CHAPTER 56

I followed her into the house, down the hall and into the family room. I sat on the sofa as she went to the kitchen to get a couple of soft drinks for us. As she walked back into the room, I just couldn't help but notice how good she looked in those tight jeans. She sat down next to me, leaned back on the sofa and crossed her legs.

"Brian, I need to talk to you about something.", she said, her tone very serious.

"Ok Court, what's up ?", I asked, turning towards her.

"I know it's not even right that I ask you this, I have really done some crappy things to you in the past. But can you tell me truthfully, exactly how you feel about me ?", she asked.

"You get right to the point, don't you ?", I laughed.

"Brian, please. I am seriously dead.", she answered.

I paused for a second and took a deep breath. To be perfectly truthful, I always had feelings for Courtney since the first time we had been out together. Even though she had dumped me twice before, I still had fond memories of her. But the big problem here was Ashley. There was no way I could be honest with Courtney and tell her I really thought I had fallen in love with Ashley. Or admit what the two of us had done several nights before. I knew I had to think fast.

"Court, I have always cared a great deal for you, but I think you know that. You're a beautiful girl, who wouldn't love to be with you ?", I answered.

"You.", she shot back quickly.

I immediately knew I had cornered myself, I was now in hot water. I tried to think of a quick response, something that would sound logical.

"Court, it's not that simple. I really value your friendship and your parents have always been wonderful to me. I don't want anything to come between any of that.", I replied.

"Neither do I Brian, but I can't stand being around you like this. I want so much more than just friendship.", she said softly.

"Court, we tried that twice before, it just didn't work out.", I answered.

"You don't have to throw it back in my face, I know I fucked up. Believe me I regret it everyday of my life.", she said, her eyes watering up slightly.

"I didn't mean to take a cheap shot, Court, I'm sorry.", I replied.

"It's ok Brian, I guess I deserve it.", she said sadly.

I felt really bad for her, I had definitely chosen the wrong words. I reached over and took her small, soft hand in mine. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with emotion.

"I'm sorry Court, you didn't deserve that.", I answered.

"Brian, I'm not sure I should ask you this but I have to. You can tell me to get lost if you want, but here goes.", she said, then took a deep breath, "Have you ever slept with a girl ?"

"Uh… well no, I haven't. I mean you know what we did together. That's as far as I ever went.", I answered, somewhat embarrassed.

"Well it's the same for me. I have never slept with anyone either.", she admitted.

There was another of our awkward pauses that gripped the room, I had an idea of where this might be going. She finally continued from where she had left off.

"Brian, you're my closest male friend, I have loved you for a long time. I want my first time making love to be with you, someone I trust completely. I am on birth control, I have been for a long time. So, I guess what I am asking is, will you sleep with me tonight ?", she finished, her voice trailing off.

"Wow Court, I …. Uh …. Don't know what to say.", I replied.

"Brian, I promise, no strings attached, just this one time….. Please.", she urged.

I felt my resolve melting as quickly as a popsicle on a hot summer day, I was done for. I think she saw it in my eyes, or maybe, she just knew me that well. Without another word she leaned over to me and pressed her lips against mine in a soft, extremely passionate kiss. When she broke our kiss, her lips were inches from mine, her eyes locked into my own.

"I want you now Brian, please take me to bed.", she pleaded.

She stood up and pulled me by the hand, an invitation I readily accepted. I got up and followed her out of the family room and we climbed the stairs to her bedroom. I had only been up to her once since I had known her, it was years ago. As she opened the door, I noticed the room had changed dramatically since last I had been up here. Gone were the high school decorations, instead replaced by pure white walls, white curtains, a laced white spread on the bed. It was definitely a woman's retreat, Courtney was no longer a girl.

Courtney stopped and turned, her arms encircling my waist quickly, her head tilted up to mine. I leaned over and kissed her gently, pulling her close to me, she felt so good in my arms. As we broke our kiss she looked at me, a smile on her face.

"Please, let's take this slow, I want this to be special.", she whispered.

Before I could respond, I noticed a flash of light pass her bedroom window. I took two steps toward the window and saw her Dad's car pulling into the driveway.

"Your parents just drove up.", I warned.

She took me by the hand and we quickly moved down the stairs back into the family room before they were able to get back into the house. I had to smile, I mean after all we were both adults, it's not like we were still teenagers dating. A few moments later her Dad walked into the family room several suitcases in hand.

"Your sister got sick on the drive up, she is feeling pretty bad, so we turned around. I hope we didn't ruin your night.", he said, setting the bags down.

"Not at all sir. Can I help with the bags ?", I asked.

"Yes, if you don't mind, can you take these up to my wife ?", he asked.

I got up quickly and took the bags from him and walked back up the stairs once again. As I rounded the staircase, I heard Courtney's Mom talking to her daughter. I stopped at the bedroom door looking in, she was helping Gia get into bed.

"Where do you want these Mrs. Timmons ?", I asked.

"Just set those down right there Brian. Thank you.", she replied.

I set the bags down just outside of the door, turned and headed back down the stairs. By the time I got to the family room, Mr. Timmons had already settled in and had the TV blaring. Courtney shrugged her shoulders at me, there was not much else we could do. We sat there for a while, then I decided to call it a night. I left and drove straight home, the lights were still on, so Ashley was awake.

I entered through the rear kitchen door as usual, only to find the house deserted. I went back to the kitchen to get a glass of iced tea and noticed a white piece of paper on the counter. I picked up the note and read it quickly.

[ Brian, I went out tonight, will be back late. Don't wait up. ]

Strange , she hadn't said a thing about going out, especially on a Wednesday night. I took a quick shower, watched some TV, about eleven thirty I called it a night.

I woke up early, before seven the next morning, went into the kitchen and made coffee. Ashley's door was still closed, I figured she was still asleep. I was sitting at the table reading the sports section of the paper, when she came in moving a bit slower than normal.

"Good morning", she mumbled.

"Morning, Ashley.", I replied.

She stumbled over to the coffee pot, poured a large cup, then fell into the chair across from me. She didn't say a word for the first five minutes, then finally came to life.

"How was dinner last night ?", she asked.

"It was ok, no big deal, we ate then went back to Courtney's, but Gia was sick so I left and came home.", I answered.

"Oh, I hope she is feeling better today, I sure as hell am not.", she groaned.

"What did you do last night ?", I asked.

"I went out with Stephanie and a few other friends, we had way too much to drink.", she replied.

"That will do it.", I answered.