Free From Lies to Promises by Faith S Lynn Page B

of the popcorn and throw it at him.
      “Oh, I’m sorry. It was just so tempting.” I laugh out.
      A devious look crosses his face, “Darlin’, I bet you still look amazing covered in popcorn.” Before I can turn and run, he snatchs the bucket out of my hand and pours it over my head. “I love it when I’m right!”
      “ You really just did that. Wow.” I breathed as I start picking kernels out of my hair.
      “You started it,” Ryder mused. “I just finished it.” Tucking the quilt under his arm he says, “Here let me help you.”
      When he is confident that it is all out of my hair, I realize that the park has pretty much cleared out. He puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me to his side. We take our time walking through the park. It is a wonderful night, not to hot or cold, and the stars are so bright against the black backdrop. I can’t help myself, I stop and tilt my head back to gaze at them. Ryder comes to stand in front of me.
      “You have the prettiest fucking eyes I have ever seen.” He claims.
      “They’re brown, average.” I look towards where his car sits just a mere ten feet away. “Your eyes on the other hand, should have poems written about them.”
      His hand comes up to sweep some of my hair out of my face, then it travels down my neck. Holding the side of my throat, he uses his thumb to tilt my head towards him. “I have yet to find one thing about you that could be compared to average.” He leans down and kisses my forehead. When his warm lips leave my head he takes his hand from my neck and entwines our fingers. In the car, as Ryder goes to crank it he looks over to me and says, “Poems. Really?” We both let out a good laugh as we head to my house.
    ***
                  With the car parked at the curb, where it was when he picked me up, he insists on walking me to the door. “The date isn’t over till you are inside, and I promised to be the perfect gentleman. I don’t break my promises, ever .”
      “Right. I don’t think I have ever met someone who could keep every promise they ever made.” I tell him as we round the back of the car headed to the driveway.
      “Now you have.” He says reaching for my hand. “What’s the point in promising if you don’t intend to keep it?”
      “I agree, but it has become such a normal thing to say, a lot of thought isn’t used when people say it anymore.” I inform him just as we reach the door. Ryder lets my hand go and grabs my shoulders turning me to face him.
      With his hands cupping my face, he says, “I don’t take a promise lightly. Remember, if I promise you something, believe in it.” He is so close I can feel his words fan my face. He nuzzles his nose to mine, in an effort for me to tilt my lips to his. Before our mouths can make contact the door swings open. Skeigh is standing there with her hands on her hips, Jamie right next to her.
      “You have impeccable timing, Skeigh.” I huff out.
      “You two were taking too long. Besides, we couldn’t see you right here from the windows.” She actually admits.
      “You were spying on us! Oh.My.God.” I cover my face with my hands.
      “We had to make sure he wasn’t getting all handsy with you.” Skeigh rectifies.
      “Creeper.” I hiss at her.
      “You love me though!” With that she heads towards the couch and flops down. I turn to Ryder. 
      “I guess I’ll talk to you later.” I say, but it comes out more like a question.
      “You guess? Did I blow the date?” He is hesitant.
      “No! No, I had a great time.” It rushes out of me.
      “Good, because I was beginning to think I might actually break a promise.” He looks away, and when his eyes come back to mine they are stern. “If I screwed up tonight, there is no way in hell I could stay the fuck away from you.”
      Stunned. Shocked. It takes me a minute before I respond, when I do, I think it shocks him just as much. I step up to him before