Her head whirled. But instead of horror and revulsion, Miranda felt something else: helplessness that turned to curiosity, fear that turned to anticip...tion and shame that flared into excitement and desire. She sensed a face inches from her's. She smelled fresh black pepper and maybe red wine. The kiss, when it came, was gentle, almost tender. “No,” she whispered. Another kiss from another mouth that tasted faintly of mint. So did the tongue that flickered between her lips. “Don't... please,. Still, it allowed me to pick her up.Brenda saw me and came over very fast. It was two weeks since our picnic, and the weather was absolutely cold now. She climbed in, and we kissed briefly."So, want me to run you home, or do you want to go to my house? Mom is gone until six tonight," I added hopefully."Hmm, home to my house, or home with my boyfriend. Decisions, decisions. I choose your place of course, silly," Brenda said while rolling her eyes as if I were stupid or something.I put the truck. ’ I hear as I walk in to the office. ‘I didn’t know I had an appointment.’ I say, glancing at my watch. ‘Or, I would’ve been here sooner.’ I sigh and grab the folder off the counter, without even looking at the name. I knock on exam room one and walk in, my head down. ‘Good morning.’ I say, mindlessly, but then catch my mistake. ‘I mean, ‘Good afternoon.” Chuckling, I look up to the patient in the chair. My jaw drops as I recognize that its you. ‘Oh!’ I exclaim as my cheeks turn red. ‘Its you. Like Madison, she was already wearing herschool uniform and ready for the day. "Morning, Angelique," she said.Terry smiled broadly and musically replied, "Good morning, MissClaire!"She gave him an odd look. "Well, you're in a good mood today." Really? You don't think I seemed a bit... flat?" he said teasingly,sidling up next to her so his very pronounced bosom was more evidentnext to her still-developing chest.Claire thumped her book bag onto the counter in disgust. "I can'tbelieve I walked.