Ill Take Forever

only knew the little he'd told her, and if he were making up things for the citizens of Palmer, why not be making up things to tell her as well?
    Like what? She thought. He'd told her nothing. Was he married? Out for a fling? Or was he single and the devoted only son of a widowed mother?
    She carefully replaced the picture, rose and quickly left the room without a backward glance. She couldn't stay. The picture only showed her how little she knew about the man. While her senses longed for his touch, her mind knew she needed more before giving herself to any man.

    ***
    It was late when Kyle finally came back up. Jenny feigned sleep when he opened her door and looked into her room. He left and she let the tears slowly fall.

CHAPTER SEVEN

    On Saturday, Jenny stayed as far away from Kyle as she could. She rose early, grabbed a quick breakfast and took Shasta into town. She delivered all the accounts she had worked on during the week, got her mail from the post office box and went shopping for a new dress for George Carlisle's barbecue that night.
    She refused to examine the reason why she wanted a new dress. George would be putting on a nice spread, and she wanted to look her best. It was really her first party since Johnny's death.
    She thought of Johnny for a moment, missing him, wishing things were the way they had been a couple of years ago. She found she couldn't concentrate, however. With a rueful sigh, she acknowledged that Johnny was in the past, her past, gone forever. No matter how much she wished it different, it was as it was. And she must let it go.
    Kyle's dark eyes swam before her, his sardonic grin, his tall frame. She shook her head to dispel the image. Why was she always thinking about him? It would have to change. She paused on the pavement, briefly fantasizing that she knew him better, that theirs was a normal friendship, growing in love. Would they marry? Was her mother right in that she should remarry?
    She shook her head. Admonishing Shasta to wait for her, she went into the store in search of the perfect dress.
    She arrived home just in time to go up to get ready for the barbecue. She showered, dried her hair and donned her new dress, pleased with her choice. It was a short batiste cotton in blue, which brought out the color of her eyes. Fitted in the bodice, it swirled softly against her legs as she walked. Putting on high-heeled sandals, she was ready. Informally dressed, yet appropriate for the coming event.
    Kyle was waiting in the living room when she walked down. He rose when she came into view and Jenny was instantly conscious of him with every inch of her body. Would she always feel so breathless when around him? And how much longer would he be around?
    He wore designer jeans, snug and low on his hips. Polished boots shod his feet and a dark brown, cotton-knit polo shirt covered his chest. She felt a momentary flare of jealousy that every woman there would notice him. His shoulder muscles were outlined and enhanced with the chocolate shirt, his jeans almost too snug as her eyes were drawn to them.
    'Too tight?' Kyle mocked, a devilish glint in his eye. Had he read her mind?
    Jenny raised her eyes to meet the amusement in his. She could feel the heat in her face. It wasn't fair. He seemed to know exactly what she was thinking.
    'Not if you don't think so. Can you walk?' she asked sweetly.
    His laughter surprised her, forced an answering smile from her.
    'As long as you don't get too close to me,' he replied audaciously.
    'We'd better go,' she said, ignoring his innuendo.
    Jenny drove, concentrating on the road, trying vainly to ignore the man next to her. They were not the first to arrive, but the line of cars behind them on the driveway assured them they were not late. Jenny recognized most of the guests on the lawn, and the ones still arriving. It seemed as if George had invited half of the town.
    'Jenny! Welcome.' George greeted she had parked the car and they approached the gathering. He leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek.
    'Hi, George. It's a nice turn out. And the weather's perfect.' It was pleasantly warm and would likely stay comfortable well into the evening.
    'It will be a mild night for which I’m grateful. Kyle, glad you could come.' George shook hands and glanced around. 'You know people, Jenny, introduce Kyle. As soon as all the guests have arrived, I'll have some time to spend with you. Sit with me at supper.'
    Jenny was a trifle surprised by the request, but