A/N: Thank you to all the readers and reviewers! And to Julie - who just rocks! :)
The next few chapters go back in time from the prologue. And I moved the timeline a little bit from canon. Stephanie and Joe are slightly older when they put that bun in the oven at the bakery. :)
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A Change In Me
Chapter One
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"Joseph Anthony Morelli," I murmured quietly as I watched him enter the school cafeteria.
He was practically strutting into the room, his gang of friends surrounding him. They were all laughing and making sure that everyone could see them. Joe didn't need to make a spectacle; he was spectacular without even trying. Tall and lean with dark hair that hinted at curls around his neck. He had brown eyes, but I had not been fortunate enough to see them up close since we were little. His skin was always some varying shade of caramel, depending on the time of year, and a sign of his Italian heritage. He was every girl's fantasy. Other than the fact that we both grew up in the Burg and had played together a few times as kids, I don't think he even knew I existed.
"How do you know his full name?" Mary Lou asked.
Mary Lou Molnar was my best friend. She lived only a couple blocks away from me, and had been forced to walk past the Morelli's house every time we traveled between our homes for the last two and a half years. Ever since I saw him one day without his shirt, washing a car in his driveway. I was only thirteen and he was fifteen I think, but something happened to me that day. For the first time, I felt I understood the word sexy.
"I may have looked up his file in the office last week when there was that fire drill." I smiled at her and then turned back to watching Joe.
"Oh my God, Steph! You are so lucky you didn't get caught," she reprimanded me, but I could see she was impressed.
"Whatever. Mrs. Norris never pays attention to that back door when her shows are on."
She nodded in agreement and took a huge bite of her burger.
I watched him walk past Terry and her friends, not even looking over at her. "I heard that he broke up with Terry."
"They always break up, Steph. You know that. Everyone knows that. And every other girl in this school knows that they would just be his temporary …" She smirked. "Relief until he goes back to Terry."
"I don't care. Look at him, Mare. He's so … hot. I would gladly relieve him any time."
"You would not!"
"I would too." I quickly sucked down the last of my chocolate milk through the tiny straw. "I bet it would be really good too."
She practically choked on her soda. "Yeah, it probably would." Then she gave me a pointed look, briefly reminding me of her mother – but I would never tell her that. "Becaaause he has had so much practice! You really want to be another notch in his belt?"
"I don't think he's so bad. I think that there's more to him. He makes really good grades, did you know?"
She gaped at me. "His file?"
"Well, yeah. I didn't just get his name. I got his number and read everything I could."
She leaned across the lunch table. "What else?" she whispered conspiratorially.
"Remember when his father died?" She nodded, and we both shared a frown. Our parents had all expressed relief more than anything else that Mr. Morelli was no longer tormenting his family. "Well, he was sent to counseling to deal with it."
"Holy cow. He'd hate you if he knew you'd read that."
My eyes widened. "No! No way. I didn't read anything else. I didn't read any of the other papers on him. Just the main one."
"Okay. It's not like he's ever going to talk to you anyway."
I glared at her. "Thanks."
"Well, you'd have to actually talk to him, and you and I both know that when it comes to Joe Morelli, you are all talk." She sat back, a smug look on her face.
"Fine. I can talk to him. Just as soon as the perfect opportunity arises."
She laughed. "I can't wait to see that."
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OoOoO
The perfect opportunity did arise the next school year when Joe broke up with Terry at the beginning of their senior year. For good. Everyone was shocked. The word around school was that he claimed he was too young to settle down. And he didn't want to be tied down before he joined the military. I was secretly thrilled. Finally, he was single and I could openly flirt with him. Not that I ever would. Mary Lou was actually right about that. But just in case I ever got the nerve to, I could without bringing down the wrath of Terry Grizzoli and her mob family. But I was only a sophomore and completely off of his radar. Or so I thought.
In the beginning, he would just say a quick hello to me if we passed in the halls. The first time Joe did this, I practically walked into Mr. Harris, causing his papers to spill across the hall. Some stoner named Walter fell over laughing at me. I was completely humiliated. Thankfully, Joe had turned the corner before my graceful display.
Then one time, he came up to me as I was putting my books away. He leaned against the locker next to mine and tapped my open door. I almost shrieked when I looked up to discover him watching me.
"So there's this party at Marco's this weekend." He smirked at me. "You know him?"
"Um … yeah." Not really. He was in his class, and I was completely outside that circle of friends.
"It should be wicked cool."
"Yeah."
Holy shit! Why couldn't I think of anything to say? And he's so much hotter up close! Terry really deserved props for being able to form complete sentences after spending so much time in his presence. (And other places I'd rather not think about, unless of course they were places he took me.)
"So?" He tilted his head down, looking at me funny. Probably since I was just staring at him like a moron.
"What?" I asked, sounding kind of pissed. Then I blushed. I hadn't meant to do that! I was just embarrassed. But I couldn't actually tell him that, could I?
He laughed. "Soooo were you thinking of going to the party?"
"No." CRAP! Say something else before he leaves!
I shut my locker to give me something to do. And then I turned to him, mirroring his lean against the lockers. "Should I?"
Score one for Stephanie! Finally, my brain had kicked back in.
He gave me a devastating smile and leaned in to me the slightest bit. "Yes."
"Okay." Did I just agree to a date with Joe Morelli? Oh my goodness!
He stood up straight, pulling away from me. "Maybe I'll see you there." And he left.
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Mary Lou was convinced that he liked me. She said that she had caught him watching me once in the library during study hall. I think she just wanted me to feel good about myself. My sister Valerie was in his class, and she was popular and beautiful. I always felt like a troll next to her. Why would Joe Morelli look twice at me when she existed? In fact, I was pretty convinced that he might just be using me to get to her. She didn't run in his circle at all. She was a goody-goody.
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OoOoO
About one month before prom, Joe sat at my table in the back of the school library.
"Hey," he whispered.
"Hi," I yelped loudly in surprise and then ducked my head and looked around.
He smiled at me. "I think we're the only ones back here."
My eyes widened. "We are?"
He tapped his pencil on his books and looked me over. "You're a sophomore, right?"
I swallowed. "Yeah. My name is –"
"Stephanie Plum. I know who you are," he retorted. "You think I forgot you?"
I felt my cheeks flush bright crimson. "Umm … no?"
He laughed quietly and leaned over the table towards me. "I think yours were the first girl's panties I ever saw that weren't my sisters."
I froze, mortified and a little angry that he was embarrassing me. "Yeah, you were quite the creeper back then, weren't you?"
He pulled back quickly. "I … I was just curious." He looked down at his books. "My brothers were always talking about getting into girls' panties. I didn't know what they meant." He looked up at me and then his face spread into a wolfish smile. "I do now."
"That's nice for you." I glared at him, gathering my books up and making to stand.
"You're leaving?" he asked disbelievingly.
"I've apparently nothing left to offer you. You already have seen my … panties." I somehow managed to hold his gaze as I said that.
"Stephanie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you. And I … did that really bother you back then? Do you think I like took advantage of you or something?" His brown eyes looked fearful. He also looked really sorry. If this was an act, it was working.
I dropped my books back down. "No. You were a kid. I was a kid. We were just … exploring." I smiled. "That's normal, right? My cousins were caught playing doctor one time. My aunt and uncle were so pissed at them."
"Really?" He grinned, more relaxed.
"Yeah. And they weren't playing with the neighbor boy down the street." I raised my brows at him suggestively.
"Who?" he asked as he leaned closer again, an eager smile on his face.
"Each other!" I shook my head and giggled softly. "Ewwww!"
He laughed out loud and then ducked his head like I had earlier. "Brother and sister?" he whispered.
"Uh-huh." I giggled some more. "They were six and seven."
He scrunched up his nose. "At least I found a cute, unrelated girl to explore." He winked at me.
I blushed again. "We didn't really do that." I couldn't look at him because all I could think was that I would be willing to do that now.
"No, we didn't."
He was quiet for a moment, so I looked up at him through my lashes. He smirked at me and then opened his books up.
We spent the next hour doing homework together, only occasionally making comments about teachers or classmates. It was all I could do to not just stare at him. I probably read the same page in my U.S. history book ten times. I caught myself doodling hearts instead of notes. Just in time too. I was about to put our names down when I saw him peeking over at my notebook. I playfully glared at him and moved my things further away. I kept wondering if he would actually ask me out this time. I wasn't so stupid that I didn't realize he had to be at least a little interested to seek me out. I could just picture him taking me to some restaurant where we would sit in a dark corner. We could even share our food. It would be so romantic.
.
By the time I had to leave, I was disappointed to end this strange encounter. I gathered my things together again and Joe looked up at me.
"You need a ride?" he asked, hopeful.
I bit my lip, thinking about the consequences of leaving my mom waiting for me at the front of the school. I gazed into those chocolate eyes and decided. So worth it.
"Thanks," I answered, choosing not to outright lie about needing a ride. That had to count for something, right?
He quickly shoved his books and papers into his bag and walked with me out of the library. Once we were in the hall, I looked around and noticed that there were hardly any students or teachers left in the building. Damn. No witnesses. Mary Lou probably wouldn't even believe me.
We stayed silent as we headed towards the parking lot. The entire way there I tried to come up with something interesting to say in the car. But mostly I just tried not to stare at his perfect butt. His jeans were a little tight, and they were perfectly showing off his amazing buns.
He opened the door for me, and I smiled brightly at him. Then I frowned as he walked around. I probably came across like some middle-school preteen meeting her first crush. I ignored how close to reality that was.
"I'm joining the Navy, I think." He took a deep breath and placed his hands on the wheel, gripping it a little tightly.
"That's what I heard."
"My brothers don't want me to. Tony wants me to come work at the garage with him."
I nodded. "What do you want?" I turned in my seat to better see him.
He frowned for a moment, looking out the window. "I want to get out of here." He turned his head to me. "What about you?"
"I have no idea. But I think I would like to travel."
He smiled. "Me too."
He started the car and ended the conversation. We were quiet again on the short drive to my house. I kept trying to come up with things to say to him. I didn't want him to think I was an idiot who couldn't make conversation. He probably was wondering what the hell he was doing with me.
He pulled up in front of my house and put the car in park. "So … I'm taking Terry to prom."
My heart stopped for a moment. I thought that I hadn't been hoping for him to ask me, but that would be a lie. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I was very aware that prom was coming up.
"Okay."
"She says I owe it to her," he continued. He sighed in frustration. "It was just easier to go along with that. We're not back together or anything."
"Oh."
He looked over at me. "I … I wish …"
I could feel my heart flip-flopping. I was screaming in my mind for him to go on. I just looked up at him, trying to appear mildly interested and not desperate.
He turned towards me more. "You have the prettiest eyes."
I blinked at him. What! Oh my goodness! "Thank you," I muttered shyly.
"See you around, Stephanie."
I dropped my eyes to my hands. "Yeah, Joe. That sounds good."
I opened the door and looked back at him, a surge of courage suddenly hitting me. "I think you have beautiful eyes."
He opened his mouth for a moment, surprised by my declaration. Then he smiled such a stunning smile, I almost gasped. "I will see you again, Stephanie. That's a promise."
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OoOoO
I did continue to see him around the halls at school, and he did continue to say hi to me and smile at me. Mary Lou was more convinced than ever that he liked me. But he was leaving after school. What would it matter if he did like me? Instead of trying to run into him, I tried to push all my fantasies about Joe to the back of my mind.
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The morning of Valerie's graduation I awoke from my first really graphic sex dream. It was about Joe. I sat in my bed, embarrassed even though no one would ever know unless I told them. And that was not going to happen. I also realized that it could be my last chance to ever speak to Joe if he did leave like he planned. I decided I would at least congratulate him at graduation.
I tried not to stare at him too much during the ceremony. One tiny indication that I liked him and my mother would have me sent away to a convent. She had never forgiven him for playing "choo choo" with me when we were little. I still didn't really understand why she was so upset about it. It wasn't like he'd even touched me.
I noticed that his whole family appeared to be there in support of him. His brothers looked a lot like Joe. Same olive complexion and soft dark curls. His sisters were very pretty. But Joe was simply the most beautiful of all the Morellis. I could tell he looked like his mother more than the other two boys. She clearly had been a very striking woman when she was younger.
My dad leaned towards me at one point and whispered in my ear, "You see something interesting over there?"
I feigned that I was lost in thought. "What, Dad?" I asked quietly, giving him a confused look.
He smiled. "Nothing."
That ended my Morelli watching.
After the ceremony, it became more difficult to act like I was paying attention to my family as I was trying to locate Joe before he left. Valerie was in her element, being the center of attention. I just nodded and laughed whenever anyone else did, as I tried to scan the crowd. Finally, I spotted him walking alone. I stepped back from the small circle of family members and edged my way around to the other side of our group. Valerie gave me a strange look as I left our family to follow him across the school lawn, but I don't think she saw him.
"Hey, Joe!" I called to him just before he turned towards the parking lot.
He turned back and searched the crowd of people. He smiled at me when he saw me coming towards him. "Hey, Stephanie."
"Congrats. You're free now," I said like he had just escaped some kind of prison.
He laughed loudly. What a wonderful sound! "Yeah, I guess I am."
"You still joining the Navy?"
His smile faded a bit. "Not sure. My mom doesn't want me to go." He put his hand on the back of his neck. "I don't know what to do."
I stepped closer to him. "She's probably just worried about you."
He nodded, hand still on his neck. "She wants me to go to college."
"Oh. You don't want to?"
He dropped his hand and sighed. "With what money?" His eyes widened, surprised he had just revealed that.
"You could work your way through," I suggested. "Lots of people do."
He frowned. "Work with my brother?"
I suddenly remembered him telling me what he really wanted was to leave. "Or you could join the Navy anyway and then they would pay for your way through school. And you'd get to see the world in the meantime."
He smiled at me again, a softer smile, one I had not seen on him before. "Maybe." He stepped closer to me.
"Joseph!"
We both looked over to an old station wagon that had just pulled up. Inside was his mother and several of his siblings.
He stepped backwards, away from me, and gave me an apologetic smile. "I gotta go."
"Okay." I looked over his shoulder and saw his family watching us. "Good luck, Joe. Whatever you decide." I smiled at him, hoping deep inside that this wasn't the last time I would see him.
He stepped back again. "This doesn't count, you know. You found me this time. I still owe you my promise." He wriggled his brows and then turned and jogged towards the car. I could hear his brothers teasing him and one of them whistled at me out the window as they pulled away.
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OoOoO
I started my first job when school let out. It was at a little bakery called the Tasty Pastry. Big Red was the owner. She wasn't fat at all. Or even that tall. No, she was five foot eight, including the mass of bright red hair teased beyond repair that was piled atop her head. Her real name was Loretta Cud. No joke. Big Red was fairly new to Trenton, having moved from South Carolina to be close to her sister. And she loved me. She thought I was the "best little worker evuh". I have no idea how I managed to pull that off, but it did make me want to keep her happy with me. So maybe she was just that much smarter than me. Oh well. By the start of the next school year, I was even allowed to close and lock up on the weekends.
Joe stopped by one Wednesday just after I got there after school. Big Red looked over her shoulder to see who came in and then turned back to me. She blew through her lips a silent whistle and fanned herself. I rolled my eyes at her and then looked up from the register to see Joe, leaning casually against the counter.
"Hey," he said softly. His eyes darted over to where Big Red was kneading some dough. "You get off work soon?"
I narrowed my eyes at him. "That's it? No sorry I haven't spoken to you for like three months or anything?" I crossed my arms and gave him my best Helen Plum impersonation.
His mouth twisted into an amused grin. "Yeah, about that. I … um … I didn't join the Navy. And well," he paused to take a deep breath, once more looking over at Big Red. "I want to talk to you, okay?"
Big Red turned around and came over. "Young man, are you or are you not interested in purchasin' somethin' today?"
He stepped back and over to the display case. "What's good?"
She harrumphed at him. "Everything's good, sugar." She looked over at me and winked. "Stephanie, go help him pick somethin' out."
I glared at her and then crossed around to where he was standing. "What would you like?"
He smirked at me. "I don't think you want me to say that in front of your boss."
I blushed at his innuendo. "I like the cupcakes. White with chocolate frosting is my favorite."
He scanned the display and then his eyes settled on me. "I would love to taste your cupcake."
My eyes widened at him, and I could hear Big Red snickering over at the worktable. "Will that be all?" I smiled as I placed his cupcake in the small box.
"Right now, yes." He pulled out some cash and handed it to me. Flustered, I took the money and quickly made my way back to the register. When I returned to give him his change, he was already eating the cupcake.
He popped the last bit in his mouth and licked the chocolate frosting from his lips. Unfortunately, I noticed that I was mirroring his tongue with my own about halfway across my top lip – the second time! I looked down at my shoes, embarrassed.
"So do you get off work soon?" he asked again as if nothing had happened.
"I just got here. You know I'm still in school, unlike some people."
"Oh yeah." He chuckled. "Maybe I'll come by later." He headed over to the door and turned back. "Still doesn't count." He laughed and walked out the door.
"Stephanie Plum, that boy is trouble," Big Red warned. "Boys that look that good always are."
I sighed and leaned over the counter. "I know. But he's just so … "
"Yummy?" she teased and then laughed loudly. "Now, darlin', you best be careful 'round him."
"I know. My mom would kill me if she knew he was talking to me. He's a Morelli and they're known for being the worst kind of men. At least, that's what my mom and grandma say. They wouldn't even let me play with Joe when we were kids."
She smiled as she continued to make the bread. "Forbidden fruit?"
"Yeah, I guess so. He's so beautiful though," I whined. "Why couldn't he just be good too?"
"He doesn't have to be," she answered. "And why should he be when girls like you are so willin' to give him your cupcakes?"
"Loretta! You told me to help him. And he paid!"
She laughed so hard that she threw her head back. "Oh, Lord help you, Stephanie."
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OoOoO
Joe did come back later. As in a week later. He came strolling in one afternoon when I was alone. He looked around the shop and smiled. "Alone?"
I was frosting cookies at the large counter. I kept my eyes on my task. I was a little pissed that he felt like he could just waltz in and out of my life whenever he wanted. "Yes. May I help you?"
He shrugged. "When does this place close?"
"Seven."
"Are you mad at me?" he asked, surprised.
"No."
"Yes, you are. You're being short with me."
"I'm being nothing." I mentally rolled my eyes. What a lame response. Go ahead and remind him that you're nothing, idiot!
"I'm sorry I didn't come back sooner."
"It's fine." I looked up at him and noticed a large bruise on his cheek. I gasped. "Joe! What happened?"
"Fight."
I glared at him and aimed the frosting bag at him like a weapon.
He smiled. "I just pissed off the wrong person."
I sighed and resumed my frosting. "What are you doing?"
"I'm here to see a friend." He tilted his head to one side and grinned.
"No, I mean, what are you doing with your life?" I challenged him.
His mouth dropped open. "You always make me … how do you always know what to say to me?"
I shrugged. "I don't know. I just say what I'm thinking."
He shook his head. "Yeah, I know. It's interesting."
"Interesting?"
"You don't … swoon like the other girls. And you don't expect me to try and make you."
"Swoon? Yeah, right," I retorted sarcastically. Oh, Joe. If you had any idea how much I swoon for you.
He chuckled. "And you make me feel like I can tell you anything."
I stopped frosting and looked up at him. "I do?"
"Yeah."
"Oh."
"I didn't come see you this summer because I was embarrassed."
I sat the bag down. "About what?" I asked softly.
"That you'd judge me for not taking your advice."
"Advice?" I thought back to our few conversations. "You mean to join the Navy and then go to college?"
"Yeah. I let my mom and brothers convince me to stay home." He rolled his eyes. "I hate it."
"Then leave."
"I can't. My mom relies on me. Tony and Paul are moved out. That's why they want me home. To be the man of the house." He huffed.
"You're mom isn't alone. Your sisters are still there, right?"
"One is."
"Okay. Well, your mom can take care of herself. I'm sure your brothers would be there for her if she needed them."
He sighed. "You make it sound so easy."
"It is easy."
He looked me in the eyes. "You really believe I can do that?"
"Yes. And I don't judge you, Joe. You're going to have to make a decision that not everyone will like. That sucks."
He smiled. "It does."
We stared at each other for a moment. Finally, I broke the spell and picked up the frosting bag again. "You wanna help?"
He shook his head. "No thanks. Maybe I'll come by later."
I rolled my eyes at him. "Heard that before."
"Still doesn't count." He flashed me a bright grin and then left.
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OoOoO
He came back again a week later. And the week after that. And the week after that. Joe only came on the days I worked alone. We always talked briefly, not really sharing anything significant. He did start helping me with the cookies, but he ate several of them so I shooed him back to the other side of the counter. Then he started arriving closer to seven after the fourth week. Our conversations grew deeper even if they never lasted for more than an hour. He would stay after I locked up and walk me to my car. Then he would tell me that it didn't count. Every time. I had no idea what actually would count, and I didn't care. I just wanted him to be there.
If anyone were to ask me what was going on between us, I honestly would not have had an answer. I only told Mary Lou about his first visit. I don't know why I didn't want her to know he was still coming. I think I wanted him all to myself – even if only in my own head. Joe flirted, but he never acted on it. He seemed disappointed that I hadn't told him about my birthday until afterwards. He gave me a Pearl Jam CD the next week. I played it constantly. By Thanksgiving, I had convinced myself that Joe was only ever going to be a friend. And his flirting was simply a part of his personality.
.
That's why when he came in one day in December, even when Big Red was working too, I was surprised that he immediately grabbed my hand and pulled me out back.
"I did it," he said proudly.
"Did what?" I asked, rubbing my arms as the cold air whipped around us.
"I enlisted."
"You did?" I shook my head and then smiled at him. "That's great, Joe."
"Thanks. I kept thinking that I was never going to do anything I wanted if I just let myself turn into another Morelli asshole."
I frowned at him. He rarely talked about his family. I hugged myself to keep warm. "You are in charge of your own destiny," I stated seriously and then giggled. "I think I heard that on a TV show."
He laughed. "Thank you, Stephanie."
I nodded. "That's what friends are for, right?"
He smiled his soft smile. I had only seen it a few times. Then, he reached out and pulled me to him. I immediately melted into his embrace. "You're shivering," he whispered, causing me to shiver for an entirely new reason.
He leaned back and opened his coat up and pulled me inside it, wrapping me up with him. I sighed as I leaned my cheek against his warm chest and wound my arms around him. He smelled so good. It was hard to not want to just inhale him. Or maybe lick him. That thought kind of surprised me.
He held me tightly and leaned his head down over me. "I leave in a few weeks," he said softly into the top of my head.
I tilted my chin up to meet his eyes. "Really?"
"After the New Year."
I blinked up at him. I was still having a hard time concentrating on anything other than the feel of him against me.
He leaned his forehead against mine. "I think I might miss you."
I pulled my head back. "You might?" I teased.
He gave me a squeeze, and it was all I could do to not whimper. I looked back at his chest, trying to regain my composure.
"Stephanie?" he whispered into my ear.
"Hmm?"
"Let me see those beautiful blue eyes."
I slowly lifted my face, expecting him to straighten up. Instead he kept his lips close, brushing them against my cheek as I turned to see him. My heart raced as I met his chocolate eyes. He smiled softly again and gently brushed his lips against mine. I was so surprised that I kept my eyes open the whole time. He leaned away from me and smiled.
"Close your eyes," he commanded quietly.
I obeyed and swallowed back my nerves. I waited for what seemed like several minutes in anticipation for him to kiss me again. I started to frown, feeling self-conscious of his gaze. He kissed my forehead, causing my frown to melt away. And then he kissed my nose. I smiled at that. And then, he kissed my lips again. Soft and sweet.
I actually felt my knees start to go weak. I didn't know that could really happen. I had only been kissed a few times, but nothing had ever felt like this. His lips were so warm and firm. His hands were in his coat pockets, holding me inside the warmth. He started to pull me into him, and his hands began to tug on me as well as they could through all our layers of clothing. I sighed into his kiss and hoped that he would start to make it a French kiss. Joe took my cue and slipped his tongue out, gently pushing past my eager lips. He moaned softly into my mouth and I returned it with my own soft whimpers. I slowly worked my hands up his back and then reached around to touch his cheek.
He groaned as he pulled away to catch his breath. "I want to use my hands," he said huskily.
Me too, I thought. I stroked his cheek and then tipped up on my toes to reach his lips again. "What's stopping you?" I asked.
He laughed briefly. "You're already cold. I can't keep you warm if I don't hold the coat shut."
"I think you're keeping me plenty warm."
He smiled and then pecked my nose again. "Oh, Cupcake, what am I going to do with you?"
"Cupcake?"
He nuzzled into my neck. "That's what I call you."
I pulled back and gave him a curious look. "What you call me when? I've never heard it."
He grabbed me again, cupping my butt as well as he could. My eyes popped open in surprise. He quickly leaned down and resumed kissing me. I wasn't about to stop him again. We continued, lost in each other, for several more minutes before I reluctantly stepped away from him.
"I'm surprised Big Red hasn't come calling yet."
He smirked. "She peeked out the door a few minutes ago."
"What?" I looked back at the door as if she might still be there. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"My lips were a little busy." He winked at me and then pulled me back to him. "I'll see you soon." He kissed me quickly.
"Okay," I murmured. I kissed him again. "Soon."
"Soon."
I walked up to the back door and looked back at him. "You coming back through?"
"No, I'll just walk around the side."
"'Kay. Oh, wait." I put my hands on my hips and lifted one brow. "Cupcake?"
He actually blushed. "Don't worry about it."
"Come on. I thought I made you feel like you could tell me things?"
He twisted his mouth to the side, considering my question. "You do. And I'll tell you next time."
"Fine," I said petulantly and rolled my eyes.
I opened the door and was about to step in when he stopped me. "And just so you know, Cupcake, this doesn't count."
I rolled my eyes again and then dramatically blew him a kiss.
.
.
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Thank you for reading! You know what to do. :)
