Free A Matter of Destiny by Bonnie Drury

something he couldn't have, not now, not ever. He just didn't understand his assignment...exactly.
     
    He wasn't allowed to use most of his powers, when there were times they'd be most valuable. He hadn't heard of such restrictions being placed on a guardian before.
     
    After all these eons, why this one woman? What set her apart from all the rest?
     
    The raucous chatter coming from inside his classroom halted his tormented thoughts for the moment, a blessed relief.
     
     
     
    Sharon wondered later if Joe had spoken to Luke because her younger son was quiet and thoughtful during dinner when he usually talked constantly.
     
    "Are you feeling okay, honey?" she asked.
     
    Luke looked up, surprised. "Sure, Mom. Any more potatoes?"
     
    She passed the bowl, noting he hadn't lost his appetite. David had called and said he'd be late. He had some research to do for a report. When they used to be a family of four, it seemed lonely with only two at the dinner table.
     
    "How was practice?"
     
    Luke smothered his potatoes with gravy before answering. "Good." After a huge bite, he said, "How was work?"
     
    Sharon sat back. "It was hectic, as usual, but the time goes fast."
     
    No comment. Luke's mind was apparently miles away again, so Sharon finished the rest of her meal in silence. She longed for the days when Luke's chatter never ceased. It was too quiet now. The phone rang and Sharon answered it.
     
    "Oh, hello, Joe. What? Yes, he's here." She handed the receiver to her son, who turned his back to her and mumbled into the phone.
     
    Sharon couldn't quite catch what he was saying. Luke was acting so strangely, as if he had something to hide.
     
    Luke hung up abruptly. Jamming his hands in his pockets, he faced her squarely. "He says he's coming over. I'm leaving."
     
    She stared at him, confused. "But...where are you going?"
     
    He wouldn't look at her. "Over to Billy's." Luke turned away, lifting his jacket off the back of his chair.
     
    "No, you're not, young man, not until I know what's going on." This man/child was a stranger to her.
     
    Luke flung the coat over his shoulder. "Sorry, Mom, but I have to go." With that, he went through the back porch and out the door.
     
    Sharon sank into her chair, stunned. What was going on? Joe was coming over, maybe he knew. She began to clear the table as she waited, needing to keep busy. Sharon didn't know if she could handle any more surprises.
     
    At the quiet knock, she opened the door. Joe stood on the porch, his expression unreadable. "Hi, Sharon. Is Luke here?"
     
    She shook her head. "After you called, he practically ran out of the house."
     
    "May I come in? I wanted to talk to you anyway."
     
    "Of course." She stepped aside.
     
    "Did he tell you what happened at practice?"
     
    "No." She rubbed her hands together.
     
    Joe reached for her fingers, halting their movement. Sharon gazed into his eyes, realizing she expected him to have all the answers.
     
     
     
    As Joe stared at Sharon, his fingers intertwining with hers, the impulse to put his arms around her was so strong his grip tightened.
     
    She swayed toward him, and that was enough for his control to snap. He drew her close. Sharon seemed to melt into him and fit perfectly.
     
    Joe kissed her soft, vibrant hair and allowed himself to dream the impossible.
     
    Sharon trembled in his arms, then pulled away. Joe couldn't tear his gaze from her lips as he longed to taste their sweetness. Her attention drifted to his mouth and she shuddered again.
     
    "Joe," she said softly, and he lowered his face to hers. It was just a whisper of a kiss, but enough to make him want more, much more, as she tried to put distance between them.
     
    "No," she said, and he let her go, even as her eyes said yes.
     
    "Can we sit down?" he asked, realizing he had to bring these turbulent human emotions under control. He'd be in big trouble for this.
     
    Sharon motioned toward a chair, then sat in the corner of the sofa.