We wave goodbye as we step out the door. The beams from the headlights of the jalopy pulling into our driveway are the only light we have to see by. The car screeches to a halt, and something bangs under the hood. The driver’s side door opens and a man steps out, followed by the back door opening to reveal a woman.
The man holds out his hand to Hannah. “Hello, you must be Hannah. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
Hannah giggles softly as they shake hands. “Hi there. And you must be Will.”
“That’s right. My sister has told me lots about you.”
The woman who must be Kat steps next to Will. She hugs Hannah and whispers something in her ear. Hannah smiles and turns her attention to Will.
My sister and her new boyfriend seem to fade away as my eyes fall on Kat. The dark hides most of her features, but from what I can glean, she’s a looker: full lips–good for kissing–and a small nose–again, good for kissing.
“Ah, you must be Kat.” I grin as my hands dig in my pockets to keep my excitement down.
“Well, hello there, Harry.” Her voice is like chocolate in my mouth. I could savor the sound of her words alone for days. She holds out her hand.
I take it and kiss it. No handshake for this dame. She giggles and takes hold of my hand, yanking me into the back seat. Everyone’s in the car in no time, and Will takes the wheel. Kat explains that we’re going to a party at a house that belongs to her friend who married some big wig doctor from the Cleveland Clinic. Damn. Millionaire’s Row. Everyone who lives in Cleveland has driven by those small palaces on Euclid Avenue, but how many have actually gotten the chance to go inside one, and to a party nonetheless?
I half-listen as Hannah goes on about our folks and Pa’s job, but Kat doesn’t seem to care about that. She turns to me and asks, “And what about you, big boy? I hear you’re following in your father’s footsteps.”
“That’s right. Even in these tough times, there’s a need for deliveries.”
Kat’s practically sitting on my lap. Hannah focuses on Will. I take this moment to get a better look at Kat and see that she’s got vibrant red hair. I can’t tell the color of her eyes in the dark, but I’m banking on knowing by the end of the night. Her heart-shaped face is decorated with a pouty smile and lots of makeup.
“So, tell me more about yourself.” Kat wraps her arms around my neck. She smells like vanilla and cigarettes. An intoxicating combination.
“What d’you wanna know?” I bring an arm around her lower back and draw her closer.
“Hmm, are you a good kisser?”
“Ah. I’ve been told so on a few occasions.”
“Just a few?”
“Okay, more than a few.”
Kat laughs. “So, you’re an experienced man. Lots of heartbroken girls in the world because of you?”
“Something like that.” I grin. “What about you? You a heartbreaker, Kat?”
“Why are you asking? You worried?”
“Nah.” I wave her off.
Her smile widens, and she whispers in my ear, “I’m yours for the taking, baby.” Her breath tickles my lobe, the tingle going all the way down to my groin.
