Chapter 7

During the remainder of the school year, Trixie found herself gravitating more and more towards the stables to confide in Regan. Honey had kept her promise to find out what was going on and indeed it was all about how distant Jim had been. It seemed like the honorable Mr. Frayne had broken his promise and was slowly forgetting not only Trixie, but the rest of the Bob Whites. Even Mart, Dan, and Brian hadn't seen or heard from him very much and they were going to school with him. Trixie sighed and hoped a long session of riding Susie would calm her and put her at peace. As she rounded the corner to go into the stables, she ran into a human wall. If strong hands hadn't grabbed her arms and steadied her, she would have fallen onto the ground again. Without thinking Trixie grabbed for the shirt front of the human wall that was holding her to help keep her balance as well. Catching her breath, she looked up, up, and up, into the concerned face of Regan. "You okay Trixie? You almost took a pretty serious fall there? For a second, Trixie didn't say anything. She was too busy staring at Regan. "His eyes are so gorgeous. How have I not noticed before?" Her brain answered, "because you were never this close to him before." Before she realized what she was doing, her hand was reaching up, almost as if it had a mind of its own and touched his face.

Regan hadn't been paying attention to what he was doing when Trixie had run into him full force. In order to keep her from falling, he had to grab her arms. When she just stood there staring at him, he had to control his breathing so he wouldn't give himself away. Her eyes almost looked tender as she studied him. When he felt her hand touch his cheek, his eyes closed for a brief second. When he opened them again, she was still standing there. Before he knew what he was doing, he leaned over and pressed a soft kiss onto her lips. When he pulled back to look at her, her eyes were still closed. "Regan," she whispered. Her eyes opened slowly and he was saw that she looked a little dazed. This time he wrapped his arms around Trixie and held her close. They stood there for a matter of minutes. Regan knew that if she said his name again in that soft voice or looked at him again with those ocean blue eyes, he would end up kissing her again. When she leaned back a little, he opened his eyes and saw her staring at him. This time he felt sure he wasn't imagining things. Trixie was asking him kiss her with those expressive eyes of her. He leaned in again and hesitated, giving her an opportunity to back out. Instead, he felt her arms around his neck. Sighing, he leaned in the rest of the way and kissed her again. This time the kiss was a little more passionate. This time, Trixie Belden returned the kiss.

So dazed was she, that Trixie didn't really have any idea what she was doing. All she knew was that, even when kissing Jim, she had never felt this way before. Who knew Regan could kiss like this? Who knew his arms, so muscular and strong, could be so tender and protective? Not her. But she felt her toes curling, the butterflies dancing, and cheeks flushing. Slowly, the groom's hand rose up her back and entangled his fingers into her blonde curls. They were as soft as he had thought they'd be. Her lips were as sweet as he had imagined, and her skin as sweet-smelling as a rose. He had kissed women before in his short almost-27 years but none had made him feel like this. Likewise, Trixie had been kissed before, by Jim and by Ben Riker when she had to pretend to like him. Neither one had made her want to hold on for dear life.

Slowly they pulled apart, both of them dazed. Suddenly, the realization of what had just happened hit her and she backed away slowly, staring at Regan the whole time. Regan, who was trying to regain his bearings after that heart-stopping kiss realized what she was doing. "Trixie," he said, in a pleading tone of voice. "Regan, we can't," she said, "I'm with Jim and regardless of how distant he's been, I can't do this to him." Heart sinking, Regan nodded. She didn't feel anything then. As if reading his mind, she said,"Regan, I have never been kissed like this before. I have never quite felt this way before. You made me feel so special. "Trix, you are special," he protested, not daring to feel hope at her words. "Let me rephrase that," she said, with a shake of her head that was an amazing and wonderful kiss. That means you have feelings for me?" Blushing a little, the red haired groom nodded his head. Trixie was amazed. She had never even imagined this, plus the fact that she had never ever seen Regan blush. Still, she continued with what she was saying. "Regan, I have to think this through. I have to consider Jim. I don't want to hurt him. He's coming back for the summer and when that happens I'm going to have talk to him. I've been feeling distant from him lately and I feel he doesn't love me like he used to. I don't know. I am asking for some time to clear my head. Is that okay with you?" Slowly the realization that she was saying he might have a chance dawned on him. Hope rose into his chest. He nodded his head. "Would you still like to ride," surprising himself with how normal he sounded. "That would be perfect. Thank you Regan," said Trixie. "And by the way, you are a really good kisser." With that she blushed and rode out of there quickly, leaving Regan standing there with his mouth open, wondering if what just happened had really happened. Grinning, he started whistling and went back into his office, forgetting whatever his original purpose had been in leaving. That kiss had been everything he had imagined and more! Hopefully, her words meant that maybe someday he would get to kiss her again. With a wistful release of air, Regan got back to work, going through the needed paperwork. His thoughts were never far from the bubbly blonde though.

As for Trixie, she was riding like the wind was chasing her. After a few minutes, she calmed down enough to catch her breath and she brought Susie to a peaceful walk. "Wow," she thought, what have I just done? And what will I tell Jim?" She came to a creek and getting of Susie, she hooked her reigns on a branch, sat down, and took off her shoes. Sticking her feet into the cold water, she let them soak while her thoughts wandered. What she had told Regan was true. He was a really good kisser. He knew how to make her feel like a female instead of just another tomboy. Tomboy Trixie was her nickname. Because of her brothers and her penchant for solving mysteries, she had gained the hated nickname. She had always been envious of Honey and Di for being so feminine and girly. However, today, she had never felt more like a female in Regan's arms. He had held her as if he truly cared for her and now Trixie couldn't convince herself that it was just in friendship he cared. Not anymore. Suddenly, Trixie remembered the look Regan had given her when she had almost been struck by the panicky Susie. She had forgotten all about it until now. It had been a look of tenderness, of care, of love? "Bah, I'm letting my imagination run away with me," she thought impatiently. But at the same time, she couldn't help but press her fingers to where their lips had met. Could he love her, Trixie Belden? Was it possible?