Lost In The Inbetween

We're Close, But Not That Way (Part IV)

"Won't you even kiss me?" I finally blurt. I cover my mouth, trying to shove the words back where they came from. Connor looked at me, our blue eyes meeting for the first time in over a week. His eyes were glassy with tears, and his face was blotchy and red.

"If I kissed you," he laughed sadly. "I'd never be able to stop." He used my momentary shock to pull me into a hug so he couldn't see my face. Or maybe he was trying to protect me from seeing his face.

"And that would be so bad?" I said, my voice muffled by Connor's shoulder. He ran a hand through my hair. I savored his touch even though I shouldn't.

"My family isn't like yours," he said at last. "My dad runs a successful company that needs a male heir because the company is overly patriarchal and old fashioned. My father has no other sons so I'm the one who has to social climb in order to take it over. I don't want the company, but that means nothing to my family.

"The big problem is that my dad will pick who I marry once he decides that the time is right for me to take over the company. I'm not allowed to date to make sure I don't fall in love with someone that my dad doesn't approve of. He'll pick a girl who is an asset to the company, or at least someone with buckets of money. No offense Evan, but you're not up to that standard.

"Then, even if you did have enough money to make my dad happy, he'd want biological children in order to keep his bloodline strong and pure. I don't really feel comfortable with the whole surrogate mother thing, so that'd put you out of the picture as well. And it sucks because," Connor pauses. He takes a deep, rattling breath.

"Because I love you. I want to spend my life with you. I loved you the second you tripped over your own feet and I've loved you ever since. We can't be together, Evan. I'm sorry I never told you the truth, but it just hurt too much to talk about," he said. He held me even closer; it was as if he never wanted to let me go. I pushed gently on his chest, telling him silently that I wanted out of his arms.

"I, um, understand why you did what you did. I'm not exactly, um, I'm not happy about the fact that you didn't tell me why you did what you did, but I understand," I said. My tears stopped and I started to blush thinking about the next thing I wanted to say. "I love you, too."

I ran my fingers along his shoulders, drinking in the opportunity to touch Connor again. I had missed him so much.

"Fuck it," Connor blurted.

Then, I felt a warm pair of lips on my own. Our lips danced together, creating an explosive symphony of passion and tenderness. Every time I thought I knew which note was coming next, Connor surprised me with something completely different. He started to delicately play the notes of our concerto on my spine. There was never a more beautiful sound. All too soon, Connor pulled away.

"You have to stop," he said, pressing his palms to his eyes.

"Sorry, I guess I'm not really used to, you know..." I said through buzzing lips.

"No, no, it's okay. We should probably start heading home. It's getting close to dark," Connor said.

We walked together, hand in hand, through the dark streets until we finally saw our houses sitting as close together as Connor and I were. Connor walked me all the way to my front door. We kiss one last time, stealing time we didn't have. Connor and I parted one last time. As I opened the door, I heard him say, "I'll work this out, Evan. I promise."

(A/N: The end! Maybe... Again, comments, requests, and votes are appreciated!)