably color a deep red. He smiled. Yeah, he could see her doing that.

His thoughts were disturbed by a loud shout from behind. "Hey!" a male's voice called. Jim ignored it. No one but Kayley ever spoke to him at the school, and the shout was definitely not from Kayley. "Hey, Hawkins!" Okay, so it was for him. Jim slowly turned. Five boys were grouped together under one of the trees. They were all staring at Jim and sneering. "What's that you got there?"

Jim rolled his eyes. It was going to be one of those days. He turned away and began walking up toward the school entrance.

"It's just a question, geez."

Jim stopped and wheeled around to face them. He held up the handbag. "What's it look like?"

One of the boys snickered. "A purse."

Jim offered a sideways smirk. "Exactly." He winked and then once again resumed walking up to the school. He wasn't going to let a bunch of idiots bother him. Their opinions didn't matter. If only they knew the real reason he was carrying the handbag… Jim proudly lifted his head. Looking up, he spotted Kayley, umbrella tucked under one arm, backpack in hand, her free arm outstretched for the door.

O~o~O

Kayley arrived at the school and hopped out of the car with a quick, "Bye, Mum!" Julianna watch with sad eyes as her daughter danced up the stairs to the school.

As Kayley reached for the door, she thought she heard her name softly called from the schoolyard. She hesitated, wondering if she had really heard right or if she was imagining things. She didn't hear anything more, so she shrugged it off. When she returned her attention to the door, she heard the call again, this time a bit louder. There was no mistaking the voice. She smiled coyly and excitedly pivoted.

Jim stood in the cover of the trees, smiling mysteriously. Kayley dropped her backpack and the umbrella and ran through the soggy lawn to Jim, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. He leaned down and kissed her. Her hands traveled through his hair as he linked his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. Kayley realized that something was starting up again. Her hands found their way to his chest, and she gently pushed him away. "Hi," she gasped.

Jim smiled. "I've missed you."

Kayley returned the bashful smile. "Me too. I couldn't stop thinking about us. I couldn't help wondering if it was real." She began fingering the collar of his shirt. "It is." She hugged him again.

It was so right. Whenever she touched him, was with him, an indescribable thrill raced through him, one that would be devastatingly painful if it was to be so cruelly snatched away. He couldn't let that happen. He needed to be sure she felt the same way he did. "Kayley," he whispered in her ear, "will you be my girlfriend?"

She swiftly pulled away and studied his face. He was serious. "I thought I already was," she answered quietly, a shy smile appearing on her face.

Jim grinned, elated. He kissed her again, but their moment was interrupted by the clanging of the school bell. Jim groaned. "Stupid bell."

Kayley giggled. She grabbed his hand and smiled, curving a finger toward herself, a sign to follow. She then turned to the school, pulling Jim along with her.

Before she could get anywhere, Jim bent down for his skateboard and Kayley's handbag. "Here you go," he said as he handed it to her. To his surprise, she didn't flush. Instead, she smiled sweetly and thanked him before dragging him with her to the school. As he was pulled along, he shot a quick look over his shoulder at the five boys. Their mouths were agape. Jim grinned smugly and then turned back around.

Kayley reached her backpack and stuffed into it her small handbag. She then picked up the umbrella and pack, which she slung over her shoulder. Kayley proceeded to hand the umbrella to Jim. "Here." They both cast reverent eyes on it as it was passed between them. Having exchanged their items, they slowly walked into the school. Kayley pushed through the door first, Jim following behind. As they began their walk to the lockers, Kayley felt an arm slip over her shoulders. Surprised, she looked to her right and saw Jim, who was staring straight ahead with a slight smile on his face. She leaned into him.

In their blissful state, they didn't notice the curious glances they were getting from some of the other students crowding the hallway. Some of the girls began gossiping behind their hands, already starting to discuss what would be the latest hot topic: Evans and Hawkins, together. That match was definitely not what any of them had expected. Most surprising to them was the fact that this clumsy, overly talkative English girl had seemingly broken through to the cold, reclusive, Bronx rebel's heart. Kayley had somehow captured his interest…unlike a lot of other girls, who bitterly shot her some dirty, jealous glares.

All in all, watching them together was an interesting sight, to say the least.

Oblivious to those around them, they walked up to their lockers and began stuffing their things inside. Finishing with their metal boxes, they shut them in unison, and then looked at each other. Jim wrapped an arm around her and they proceeded to make their way to the English classroom. As they entered, Jim's arm slipped from her shoulders and he began walking toward the back row. Kayley questioningly stared after him for a moment, then glanced down at her usual seat, which was between two desks that were already occupied. She immediately made up her mind. She passed her desk and strode down the aisle. Stopping at the desk beside Jim's, she set down her things and took a seat. Some of the kids twisted in their seats to gawk at them. This time, it was hard for the couple not to notice the looks they were receiving. Kayley began to shrink down in her chair. "Everybody's staring," she whispered.

"Screw their opinions, they don't matter," Jim answered. "Only ours."

No longer embarrassed, Kayley sat up straighter. "You're right," she answered with a smile.

The nerdy boy who usually sat beside Jim entered the classroom. Finding his seat to be taken by the pretty brunette, he gave Jim a thumbs-up and then took a seat in the front. Kayley had to suppress a laugh. Obviously somebody approved. Not that it mattered, but it was nice to know that they had some kind of moral support.

At that moment the professor entered the classroom. He sat down and began calling names. Upon the calling of Kayley's name, she promptly answered "here." Realizing that her answer was not coming from the direction in which he was so accustomed to hearing her voice, he looked up and saw her seat occupied by the slightly nerdy kid. His eyes skimmed the students until he noticed the girl sitting in the back by Jim Hawkins. In complete befuddlement, his eyebrows shot up and remained there momentarily before he finally looked back at the list. Perplexed, he slowly shook his head and checked her name as having attended.

Class was begun.

Having Kayley sitting beside him, Jim noticed just how serious she was about her coursework. She furiously jotted down notes in her beautiful script. He was just sitting there, twirling his pencil. He quickly came to realize it would look bad if he didn't do anything, and he didn't want her to think he didn't care, after all. He leaned over his desk and started scribbling down notes as well.

Out of her peripheral vision, Kayley saw Jim intently writing in his notebook. She smiled to herself. He was finally making an effort.

O~o~O

Kayley gathered her lunch from her locker and hastily made her way along the perimeter of the cafeteria. She reached the table and set down her bag as Jim arrived with his own lunch. He smiled and sat down, and she did likewise. He stared at her for a moment, then motioned for her to stand. Arching an eyebrow, she did as instructed, and he reached over and scooted her chair closer to his until the chairs were side-by-side. Smiling coyly, Kayley sat in her chair and leaned her head against him, pressing her face into his arm. "I like the closeness," she whispered softly after several seconds of peaceful silence.

He laid his head atop hers, giving her all the answer she needed. As he softly breathed down on her, she again felt that pressing sense of affection. She wished she could skip lunch and just cuddle with him. She imagined themselves sitting on the floor, cuddling in front of a blazing fireplace. "Perfection."

She was not the only one immensely enjoying the serenity. "I could stay like this all day," Jim spoke into her hair.

"As could I." She squeezed his arm and smiled sadly. "But we can't, darling."

The corner of his mouth twitched. "I like that."

"Like what?"

He looked down at her. "Darling." He grinned bashfully as he said it.

"All right…darling," she repeated, coloring the slightest bit.

Her wanted her—no, needed her—as badly as he had the day before. She was absolutely stunning. And enticing. And his. He couldn't resist. He nuzzled his face in her rose-scented hair.

Kayley's breathing quickened as she realized what was happening. And the thing was, she wanted it to happen, though she knew better. She could see themselves hardly paying any attention to their classes, just hoping the schoolday would end so they could get together. Then they would rush to either her apartment or his house and it would happen all over again. One of them would have to be the stronger person and stop it. She feared she would not be that person this time; she desired him too strongly. They had to stop what was starting. Now.

She patted him on the arm and pulled away. Without looking up, she began rummaging through her lunch bag, finally removing a bag of Chex Mix. Together, the two of them grudgingly fell to eating.

Across the way, Zach scornfully glared at them. So they were a couple. Watching them caress each other was bad enough, but seeing how much feeling went into their touches… Zach gritted his teeth when Jim began nuzzling her hair and she so easily accepted it. He pictured himself in Jim's place. Yes, that would be much better than this. But he could not change what was taking place. He watched disdainfully. Finally Kayley pulled away, and by the redness of her face and the disappointed look flashing on Jim's, it was easy to see the thoughts that were running through their minds. Zach clinched his fists until his knuckles turned white. He scraped back his chair and stormed out of the cafeteria.

"So," Jim said after swallowing a bite of a burrito, "I guess you heard the message."

"I did," she replied. "Not that I needed it, I would have returned the umbrella, for goodness sakes."

"Oh." He bowed his head. "Did your mom hear it?"

"Every word."

"What happened?" he asked, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

Kayley shrugged. "She was pretty upset with me but she wasn't irate or anything. I had to persuade her nothing happened between us, and I told her that I really do care for you." She crumpled up her Chex Mix bag. "She accepted it and said that I'm free to see you."

He began to smile.

"If I promised never to do anything risky with you again. And of course we won't do anything, so I could easily make that promise."

Jim held his smile. He was a tad disappointed with the compromise, but he already knew he'd have to be careful. At least he was accepted, not outlawed, and for that he was eternally grateful. He could see Kayley, that's all that mattered.

After the two finished their lunch, they stood and exited the cafeteria, arms wrapped around each other. Kayley pressed the side of her head against his arm, hoping every day could be as good as this one. She couldn't help but smile.

Jim held her close to him, all the while torturing himself, wondering how he could have been such an idiot for so long. He wasn't going to miss out on a single moment if he could help it. "Kayley?"

"Yes?"

"Is your mom picking you up today?"

"Yes…?" She looked up at him.

Jim could have melted at the sight of her big, warm, beautiful eyes. They were lovely, just like their owner. He smiled. "Call her; tell her not to pick you up. I want to walk you home."

Her face lit up. "Okay," she said quietly, reaching for her mobile.

Chapter Fourteen

Part Two: Strolling

Kayley pulled her books out of her locker and stuffed them in her backpack. She swung her locker door shut and began locking it. Suddenly a kiss was being pressed to the side of her head. "Hullo, darling," she cooed.

"Mmm, you smell nice," he said, inhaling the scent of her hair. "Like flowers."

Kayley laughed, a lovely trill. "So glad I smell nice, I try, you know."

At that moment one of the boys from earlier that day, one from the group that had been taunting Jim about the handbag, patted Jim on the shoulder as he passed by. "Sup man?" He wore an apologetic smile.

Jim grinned but didn't offer any other form of acknowledgement.

Kayley squinted her eyes and was silent for a moment. Finally she turned her very confused eyes up to Jim. "'Sup'…what does that mean, 'sup'?"

"You've never heard that before?"

Kayley shook her head.

"It means 'what's up?' It's short for it."

"Ohhhhh…like American slang?"

He flashed her an adoring smile. "Exactly."

He then offered his arm, and she laced hers through his. They exited the school and strolled down the path. Her backpack was slung over her left shoulder, and Jim had the umbrella and skateboard tucked under his right arm. The sun was breaking through the clouds, and there was a slight chill in the air that reddened their faces. Puddles were on the pavement, and the smell of rain was present in the air. As Kayley stepped over one of the puddles, she said, "It's a beautiful day."

"Yeah," Jim agreed.

They strolled along in relative silence and began to pass through an old neighborhood.

"Oh, Jim, look!" Kayley exclaimed as she excitedly pointed to a quaint, whiteboard house. "I bet you anything that dates back to the colonies when the Dutch settled the area. You know, New York used to be New Netherlands. It's funny, the pilgrims actually had first fled to Holland and lived there twelve years, I think it was. Finding they were losing their culture and wanting their children to keep the English ways, they asked for a charter permitting them to come and settle the New World."

Jim refrained from laughing and mentioning she sounded like a passage out of a history textbook. Rather, he said, "I never knew that. It's interesting. I always wondered why in pictures the pilgrims wore those hats and shoes."

"Well, now you know."

They continued on, finally entering Main Street, Kayley next spotting a restored, wooden, cabin-like building being used as an antique store. "That there is the work of the Scotch-Irish, who weren't really Irish a'tall. You see, they were the Scottish Lowlanders who were pushed into Northern Ireland. Since they were met with religious persecution in Catholic Ireland, they fled here. They were an obstinate, headstrong, restless people, always wandering the land." Despite her words, Kayley spoke with pride, her eyes shining. "That's why they built flimsy homes such as that, they didn't wish to build anything to be permanent. In fact, I'm rather surprised that is still here."

Jim found himself strangely intrigued. Normally, he could not have cared less. But now, seeing that Kayley found the facts interesting, he suddenly did too. It was almost as if she had him in a trance. A glorious one.

Kayley fell quiet, tightening her grip on his arm. She was drifting off into another world. After prolonged silence, Jim curiously glanced down at the girl. Her eyes reflected distant thoughts and dreams. "What are you thinking about?"

"Wha—" Kayley snapped back into reality. "Oh, sorry. I was thinking about what it would be like to be a woman in colonial America. Then I got to thinking of Anne Bradstreet—a Puritan— considered to possibly be America's first great female writer. I was thinking of her poem 'Upon the Burning of Our House - July Tenth, 1666.' It's the true story of waking to find her house aflame."

Jim cringed. "Oooo."

"She lost everything. But then she went on to say she looked to God to guide her and give her strength, and overall I suppose her religious bonds strengthened as a result. Oh, so I was wondering how I would have reacted in that sort of situation, if I could have been as strong both mentally and spiritually." She paused for breath before finishing, "She was a great woman."

Jim studied her fondly. She was completely in her element, and rocking it. She was…hot. And he was literally growing a little hot under the collar. "Is that your favorite poem?" he asked, trying to get his mind back on topic.

"No, actually," came the surprising response. "It's my third favorite. My second is 'Wreck of the Hesperus' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In it he recreates a true shipwreck that occurred off the reef of Norman's Woe due to the Blizzard of 1839. I'm not sure of her actual age when this happened, but in the poem a young maiden was found dead and tied to a mast."

He half-whistled, sounding a bit disturbed.

"Yes, both poems are quite strong and intense. They brought me to tears. That's what I consider great literature."

"And your first?" he asked, trying to blot out the image of a helpless, young girl being lashed tight to a mast in the middle of a raging storm.

"'If I can Stop One Heart from Breaking' by the great Emily Dickinson. It has not moved me to tears, but it presents a fantastic moral by which to live and has greatly inspired me; it's had an impact.

"'If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.'"

Jim's eyes were glued to her in awe. "That was beautiful."

"Yes, it is," she agreed. "It's very deep and meaningful."

Jim shook his head. "Not just that, but the way you recited it. The voice, accent, tone, words, just…everything. I'm awe-struck." He meant it.

Kayley nodded. "Thank you, but it's really the work of Emily Dickinson, not me. If anyone should be praised, it's she." Kayley grinned. "The poem possesses beauty in deceptive simplicity."

"It suits you well," he said.

Kayley began to nod before she realized that she had been complimented. Her face flushed with a rosy glow.

Jim had been utterly amazed by the poem. He wondered what her favorite novel was, if it was just as amazing. "So what is your favorite novel?"

"Little Women by Louisa May Alcott," came the immediate response.

Jim laughed. "Figures. For some reason I thought you would say Pride and Prejudice or something."

Kayley hopped on her step. "I've always wanted to read that, but never have had the chance. The next opportunity I get to go shopping, I'm going to go out and buy that, hurry home, fall onto my bed, and read it," she announced determinedly.

Jim laughed lightly. "Sounds fun. So tell me about these 'little women'. Are they midgets or something?"

"No!" she laughed. "They're perfectly normal girls. The book was an overnight sensation, practically. It teaches religious and moral lessons by appealing to the average person. One can easily relate to the characters, partly because it's largely based on Ms. Alcott's own life, and also because it draws upon everyone's strengths and weaknesses. It also provides a lot of valuable information about life during the nineteenth century." She beamed. "And you know how much I love history."

Jim grinned. "Yeah, I know, you're a history nerd," he said jokingly. He looked at her. "I hear the story is sad."

Kayley sighed sadly. "Yes, Jo's—that's the female protagonist—sister Beth is under her wing. When Beth, a character of moral excellence, dies, Jo feels guilty and must learn to cope with her sister's death. What I've found throughout the story is that Jo has to constantly deal with different degrees and forms of separation; the more I read, the more I see."

Jim arched an eyebrow. Kayley had clearly already read the book. And yet she had said 'the more I read, the more I see'—as if she was reading it again. "How many times have you read it?" he asked, curious.

"Twelve."

Jim was silent, waiting for her to say she was only joking. But she continued to stare ahead, expressionless. He raised his eyebrows. Apparently it was safe to assume Kayley was a bookworm. He chuckled. "Kayley, you're adorkable."

Kayley screwed up her face in a sideways smile and arched eyebrows. She looked up at him. "Is that…a good thing?"

He smiled mischievously. "What do you think?"

Kayley narrowed her eyes in thought. "Hmmm…well, it sounds like you're saying I'm adorable…" She looked up to see him nod. "And it also sounds like you're calling me a dork." She looked up again to see him attempting to conceal a grin. "Ah, I see." Kayley playfully punched him in the arm before returning to leaning against him, a contented smile on her face.

"I feel it's only fair to ask you a question, since you feel so free to call me a dork," she said, a sly smile creeping across her lips.

"Oh?"

"Yes. It's nothing too personal, I'm just curious about one thing."

"What's that?"

"Is Jim short for something? My mother's uncle was named Jim, but his real name was James. Is it the same with you?"

Jim was surprised by the question. "Oh…yeah…I prefer Jim, but yes, it's James."

She studied his face. "James…" She said it as if she was trying it out for the first time. She smiled and then pressed the side of her head to his arm.

Arms intertwined, they walked on for a while, leisurely strolling down the narrow street. As they approached an apartment building, which Jim thought direly needed immediate repairs, Kayley slowed. "Well, here we are. This is where we stop." Her voice sounded sad, dreary.

"Aww, are you gonna miss me?"

She socked him in the arm. "Of course I am, you big moron!"

Jim broke out in laughter. "Is that all you got?"

Kayley playfully pulled back her arm, preparing for another punch.

Jim put his hands up. "No, no, I'm kidding." He rubbed his arm. "That actually kind of hurt."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you," she apologized, lightly laying her hand on his arm.

"Not a problem." He slipped his arm through hers. "Let me walk you to your apartment, at least," he said as he cast suspicious, critical eyes at the crumbling building.

Kayley's eyes darted to the fifth floor of the apartment building. She hadn't wanted to take a chance on her mother being there. Though Julianna had said she accepted Jim, Kayley knew her mother still felt a twinge of heartache. She was afraid of what would happen if her mother and lover came in contact with one another. Then she reminded herself they would have to work together at the restaurant anyway, so they might as well start making peace.

She glanced at Jim, his face expectant. Arms still intertwined, she began walking toward the apartment. Jim smiled.

They entered the dimly lit lobby area, and Kayley led him around a dark corner. Jim's smile fell as they passed a door that looked like the elevator. Where was she taking him? Kayley turned the corner and stepped up onto a five-by-five area of floor, then made another abrupt turn and began climbing, leading him by the hand up five flights of rickety, old stairs.

"Why didn't we just take the elevator?" he asked. Maybe the door didn't lead to an elevator after all. The place was strange enough it could have been anything. "Or was this built before the elevator was invented?"

Kayley laughed. "I wanted to spend as much time with you as I possibly could."

"So you dragged me up the stairs," he complained, rounding a corner and beginning up another flight.

"Hey, you were the one who offered to come! I assumed it was to spend time with me."

Normally, stairs wouldn't have been so bad, but they were steep and there were many. They finally reached the fifth floor. He huffed, "That was before I knew how many stairs I had to climb."

She laughed and shook her head as she led him to her apartment. She was practically skipping.

"Seriously! That wasn't a workout for you?"

As they came to a stop in front of an apartment, Kayley smiled mischievously, a twinkle in her shining, hazel eyes. "I was brought up to endure any physical hardship."

"Oh really?"

She winked. "I'm a river dancer."

She was obviously pulling his leg. "Really? Well, leave it to me to fall for a girl who splashes around in rivers." He laughed, and she gave him a coy smile. His laughter subsiding, he leaned against the wall. "Well, I don't know how you do it, I'm exhausted."

She smiled flirtatiously. "Not too tired, I hope." She leaned forward and kissed him.

He wouldn't let himself be lured. He wouldn't take advantage of Kayley, for he knew it would be wrong. He gently pushed her away. Warning was in his voice when he spoke. "Kayley, what are you doing?"

She shook her head, shocked by her actions. "I don't know," she replied, dumbstruck. What was she doing? She knew better. Embarrassed, she set down her backpack and began rummaging for the spare key. Finding it, she pushed it into the lock and turned it. The door creaked open. She picked up her backpack and flung it inside. She hesitated at the door, then stepped inside the apartment and began to close the door behind her. Through the narrow slit of opening that she allowed between the door and the doorframe, she said, "Bye."

"Bye."

The door creaked closed.

Kayley locked the door before leaning her head against it. She felt like an idiot. A very happy idiot. Finally she stepped away from the door and picked up her backpack, carrying it into her room. She dumped it on the floor and proceeded to flop onto her bed. She reached down for her backpack and pulled out her handbag. Unzipping the handbag, she removed an old version of an iPod. She unwrapped the earphones and pushed them into her ears, then proceeded to press a button on her iPod. She jumped up and began dancing to The Corrs. "Go on, go on, leave me breathless…"

O~o~O

Outside the apartment building, Jim threw his skateboard on the ground and jumped on. As he advanced forward, he thought about the events of that day. There was no denying that it was awesome. He couldn't wait to for the next day. He couldn't wait to see Kayley again. She was so intoxicating. He recalled the last kiss they had shared, how Kayley had felt against him, how she had tasted. Intoxicating wasn't strong enough a word. No, definitely not strong enough. He smiled to himself. This was paradise.