Fresh Cut Romance Read Online Free PDF Page A

my sister, legs spread wide, and hands on my hips, I protested. "Please, sis. I'm not a gold-digger."
    "Sorry, Laur. I didn't mean that the way it came out. Lookie here. A matching bracelet. I can't wait to see you all fixed up. Hurry up with the nylons, hon, so we can put that lovely gown on you. This is so exciting. It reminds me of the time you went to the prom with Johnny Broen. You were so beautiful. Remember, he reached in his pocket for the car keys and when he pulled his hand out a package of Trojans fell on the floor, right by your feet. Poor Johnny, he turned bright red and I had to talk you into still going with him."
    My giggle made it obvious I did remember.
    Tess laughed. "You were home by ten-thirty. Did you even dance with him?"
    "A few fast ones and one slow one at arms length."
    I started to slip into my gown and still wearing my one shoe she limped over to help. "Why don't you take that shoe off or put the other one on."
    She pulled the shoe off and threw it on the bed. "Good idea. Those were fun times. Then Dad got sick and everything changed."
    When the gown was on, I turned and gazed in the dresser mirror again. The white with magenta trim, floor length, low cut evening gown showed exquisite. I felt something cool and weighty on my chest. In the mirror, I could see Tess hooking the back of the fancy necklace. "Just beautiful," she said. "Put the bracelet and shoes on while I get my camera."
    After she left, I finished dressing, played with my curls and touched up my makeup. Suddenly a flash lit up the mirror. Without turning, I objected, "At least let me … Another flash.
    "You know I prefer candid shots. Ok, turn around and say CHEESE."
    I turned around, and before I got set, another flash. When I raised my hand to object—another flash. Finally, I quickly posed.
    After a dozen pictures on her digital camera, she handed the camera to me to look at the images and sat back on the bed. "There's an envelope here. Do you mind if I open it."
    I shook my head. About ten seconds later Tess yelped, "This is great, sis. It's a deluxe gift certificate for two at Loving Touch Spa. Are you going to take your favorite sister?"
    I had to laugh. "You're my only sister. Who else?"
    She cocked her head and flashed a look so silly, I laughed again. "See, I knew I was your favorite. I don't suppose you could manage it for the day after tomorrow. Seth's mother is taking the kids for the day."
    "I'll see what I can do. Shall we get back to Julian?"
    "Sure but don't run off yet. I'll load the photos into the computer and make a couple copies. Which pics, did you like best?"
    "Hmmm. I think seven, eight and eleven."   
    * * * *
    When Laurel entered the room, my heart fluttered. She was so beautiful, it seemed to light up the room when she smiled. Now, I'm no stick-in-the-mud. I'd been out with scores of girls, slept with most, but no girl ever affected me this way.
    Teresa said, "Julian, I want to get a couple pictures. Laurel, move in beside him."
    As she stood beside me, I placed my arm around her waist. She trembled, a good sign. I must make her as nervous as she makes me.
    "Say cheese," Teresa said, good naturedly.
    Striving for a cool, calm, confident smile, the flash went off. Then again and again. "Perfect." Teresa winked. "I'll be right back."
    Turning, I pulled away in a maneuver that allowed me to hold both of her hands. "You look delicious. Good enough to eat."
    Poor, shy thing, she turned bright red.
    "In fact, you make me look like a bum." Would you mind if we stop by my home for ten minutes, to put on a suit?"
    "Of course not, but you could never look like a bum, only underdressed."
    I laughed and gazed into her eyes. There was something there. Desire? I wish. Admiration? No, that's not it. Sadness? Close, but not quite. Regret? Yes, that's it, but why?
    I pulled her close, holding her. She shook. I snuggled my cheek against her hair. Turning my head slightly, my lips pecked at her ear. She shivered but