When we got outside, Fang was leaning over the fire, cooking today's catch--rabbit. I walked by him and sat on the
opposite side of the fire, careful not to look directly at him. I had to focus on the flock right now and I knew if he caught my
eye, my mind would go straight to last night. Last night...
"Max. Max?! What's wrong with you? Didn't you hear a word I said?" Nudge's voice brought me back from my memories. I
hadn't realized I was staring off like I was. I could only imagine the look on my face.
"What? Oh, sorry Nudge. My mind wandered for a moment I guess." I said, daring a look at Fang, who now had the cutest
little crooked half grin on his face. Damn him. He knew exactly where my mind was. Then I heard Gazzy speak.
"And what are you smiling about Fang?" Gaz asked FAng. Fang just looked at me, holding my stare briefly, then as I forced
my eyes away, he broke into a full smile.
"Nothing Gaz. " he answered.
"Max, please can't we just stay here just for today? We want to go swimming. Please?" Nudge begged.
"Yeah, please Max." Angel chimed in. I looked over at Fang for his response. He just shrugged. I knew we had to get to
Itex. But a part of me really wanted to stay, just enjoy today. Be happy for just a little while. Forget the world. Forget Itex.
Forget the voice. I looked around at four smiling, anxiously waiting faces. And my heart melted.
"Ok, one more day. But I don't know if Gazzy is up for swimming yet. He had a pretty rough night." Gazzy's face dropped.
Then Angel giggled.
"What is it Ang?"
"Gazzy wishes you would stop treating him like a baby. He's fine. And wants to jump in the lake."She answered. "Nudge
thinks it is funny that Gazzy is smbarrassed at how you worry over him."
"Anything else you feel the need to share with me about the others before I remind you how rude it is to ease frop on
peoples thoughts?"
"Just FAng. He is thinking about ..you. Something about...kissing and..."
"Okay." I said as my eyes widened and cheeks turned red as everyone stared at Fang , then me."That wasn't what I
meant. I meant, stop reading everyone's minds. It is not nice. Personal thoughts are just that-personal, got it?Good" I
scolded her quickly, trying to stop here from seeing anything else Fang might be thinking."Now, go swimming. Nudge, keep
an eye on Gazzy and Angel." I said, glaring at Fang. The flock took off for the cave to change. Fang walked up , bent down
and placed a wet kiss on the side of my neck. My immediate response was to tilt my head and let out a soft moan.Then I
remembered the flock.
"That's not exactly the spot I was thinking of kissing, it was here..." he said as he moved my hair over to gently suck then
kiss the sensitive nape of my neck. A sudden shudder shot thru me and my eyes closed as I sucked in a deep breath.
"You shouldn't be doing that. They will be out in a minute." I reminded him. He pulled back and smiled.
"But you taste soooo much better than that rabbit." he retorted. I had to smile. Then I heard the others come running out
of the cave, past us and straight for the lake. "Come on Max, just live for today. And today, we go swimming."
I looked at him for a moment. "Fine. you go watch them. I'll be down in a few" I said. Fang got up and headed for the lake .
I just smiled. No matter how I tried to remind myself that I should be worried, concentrating on Itex, all I could do was
recall last night, the sear pleasure of being with Fang. All my worries had, for the moment, washed away. I was actually
happy. I smiled and began humming a song when the voice returned.
Well, aren't we happy with ourselves this morning. Go away. Don't forget your purpose here. My only purpose is to be happy
and make sure the flock are too. Seems Fang makes you very happy Can't I have just one lousy stinking day to be happy? Is
that too much for a girl to ask? Very well, Max. Go. Have your day. Be happy. But don't get so caught up in your new found
happiness that you neglect the reason you are here. For if you so, youwill lose that new happiness along with so much more...
Fine, I will