Sarah took another deep breath, fighting self-consciousness. Very slowly she leaned over Bent and brought her lips down to his.His gasp gave her courage. She brushed her mouth daintily against his, feeling him struggle to not return the kiss. She placed her hands on each of his shoulders and moved her lips over his arms. He whimpered slightly as she brought his finger to her mouth. “Sarah, don’t,” he warned. Her face flamed. She hastily dropped his hand, giggling. She heard him laugh, too. Tucking her chin to the side of his neck, mimicking his previous movements, she let her hands caress the sides of his long legs. Holy cow, this guy really was made of cement. She moved her hands back to his amazing shoulders. As much as she tried to massage and squeeze his muscles, nothing gave. His body was rock solid. Feeling frustrated by her own weakness, she bit her lip. That’s when she noticed that his breathing was faster. His face was the picture of pure bliss. It sent her heart racing to see that she could make him look so happy. He gazed silently up at her with his twinkly eyes. They glowed like two bright stars. She couldn’t help it. She stared helplessly back down at him. An unexpected painful twang of sadness suddenly ripped through her as she took in the full extent of his beauty.Sarah gulped and looked quickly away. She felt warm fuzzy feelings sweep over her. She shut her eyes, hoping to conceal her feelings. His hand wrapped tenderly around her cheek. She felt his thumb gently rub at the corner of her eye. “Please don’t cry,” he begged, his voice breaking. “It kills me to see you cry.” More tears spilled down Sarah’s face. Oh why couldn’t she hide her emotions? This was SO humiliating. Bent pulled himself into a sitting position. He swung Sarah’s body around so that he was holding her in his arms. Without a word, he brought her face up close to his, and taking a breath, he kissed her deeply.Sarah felt her tears slide across his cheeks.”Shh, you’re okay. I’ve got you,” he murmured. His tender lips moved softly over hers. His warm hands caressed her shaking body, quietly calming her racing heart.”Why are you so good to me?” Sarah asked, her tears flowing freely. “You’re perfect. You should be mean and spoiled and–“He put a finger to her mouth, abruptly silencing her. “Don’t you get it?” he moaned. He squeezed her body tightly against his chest, letting his nose drop to the side of her neck. He hid his face beneath the curtain of her long, flowing hair. He inhaled, taking in the sweet floral scent of her shampoo.Sarah’s soft cries had ceased. His beyond enjoyable and slightly embarrassing panting breaths on her neck twisted her nerves into a chaotic frenzy. “I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a very long time…” His voice trailed off. He raised his head to look her squarely in the face. His eyes burned with passion. Sarah gulped, waiting. Was he really going to say what she was hoping he would say?Suddenly the music in the room grew louder, as if someone had turned up the volume. Bent’s mouth moved. Sarah blinked. Wait…what did he say?????Bent smiled down at her in a wholesome, boyish way. His eyes vulnerable. He dipped his head to her neck again, kissing her skin in teasing little circles. Oh my gawd! I didn’t hear what he said!!! Sarah thought in unimaginable distress.He continued to cradle her, rocking her gently in his strong arms. Oh well, she decided. Whatever he’d said, it had obviously been wonderful. She allowed herself to relax, enjoying the feeling of him stroking her cheek as he kept her body nestled protectively against his.”Well, well, well. What have we here?” Sarah glanced up in surprise, squinting into the darkness. At first she couldn’t see who was there. But then her eyes adjusted…and she froze.A blonde girl stared furiously at them.