Taking Chances by Ann Omasta (books for 7th graders .txt) 📕

It was still early afternoon when we left the party. I had a few hours before girls’ night with Courtney would begin, so I wanted to spend that time with Seth. I’d been dying to see the pole barn where he builds his boats, so I asked him to take me there.

He seemed surprised, but delighted by the request. We drove there in silence, holding hands. Seth would occasionally look over and smile at me, and I would grin back at him, perfectly content.

The building was even bigger than it had looked from Seth’s camper. I don’t know what I had been expecting to see, but it wasn’t what I found when we entered the huge structure.

The enormous wooden boat in the center of the room was breathtaking. I stared at it in awe that Seth was able to build something so impressive. I had imagined that he made canoe-like boats, not anything as grand as this behemoth.

The building was pristine, with a freshly swept floor and each tool in its spot. It was clear from looking around that Seth took great care and pride in his work, and he had every reason to.

“This is amazing!” I exclaimed, walking around the stern. “I had no idea.”

He looked truly happy at my compliment. “Did you think I spent my time making makeshift skiffs?”

“No, but I had no idea how grand your boats are. May I?” I asked, indicating the ladder that led up to the hull.

“Of course, but she’s not finished,” he replied. I had already kicked off my jeweled sandals and scrambled up, so he followed me.

I smoothed my hand along the glossy side of the vessel. “People must be lined up wanting to purchase one of your boats.”

“There is a bit of a waiting list.” He looked down, seeming slightly embarrassed.

I sensed there was more, so I asked, “How long is a bit?”

“About two years.” He beamed at me, and his beautiful, perfectly straight smile nearly knocked me on my butt. He went on, “But I don’t compromise quality. If people want one of my boats, then they have to wait for it.”

“I bet they do, too.” I grinned back at him.

He nodded. “I’ve had people try to bribe me to rush or to go to the front of the line, but I don’t want any part of that. It wouldn’t be fair to the people who have waited.”

This man was good, solid, kind, fair, gorgeous, smart, and sweet, and I wanted him in the worst way. I tried to put on my sexy voice as I said huskily, “This boat needs to be broken in.”

“She’s not quite ready to put in the water,” he answered, misunderstanding my meaning.

I decided that I would have to be more direct, so I removed my wide belt and unzipped the floral dress that I had borrowed from Courtney. My breasts had been straining for freedom all day, and they spilled out as the dress pooled at my bare feet. I slipped out of my panties and laid back on the long bow, offering my naked body to Seth.

He licked his lips and then sprang into action. He quickly ripped the golf shirt over his head. In one smooth move, he shed himself of his khakis and boxers. Then he joined me on the ship’s bow. We ran our hands over each other as our tongues tangled. I was almost manic in my hunger for him.

We melted together, our bodies completely entwined. He was hard, pressing into my belly. It wasn’t nearly enough, so I reached my hand down between us and guided him to me. He groaned as he slid inside me. I left my hand between us, touching us both as he pumped over me. My other hand reached around to grab his ass, pulling him into me harder.

I cried out as I came. Pleasure pulsed through me. As I squeezed, Seth buried his head into my shoulder. His thrusts quickened until he released with a loud groan.

We stayed that way for a while. Seth was still inside me as I rubbed a hand lightly over his back. “You’re amazing,” he said, nuzzling into my neck.

I was happy. There was no other word for it. I didn’t recall ever having felt so complete, so satisfied. “I love you.” The words bubbled out before I had a chance to think through voicing them out loud.

Seth stiffened, and I immediately regretted saying it. He stayed frozen for a while, but I felt him emotionally disconnect. Then he slipped out of me and said, “We should probably get going. You don’t want to be late for girls’ night.” He grabbed his clothes and went down the ladder.

I had a burning lump in my throat. I felt like crying, but was afraid I wouldn’t be able to stop, once I started. How could I have proclaimed my love so soon?

I sat there for a while, stunned, and then I slowly put on my clothes and went to find Seth. He was sitting in the Jeep waiting for me. We didn’t talk the whole way back to my house. When we arrived, he turned to me and said a brisk, “Take care.”

I couldn’t even respond. I nodded and quickly exited his vehicle, focusing on not allowing the tears to start flowing. As I walked up the sidewalk to my front door, a sob escaped, but I didn’t have to worry about him hearing it because he was already backing out of my driveway.