“It’s your father.” She raised her hand as if to apologize. “I might be a while.”
“I’ll be right back,” he whispered to Mom and raced to Joe’s garage. The bell rang when the door swung open. The fluorescent lights buzzed and flickered overhead, making it difficult to read Sarah’s phone number. With each ring, his pulse quickened.
“Come on, come on,” he pleaded into the mouthpiece.
Finally, someone answered.
Please let it be Sarah.
“Hello, Matthews residence. Molly speaking.”
“Hi, Molly, this is Seth Mathis. Is Sarah home?”
“Yes, Sarah’s home. Hold on, please. I’ll get her.” She giggled.
“Sarah speaking.”
“Hi, Sarah, this is Seth.”
“Oh, yeah from Home Ec class.”
“Yes, Sarah,” he replied, marveling at how she continued the charade. “I wondered if you’d go out with me sometime.”
“I’d love to go out with you.”
“Great. I have to work Saturday. How about Friday night?”
“Oh, no, I have to work Friday. Could we go out Sunday?”
“What, during the day?”
“Why not?”
“Okay, sure. What time?”
“We usually get back from church around one thirty. Three o’clock?”
“Three o’clock sounds good. I’ll pick you up.”
“Where are we going?”
“I don’t know yet.”
“Well, how will I know what to wear?”
“I’ll let you know later in the week,” he said, feeling overwhelmed and disappointed at making a date during the day.
“Okay. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow in Home Ec.”
“Tomorrow.”
Seth hung up the phone and collapsed in the chair. I’m going on a date. With Sarah.
FIRST DATE
SETH
After enduring an awkward week at school with Sarah—he and Sarah weren’t friends anymore, and he didn’t know how to act around her—Seth woke up early Sunday morning to prepare for his date with her. The first thing on the agenda: get a haircut.
Mom flashed him an approving smile upon his return. “This girl has you spinning wheels.”
“I want to make a good impression, that’s all.”
“Just be yourself and treat Sarah good. The rest will fall into place.”
Mom had no idea how difficult it had been to get to this point. Just the same, he hoped her words rang true. He had never planned a date, and he found it difficult—especially on a Sunday afternoon.
“Why don’t you take Sarah horseback riding?” Mom suggested when he vented frustration.
“What if Sarah’s never been horseback riding?”
“Wouldn’t it be fun to teach her?”
The truck’s clock hit three just as he pulled into Sarah’s driveway. So far, so good. Now he had to meet her parents. Not so good. Although he had already met Mr. Matthews at the grocery store, picking up groceries didn’t compare to picking up his daughter.
“I got it,” someone shouted from inside the house before he even knocked. The door swung open, and a young girl looked up at him, her eyes wide as she shuffled back and forth. “He’s here,” she shouted again and ran up the stairs.
When no one appeared, Seth stepped through the doorway and stood in the foyer.
Sarah’s mother came down the hallway. “You must be Seth. I apologize on Molly’s behalf.”
“Uh, no problem, Mrs. Matthews. It’s nice to meet you.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you too. Mr. Matthews is in the backyard. Please have a seat while I get him.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She led him to the living room, where he took a seat and tried to relax. He heard footsteps upstairs but no voices. Mr. Matthews appeared, and Seth stood to greet him.
“Seth, it’s good to see you again.” He smiled and extended his hand.
Seth shook his hand. “Thank you, sir. It’s good to see you too.”
“Sit down. Sarah should be down any minute.”
Mrs. Matthews joined them. Seth prepared for the interrogation.
“So, what are you and Sarah doing today?” Mr. Matthews asked.
“Horseback riding. There’s a stable off Route 40.”
“Hickory Stables. Hank Connors runs the place.”
Seth nodded. “Do you know Mr. Connors?”
“He comes into the store now and then.”
Mrs. Matthews looked toward the stairs. “I’ll check on Sarah.”
Seth looked too. Please don’t keep me waiting too long, Sarah. This is hell.
Mr. Matthews watched his wife walk upstairs and then turned his attention back to Seth. “Your brother’s having a great football season. Has he decided where he’ll be attending college?”
Great. There’s no way I can compare to Derrick. “No, sir. He’s expecting more scouts to come see him play.”
“Good for him. Sarah tells me you work at Joe’s garage.”
“Yes, sir. I’ve worked there since I was fourteen years old. Joe’s been real good to me.”
“Is that something you’re interested in…being a mechanic?”
“Well, maybe. Right now, it’s a way to make spending money, pay my car insurance, you know.”
The sound of footsteps called their attention to the stairs. It wasn’t Sarah, but her mother.
“Sarah will be right down,” Mrs. Matthews said. “Seth, can I get you something to drink?”
He imagined a bottle of beer. “No thank you.”
With that, Sarah came downstairs and into the living room. Seth stood to meet her. She looked beautiful in blue jeans and a long-sleeved red sweater that showed off her curves. Her hair looked wavier than usual, and her blue eyes sparkled.
“Hello, Seth.”
“Hi, Sarah. You look pretty.” Turning to Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, he asked, “What time does Sarah need to be home?”
“Around seven,” Mrs. Matthews answered.
“No problem.” He looked at Sarah. “Are you ready?”
“I sure am,” she answered with an eager smile and headed for the door.
“Be mindful of your curfew,” Mrs. Matthews said, and Mr. Matthews added, “Have fun, you two.”
Seth rounded the corner onto Main Street. “Whoa! That was nerve-racking. How’d I do?”
“They liked you. So, where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see.” He took his eyes off the road to look at Sarah, relishing having her sit beside him in his truck and going on their date. “Sarah, you look pretty.”
“Thanks. I can’t believe Sunday finally came. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”
He held her hand. “Me too.”
Hickory Stables was twenty-five minutes away, yet the drive seemed to fly by. He and Sarah had no trouble conversing. Home Ec and, of course, Corin came up. Seth asked her about soccer, and Sarah asked him about working at the garage.
When they pulled into the entrance of the stables, Sarah pointed to the sign and smiled. “Are you taking me horseback riding?”
“I hope that’s okay.”
“It’s a great idea. I worked here.” She lifted herself off the seat to get a better view. “I can’t wait to see Hank.”
“So you know how to ride? I was hoping I’d have to teach you.”
Sarah giggled. “If you want, I can pretend.”
“No, I’ll just have to find another way to impress you.”
“I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”
“I hope I’m up to the challenge.” This felt incredible. She was incredible.
They pulled up to the farmhouse/office in front of the stables. “Wait here.” He raced around the truck to open her door.
Sarah pulled him toward the farmhouse. “We’ll probably find Hank inside.”
Hank ambled out through the screen door just as they reached the porch. “Seth, we’ve been waiting
for you.”
“Hey, Hank. It’s good to see you.”
Hank turned to Sarah. “Well, well, if it isn’t little Sarah Matthews. I didn’t know you were Seth’s date.” Hank winked at Seth. “Lucky you! Let’s go to the stables.”
Several horses, their heads hanging out of their stalls, greeted them with a chorus of whinnies.
“Is Lady still here?” Sarah asked.
Hank nodded. “Sure is. Would you like to ride her today?”
“Yes, please.”
Hank stopped at the third stall. “Lady, there’s someone who wants to see you.” A large chestnut-brown horse with a mouthful of hay sauntered toward them and hung her head over the stall door.
Sarah rubbed the horse’s snout. “Hey, Lady, long time, no see.”
“Why don’t you get Lady saddled while I find a horse for Seth?”
Seth followed Hank to the last stall. “How about Rowdy?”
“He sure is a beautiful horse. Let’s give him a try.”
“Why don’t you get him ready, and I’ll check on Sarah.”
“Okay. I’ll meet you and Sarah outside.” While Seth saddled him, Rowdy shuffled and jerked his head in protest. Seth ignored him and eventually the horse succumbed. He led Rowdy out of the barn, noticing Lady’s empty stall when he passed. He mounted Rowdy and joined Hank, Sarah, and Lady at the beginning of the trail.
“Have any trouble?” Hank asked with a mischievous smile.
Seth grinned. “Let’s just say Rowdy lives up to his name.”
“Yeah, Rowdy likes to challenge people. Once you have him saddled, he pretty much falls in line. Like most men, I suppose.”
“I hope so. I’m trying to make a good impression.” Seth looked at Sarah, who seemed to be enjoying their banter.
Hank followed his gaze. “Sarah, you remember the way through the trail?”
“Just follow the path. It’s as easy as that,” Sarah answered.
“I guess I’ll see you later. Have fun.” Hank backed away and watched them saunter off.
The beginning of the trail was narrow, so Seth had to follow Sarah and Lady. He didn’t mind—watching Sarah from behind made him swoon. She rode like she danced, gently swaying to Lady’s canter. The sun seemed dull compared to her hair—its auburn strands glistened and bounced along her back.
“How are you doing back there?” she called.
“Fine, just fine.”
Fallen leaves crunched under the horses’ hooves, and a flock of geese honked their farewell as they flew overhead. The air was crisp, the sky cloudless, and the trees a beautiful assortment of fall colors.
Perfect.
The path widened at the clearing, giving them the opportunity to ride side by side. Rowdy followed Seth’s lead dutifully. Lady lived up to her name.
Sarah turned and smiled at him. “So, how long have you known Hank?”
“I met him at the rodeo. He competed in roping competitions. I heard he suffered a back injury and had to stop. Hank’s a good guy, but you already know that.”
“Yes, he is. I’m surprised I haven’t run into you here before—when we were younger, I mean.”
“I’ve never been here. My mother suggested Hickory Stables. When I called to arrange our date, Hank answered the phone and, well, you know the rest.”
“It’s a nice surprise to come here again and to see Hank. I have fond memories of this place.” Sarah twisted her lip.
Seth knew what that meant. “What, Sarah, tell me?”
“Well, I probably shouldn’t, but what the heck. I got my first kiss in the stables.” She giggled.
“Sarah, Sarah, Sarah. You little hussy. Tell me all about it, and don’t leave a detail out.”
“Oh, it’s a short story, much like the kiss. Still, it was my first kiss and that’s always special, no matter how awkward.”
He pressed. “Was it someone I know? How old were you?”
“You don’t know him, at least I don’t think so. And to answer your second question, I was fourteen.”
“Fourteen, huh. I bet you were cute. Did you have braces? That can make a first kiss difficult.”
“No, I didn’t have braces, and my first kiss wasn’t difficult. I said it was awkward.”
“I stand corrected.” He laughed. “How old was the boy?”
“He was fourteen too.” She smiled. “He was cute and sweet.”
“Sweet? Oh, Sarah. Please tell me you didn’t say that to him.”
“Of course not. Anyway, I don’t suppose you want to share the story of your first kiss with me.”
He balked at her request. His first kiss had been with an older girl, and it hadn’t been “short.” In fact, it had been more than a kiss.
“I don’t kiss and tell,” he countered and changed the subject. “Do you hear the sound of water?”
“There’s a stream up ahead. Follow me.” Sarah guided Lady through a thicket to a bustling stream. They got off their horses and led them to the water’s edge. After Rowdy and Lady satisfied their thirst, Sarah and Seth tied them to a nearby tree and sat on the rocks.
“I’m sure Rowdy and Lady could use a break,” he said, tossing a stone into the creek.
Sarah crossed her legs and faced the sun, soaking in its rays. “So could I. I forgot how achy horseback riding is.” She groaned and rubbed her thighs. “This is nice,” she whispered after a few minutes.
He sighed. “Yes, it is.”
The sound of the babbling stream resonated tranquility. Despite this, the urge to go to Sarah intensified, but he fought it. He didn’t want to move too quickly.
Sarah stood and stretched.
“Ready?” He offered his hand to help her step over the rocks.
“I guess we should head back. It’s probably getting late.”
“Probably.”
“Seth…”
“What?”
“I’m having a wonderful time.” She looked up at him and held his hands. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He found himself bending to meet her.
He hadn’t planned to kiss Sarah but couldn’t help it. She lifted her face to meet his and their lips brushed.
“I’m having a great time too.”
He lifted her chin with one hand and put the other hand around her waist. She came to him willingly, their kisses deepening to the point of breathlessness. He tightened his hold around her waist and tangled his other hand through her hair. Her scent hit him with such erotic pleasure, he gasped.
“I hope that kiss wasn’t as awkward as your first,” he whispered in her ear, taking a moment to regain composure. He didn’t want to misbehave on their first date. Well, he did…
Sarah pressed against him. “Quite the contrary.”
The need to caress her lips consumed him. His tongue brushed them, silently begging for entrance. She allowed this, and a search for her tongue began in earnest. She ran her hands along his back, sending frenzied passion through his body. He forced his eyes open to bring himself out of the moment.
“Wow!”
Sarah rested her head on his chest. “My thoughts exactly.”
He longed to stay there all day, but the sound of one of the horses whinnying jolted him back to reality. “We should head back.”
They hesitated a moment before unlocking their embrace to mount the horses and resume their journey along the trail.
SARAH
Sarah knew they would have to leave this embrace and be on their way, but she fought against it, resting her head on his chest, relishing this quiet moment with him.
Once they resumed their journey along the trail, Sarah grew quiet, her mind racing to catch up with her heart. She looked up to find Seth smiling at her.
“What?”
“You look happy. I hope it has something to do with me.”
She smiled. “You know it does.”
“That makes me happy. This has been a great day, hasn’t it?”
“The best,” she answered but frow
ned.
Seth followed her gaze, and his smile faded too—the end of the trail loomed ahead.
“Back to reality.”
“We can always come back,” Seth said.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Lady and Rowdy instinctively headed back to the stable. Once inside, Sarah and Seth returned them to their stalls. They met outside and walked hand in hand to the farmhouse to settle up with Hank.
“Hello!” Seth yelled.
Hank came down the hallway. “How was the ride?”
“Great,” Seth answered, and Sarah nodded in agreement.
“Good.”
Seth pulled out his wallet. “How much do I owe you?”
“Let’s settle up in my office. Sarah, why don’t you get Seth and yourself something to drink for the ride home?”
“Thanks, Hank. Seth, what do you want to drink?”
“A Coke would be great. I’ll meet you on the front porch.”
Sarah got their drinks and sat on one of the rocking chairs that lined the front porch. She didn’t have to wait long before Hank and Seth came through the front door.
“Well, kids, I hope you had a good time. Come back soon, okay?” Hank gave her a hug and shook Seth’s hand.
“We will. Thanks again, Hank.”
Once they were on the road, Sarah’s hunger kicked in. Her stomach growled in protest.
Seth laughed and placed his hand on hers. “I’m hungry too. Where do you want to eat?”
Sarah pointed to the clock on the dashboard. “It’ll have to be fast food.”
“Sounds good to me.”
They stopped at a burger joint and ordered at the drive-through.
“So, Sarah, how did I measure up on our first date?” Seth asked between bites of his burger.
“On a scale from one to ten? Well, I’d give you…” She looked him up and down and then twisted her lips.
Seth didn’t give her a chance to finish her sentence. He leaned toward her and gave her a deep kiss.
“Seth, you need to give me a warning. I have a mouthful of food.”
“I’m sorry, but it’s your fault.”
“How so?”
“You twist your lips…a lot. I find it incredibly sexy.”
“That’s good to know. Now I can use it to my advantage.”
“That’s not fair.” He paused. “Come to think of it, I wouldn’t mind being taken advantage of by you.” He leaned in for another kiss. Sarah eagerly met his lips.
Then & Now Page 5
