Forbidden Fruit Part 2 – The Kiss

Rick had only been in the barn for maybe ten minutes. However, Cherie didn't see him when she walked into the common area. She looked around and saw that his gun and belt were lying on a nearby table. Cherie slowly traced her fingers longingly over the leather, as if she was touching Rick. She lingered for just a few more minutes, before deciding that Rick must have gone straight to bed. "Oh well" Cherie thought to herself, "I guess I'll just have to talk to him in the morning." She was disappointed that she didn't get the chance to at least say goodnight. Somewhat sulking to herself, Cherie slowly began walking to the back of the barn, where her "room" was situated. As she walked by Rick and Lori's room, Cherie pictured him in his cot, most likely in just his jeans or… maybe, his boxers. She smiled again and she felt warmth spread across her cheeks.

She pulled back the curtain, and entered the space that was designated as "hers." It wasn't much, but it was warm… and most importantly, it was safe. The barn was particularly quiet this evening since it was virtually empty. Cherie proceeded to take off her own weapons, which included a small handgun and two hunting knives. Once she removed her boots, she placed them neatly under her small side table. Cherie then bent down and pulled out a change of nightclothes from the trunk that held all of her belongings. Her sleepwear consisted of a simple pair of pajama shorts that had definitely seen better days. And an oversized sweatshirt that was cut along the neckline. Cherie knew it was a man's shirt, but she didn't care because it was the perfect size to sleep in. It didn't take her long to finish changing, as she slipped her bra off, while still wearing her shirt. This particular skill had come in handy many times in Cherie's twenty-six years of life.

Once she was satisfied that she could turn in for the night, Cherie pulled the covers back on her cot. She was just about to climb into the warm inviting sheets when, unexpectedly, she heard a loud thump come from the front of the barn. Cherie grabbed her knife just in case she'd need it, and proceeded to find out what was the source of the commotion. She half expected to see Lori or Carl, but it was neither.

Instead, standing near the table where his belt and gun lay, was Rick. His only clothing was a pair of loose fitting jeans. Which, by the way Cherie noticed, were not even buckled. She allowed her eyes to wander over his chest and then roam to his navel, stopping just above the waist of his jeans. As Rick turned to face Cherie, she saw that he was holding a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels. And by the look in his eyes, he had just taken a drink. His striking ice blue eyes were now watery and red. Cherie was about to say something, but Rick cut her off.

"Hey Cherie, I hope I didn't wake you when I dropped the lantern." It was only then that Cherie noticed the lantern on the ground next to him. Rick bent over to pick it up, and set it on the table. He turned to look at Cherie, and their eyes met. They just stood there, staring at each other for a moment or two, before Cherie walked over to make sure he was okay.

"Rick", Cherie began, "I know it's been a long day, but do you really think that getting drunk is going to make anything better?"

"Probably not", Rick Replied, "But at least I'll enjoy the night."

Rick looked at Cherie again, and she realized that his breathing had slowed down and sounded shallow. Looking away, Rick let out a deep sigh and said, "I just don't know how much longer I can do this."

"I know that it's been hard Rick," Cherie said, as she tried her best to encourage him. "But I'm sure Lori will be easier to talk to in the morning."

Rick then leaned on the edge of the table, and looked directly in Cherie's eyes. "That's not what I'm talking about" he replied.

Confused, Cherie asked him what he meant. To say that she was ill prepared for his response… would be a major understatement.

Rick took the few extra steps towards her, and stopped only inches from Cherie's face. He looked directly into her eyes and said, "What I mean is… that I don't know how much longer I can be around you every single day, and be able to control myself. Cherie, I've wanted you from almost the first time we met. And that night we spent in the trunk of that car was pure torture! Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me… to be so close to you, and not be able to touch you? Do you know how much I wanted to pull your body against mine, and feel you pressed against me? My God Cherie! I've never had feelings like this before. Not even with Lori."

At that point, Cherie must have gone into shock, because all she could manage to do was stand there and stare at him. Then without warning, Rick pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her softly at first, but then with an insatiablehunger that caused Cherie to let out a soft whimper. Rick took that as a sign to continue, and pulled Cherie closer, until their bodies were touching. His lips were full of desire and want, and he bit her bottom lip playfully. Rick's tongue wanted to explore her mouth, and when Cherie gasped for a breath, he used that opportunity to thrust his tongue into her mouth.

His kiss was mesmerizing, and Cherie let herself give in to the months of desire and longing. She reached her hands up and into his hair, and held on for dear life. She wasn't sure how long they stood there in the barn, locked in the most passionate kiss of her life. Rick held her body tight, as his hands moved along her back and searched to touch more of her. Cherie could feel her panties growing wetter and wetter by the second. She felt a fire course through her body like nothing she'd felt before. And then, just as abruptly as the kiss began, it ended when Rick let go of her and pulled away.

"Shit!" Rick cursed, and backed up as he ran a hand through his hair. "Listen. Cherie, I'm so sorry!" Rick said breathlessly, "I can't believe I just did that! I know I crossed a line, and I know it was wrong. I've just wanted to do that for so long, and I guess… I just lost it for a moment."

Cherie was about to respond. She wanted to tell him that she wanted that kiss just as badly, if not more. But Rick took off, walking back to his room, while mumbling something about how stupid he was. All Cherie could do was stand there, staring after him. It took a few minutes for her to process what had just happened. Then, Cherie made an important decision. She walking over to the whiskey that Rick forgot on the table, and took a drink straight from the bottle. "A little liquid courage couldn't hurt either," she thought.

Cherie stopped right outside the curtain of where she knew Rick was, and spoke softly into it. She knew Rick was right there, and that he would hear everything she was about to say. "Rick" Cherie said, "I'm not sorry that you kissed me. In fact, I'm glad you did. I've wanted you for a long time too. In fact… I still want you. And if you still want to… well, we are all alone in here tonight." Cheri continued, suddenly feeling sassy and bold. Rick's kiss had been the fuel to her growing desire. "So…" she continued, "You could lock the barn door. We could say it was for security… And… if you want to you could come meet me in my room. And… we can finish what you started."

Cherie didn't wait for a response, but instead walked back to her room and climbed into the cot pulling the blanket close. Her heart was beating so fast, she thought that she might actually pass out. However, Cherie's desire was stronger than her nerves.