Love Bites
Chapter 11

Sunday morning came and Cory woke up in anticipation. Kayla had called Dallas the day before and had given him directions to their house to make it easier for him. He was going to meet Kayla at their house and walk to Lily’s with her.

Abby and Blaine already knew where Lily lived, so they were going to go there directly.

Cory told Kayla that he was going to go over early to help Lily get everything setup and left at 10 AM. He arrived at Lily’s and he was met at the front door by Lily, who was still wearing what she called her grunge clothes – frayed cutoff jean shorts and a ratty t-shirt. Giving her a grin, he said, “You sure dressed down for the day.”

“Shut up, it’s still early,” she retorts, socking him in the arm lightly. “Come on in and help me get ready. My folks were supposed to be home, but I got an email yesterday saying their dig was extended another three months.”

Cory rolled his eyes and said, “We’ve been dating over six months now and I still haven’t met your parents.”

She looked at him for a moment and said, “And how do you think I feel? I haven’t seen them in over six months myself. Now are you going to help me or continue trying to make me feel bad?”

He looked abashed and asked, “What would you like me to do?”

“Start by putting the ice and sodas into the ice chest. It’s right outside the patio door. Ice is in the freezer and sodas are in the pantry.”

While Cory did that, Lily made hamburger patties and sliced up some veggies for both the hamburgers and for Dallas to eat. Cory finished putting the ice and sodas together and joined Lily to help finish the preparation for the barbeque later. As they were finishing up there was a knock on the front door.

Lily told Cory, “Answer that and I’ll go change.”

Cory complied and answered the door only to replace Abby and Blaine were early. Abby was holding a tote and was dressed like Lily had been.

“What is it with the casual ratty look?” Cory asked.

Abby just rolled her eyes at him and walked in. Cory told Blaine to head out back if he wanted. “Sodas are in the cooler,” he told him, and followed him out back.

While Blaine got a soda, Cory hooked up Lily’s iPod to the outdoor Bluetooth speaker and started it in a random shuffle. Lily was the first to emerge from the depths of the house.

Both of the guys gaped at her as she exited the patio door.

She was wearing a light pink bikini top with a pink sarong wrapped around her waist that was adorned with large white flowers that Cory thought might have been magnolias.

Both boys admired the physique her outfit showed off. Blaine tried to be overt with his looks for fear that Abby would catch him but continued to eye her toned arms and her flat stomach, both of which rippled with feminine muscle.

She flushed from the attention and turned around to get a soda and both boys saw the same well-defined muscle in her shoulders and back.

Blaine, who was reasonably fit, muttered, “I need to swim more.”

Suddenly Lily said, “You might want to look at the door and not me Blaine. Your girlfriend is coming.”

Embarrassed, Blaine stared at the door as it opened, and Abby came out.

Again, both guys looked at the newly arrived female wearing a swimsuit. Abby was fit, about the same weight and build as Lily, but not as defined. She was wearing a high cut one piece swimsuit that was the same color as her emerald, green eyes, with small white polka dots.

This time it’s Lily who spoke up. “Well, don’t you look pretty. Nice choice by the way. Both in color and cut. It shows off your figure and you won’t get all burned like me in this thing.”

Abby turned a cute shade of pink as she flushed at Lily’s compliment. She pulled her long coppery hair, that was not braided, over her shoulder and started to play with the end.

“And stop being embarrassed,” Lily chides. “You’re pretty. Show it off and be proud. Now, this is a pool party, so get wet you guys.”

With no further prompting, both Abby and Blaine jumped in and started chasing each other.

Cory walked over to Lily and said, “That was nice of you.”

“Nice? It’s the truth. I know you’re not blind, so you can see what I see. Are you telling me you don’t think she’s pretty?”

“Well,” he said, walking behind her. “I’ll admit she’s pretty, but you on the other hand…” He pulled her raven hair over her shoulders, gathering it up into a ponytail. Directing her head slightly to the right and up, he exposed her neck and left a trail of kisses from her shoulder up her neck to her earlobe, then said, “… you are more to my liking.”

She leaned into him and sighed. “Tease,” she said quietly.

He pulled the elastic band off her wrist and twisted it into her hair, leaving it in a ponytail. As he leaned into her to kiss her again, the doorbell rang and he whispered, “Saved by the bell.”

She giggled and headed off to answer the door. Lily came back with Dallas in tow, saying that Kayla had gone to change and will be right out. She suggested to Dallas he grab a soda for Kayla and himself.

“What does she like?” he asked, looking at the selection in the cooler.

“Grab her an orange soda,” Cory said.

A few minutes later, Kayla came out of the house and everyone looked at her and stopped what they were doing.

She froze in mid step like a deer caught in headlights and started to redden. “What?” she asked.

Everyone was admiring different aspects of her. Lily was the first to speak up. “Oh my God. I love your suit.” It was a small two-piece lavender suit that showed off her recently acquired curves. The top was small enough it showed off the swell of her breasts on both the inner and outer sides, and the bottoms were just wide enough to cover both the front and back modestly and tied simply at each side with a small string bow.

“If I wasn’t dating your brother, I’d be jealous,” Lily told her.

“Oh please,” Kayla said. “I’m too skinny and lanky. You have all that muscle from swimming,” pointing at Lily.

“It’s called lithe, not lanky, sweetie,” Lily told her.

“Phooey sis, you’re a knockout,” Cory added.

“Yeah,” Abby added. “I wish I were built like you. Either of you. My boobs are too small.” She stuck her lip out in a pout.

The guys were quiet, knowing that they were headed into areas best left untouched when you’re talking about other women in front of your own.

Dallas finally broke the silence of the boys by saying, “Well, I’m the newcomer and I’d rather not ruin my relationship on the second date, but I’ll say what everyone is thinking. All three of you are lovely just the way you are. Everyone is made differently, and we should appreciate each individual on their own merits, not judge off the next person.”

It was silent for a moment before Abby spoke up and said, “Um, Kayla, I’d say you found a keeper.”

At that, all three girls started giggling. Finally, Lily said, “Enough, everyone in the pool.”

Cory and Dallas took off their shirts and jumped in and Lily unwrapped her sarong, revealing a high, French cut bikini bottom that matched her top. Only Cory noticed before she jumped in the pool.

He swam over to her and whispered, “I definitely think you look better in this suit than the one from school.”

She smiled at him and whispered back, “You should see the one I use to tan with. It cost me $40 and has about twenty-five cents worth of material. I actually think the strings contain more material than the whole suit.”

Cory was treading water with his mouth agape, visualizing it, and Lily laughed and pushed him under the water and swam away. He came up sputtering water and swam after her.

The kids spent the next few hours playing games and just swimming. Everyone noticed that Lily and Dallas had an uncanny accuracy while playing Marco Polo. Lily won in any games involving swimming, which surprised no one considering she was ranked first on the swim team.

Kayla was usually not far behind, combining her lithe body with her own upper body strength. Dallas, tall and fit, was normally ahead of Cory and Blaine who weren’t quite as strong, even with their upper body strength used in tennis. Abby was a good sport about being last as she didn’t have the muscle that the others had.

The sky was blue but was starting to haze with an orange red as the sun started to set. Lily and Cory got out of the pool, leaving the others to play, and got started cooking dinner. Cory lit the gas grill and threw on two burgers for everyone but Dallas, waiting until the burgers were farther along to start ln his food so everyone could eat at the same time.

Once the burgers were close enough to start grilling the veggies for Dallas, Lily started bringing out the sides and condiments. Kayla got out of the pool to help but started feeling self-conscious after she saw the boys watching her. She even caught her brother doing it, which gave her mixed emotions.

On one hand, he was male, so him looking was natural but it embarrassed her still. On the other hand, if she could make her own brother sneak peeks at her, it made her feel pride in a way. As far back as she could remember he’d seen her in just about things, including, up until puberty, nothing at all.

Because of all of the looks from the boys, Kayla asked Lily, who was wearing less but had no problems with showing it off, if she could bother her wrap.

Lily, of course, wanted Kayla to feel comfortable, said, “Sure, but I’d enjoy the feeling if I were you. I keep telling you you’re very pretty.”

This too embarrassed Kayla since it made it obvious that even Lily saw the looks she was getting. Getting the sarong and wrapping it around her waist, she continued helping Lily in setting the picnic table.

As the burgers finished up, so did Dallas’ veggies, and Cory said, “Okay, time to eat.” He filled a platter with the burgers and a plate with the grilled veggies to keep them apart, then put on more burgers to slowly cook while they ate.

Everyone climbed out of the pool and gathered around the set table, sitting across from their significant other. Lily had made sure that there was a variety of food for everyone to choose from, to go with the burgers. Also, there was the typical toppings of lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, some pre-cooked bacon, ketchup, mustard (two kinds), barbeque sauce, mayo, roasted red peppers, and salsa rounded out the condiments.

Lily had not skimped on the sides either. Several kinds of chips, potato and macaroni salads, barbecue beans and different dips were also laid out for everyone to enjoy.

Abby said, “When did you do all of this? You must have been up all night.”

“Don’t give me all the credit,” Lily replied. “Most of it is store bought and all I had to do was put it in bowls. After that, heat it up or cool it down. I wanted everyone to have a good time and enjoy. So, dig in!”

That’s what everyone did. Lily was happy she didn’t have to nag Kayla or Abby to eat, as both girls were thin, and after the day’s activities and probably fast metabolisms, she didn’t worry about eating problems after watching them eat.

Individually, all three of the girls were content that they had seen all three of the boys looking at them throughout the day. With as skimpily as they were dressed, the fact that all three had received their fair share of looks from the boys, all of whom were in relationships with the other girls in attendance, bolstered their self-esteem and self-image. Even if it was from boys with hypersensitive hormones. All three of which were fit, trim and handsome in their own rights.

Kayla was the most self-conscious though, having a harder time accepting the appreciation for what it was, because she had grown up a twin, (a brother) and while he was handsome, they looked enough alike that she had boyish looks as well. Handsome but not quite pretty. Tomboyish looks. She was just beginning to fill out her girlish curves and taking on a more feminine look. This issue had plagued her throughout her teen years, when the boys started looking at the girls, overlooking her has nothing more than one of the boys.

Lily, however, saw and knew her potential. Kayla would be a knockout soon. She had seen it before.

Happily, they sat around eating and talking. Cory got up to check the burgers cooking and got drinks for everyone while he was up.

Blaine, taking another helping of chips and dip, asked Lily, “What kind of dip is this? It’s great.”

“It’s a roasted garlic dip that I actually made. It’s one of my favorites. Have you tried it, Dallas? It’s animal free, promise.”

Dallas laughed and took some, saying, “No, I hadn’t tried it.”

Cory said, “Yum,” and slathered some on a bun, making another burger for himself.

The sun continued to set, leaving the sky a dark purple that darkened to black as it got later. With dinner finished, the group sat around still talking about school and summer vacation plans.

Cory got up again to get drinks, playing host to Lily’s hostess, and handed Lily hers last, standing behind her. He bent over and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “Wow, you’re cold, hon,” he told her.

“No, your hands are cold from the sodas,” she replied. “Don’t you dare put your hands any lower,” she admonished. “Not if you value your health and my virtue.”

He straightened, saying, “Wouldn’t think of it,” as her elbow nudged his thigh, just missing his valuable parts.

“Glad you see it my way,” she said, laughing and the others joined in.

Cory left, going inside the house but returned quickly before anyone wondered where he had gone, bringing out Lily’s windbreaker with him. “Arms out,” he instructed her. Glancing over she shoulder, she saw her jacket, shrugged, and did what he asked of her, donning the thing.

It was big on her, so she didn’t zip it up, but merely wrapped it around herself.

Cory sat back down and joined the conversation again. It was now dark enough that Lily suggested turning on the patio lights and got up to do it.

Abby and Blaine noticed the darkness and told Lily they should be going. Abby excused herself to go change back into her clothes and returned dressed as she had come. Both of them thank Lily and Cory for the food and a good time, said goodbye to Kayla and Dallas, and then Lily walked them to the door, thanking them for coming.

Lily returned back to the patio to replace Kayla and Dallas standing as well.

“I should be going too,” Dallas told Lily. “I’ve got a way to go still.”

“Okay, well it’s been nice having you.”

“It was fun, thank you.”

“I’m going to walk him back to our house,” Kayla told them. “I’ll go change.”

Lily walked in with Kayla, leaving the two boys outside. After going inside and out of hearing range from the boys, Lily asked, “Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

Kayla took a deep breath and said, “Yeah, I don’t think Dallas would try anything. I can’t think the worst of everyone, or I won’t ever leave the house.”

“You’re right,” Lily commended her. “I’m glad you’re looking at this rationally.”

“Thank you for your sarong. It helped.”

“You know you didn’t need to cover up. You’re a hot girl. Accept it and allow the looks. It helps your ego.”

“Yeah, but even my brother was looking at me.”

“Well…think of it this way. His mind says you’re his sister, but his hormones just see a hot body. Hell, I saw Abby looking at you too. And I won’t lie, I was too. So there.”

Kayla blushed.

“I told you I could be jealous of you. I’m just glad I’m dating your brother and not in competition with you.”

“Oh, please,” Kayla said, “there would be no competition.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that. You might not see it or realize it but look at today. Five people who know you and see you and talk to you day-in and day-out, admiring you and your body. Just as they looked at me, and at Abby too. Not one of the three of us got ignored or any less, well, ogled than the others. Each was admired and made jealous of the others, at least on a primal level. We know we aren’t competition for the others, yet we all felt the same when our boyfriends looked at the other girls. Jealous. Like it or not.”

Kayla looked at her and smiled. “Thanks,” she said.

Lily shrugged and said, “For what? Telling you the truth?”

Kayla grabbed her bad and they walked to the bathroom together, Lily’s arm around her shoulder. Once in the bathroom, Kayla unwrapped the sarong from around her waist and handed it to Lily, but Lily refused it, saying, “You keep it. It looks better on you than me. It’s too light for my awesome tan.”

Kayla began, “But I couldn’t…” and Lily interrupted her saying, “Yes you could, and will. It’s a gift and it’s new. I bought it special for today. You look better in it than I do anyways. Plus, you can use it as your security blanket next time you get shy.”

Kayla smiled and hugged Lily, saying, “Thank you.”

“Get your clothes on, it’s cold outside. I’ll go make sure the fellas are getting along and meet you at the front door.” Lily walked out of the bathroom, closing the door, and returned to the patio.

“She’ll be ready in a minute and meet us at the front door.”

Dallas thanked them for inviting him and for the food and company. While waiting at the front door for Kayla, Lily told Dallas, “You make sure she gets home okay.”

“I will.”

“Good. If not, we’ll come replace you and it won’t be pretty,” Lily told Dallas deadpan.

“I can handle myself,” Dallas assured her.

“Willing to bet your life on it?” she asked him nonchalantly.

Dallas just looked at her, searching her face for a clue as to her seriousness. He couldn’t replace any indication.

The tension was broken by Kayla who came in and said, “Okay, ready.”

Dallas nodded at her. Cory gave her a hug and kissed her cheek and whispered, “Be careful, be good, and behave,” then stood back.

She looked into his blue eyes with her own, trying to gage his seriousness. He winked at her and grinned. “I won’t be too far behind you,” he said. “I’ll help clean up and be along shortly.”

“I can stay and help,” Kayla started, but Cory stopped her with a hand up.

“Go, we’ll get this,” he told her.

“Yeah,” Lily added. “It isn’t much anyways. Putting lids on things and throwing it in the fridge. Dishes go in the dishwasher. Easy.”

’’Okay, well see you at home then,” Kayla said to Cory.

“Good night,” Dallas said opening the door. “She’s in good hands.”

This actually made all three of the others tense for a minute. Dallas saw this and said, “What?’

Kayla was the first to laugh it off, saying, “Nothing. Call it a mass flashback. Let’s go.”

They walked out and Cory and Lily watched them walk down the street. Dallas hadn’t been anything but polite today and wasn’t even trying to hold hands with Kayla as they walked away.

Cory closed the door while Lily was still watching them. “Relax,” he told her. “We can’t protect her from everything.”

She frowned. “Yeah, but…” she replied.

“No buts.” He moved behind her and wrapped his arms around her, putting his hands inside her jacket and felt her relax some. “Damn, you’re still cold. Are you sure you’re okay? It’s not that cold out and you’re got a jacket on and yet you are still cold to the touch.”

“I’m fine,” she told him.

“Maybe you should see a doctor or something. You might have anemia or something.”

“Now that sir, is doubtful,” she said with mock authority.

“But you shouldn’t be this cold.”

“You wanna warm me up? Volunteering?” she asked.

He leaned in and placed his head into her neck and started nuzzling it.

She turned and looked into his eyes and said, “Stay longer.”

“You don’t know how bad I want to…” he told her, “… but I shouldn’t.”

“But I want you… to. My parents aren’t home, remember?” she said with a wicked grin.

“Yeah, so there’s no stopping what gets started,” he reminded her.

“Maybe I wouldn’t want it stopped,” she sighed. “Someday?”

“Someday,” he agreed. “When the time is right.”

“And if now isn’t the right time, when will it ever be? How will you know?”

“We’ll both know,” he said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her deeply.

After what seemed like hours to her, Lily broke the kiss and stepped back a step. “I already know the time is right. For me at least. If you say no, then fine. Go home before I do something you don’t want me to do.”

Cory looked into her eyes and saw a twinkle of mischief, not anger, and decided she was telling the truth. He leaned into her and, taking her head in both his hands, kissed her on the forehead, the tip of her nose, and finally lightly on the lips. “I’m going before I do stay. I had a good time today and you looked beautiful. Still do, actually.” He let go of her head, running a fingertip down her cheek and lower jaw before letting his hand fall away.

She stepped around him and opened the door and stood looking at him. He paused and took a step towards the door and she said, “Stay?”

Closing his eyes, he exhaled. Counting to three before he opened his eyes again and said, “As much as I really, REALLY, want to. I shouldn’t. I should get home and make sure Kayla made it home okay.”

With that being said, Lily’s demeanor changed. “Be safe,” she said. “Let me know you made it home okay. Both of you.”

“I will,” he said, walking out the door. He stopped outside and said, “I didn’t help put anything away.”

“I’ve got it. Go before I jump you.” He starts off as Lily stood at the door watching him until he is out of sight.

Cory doesn’t look back because he doesn’t trust his resolve. If he looked back, he knew he would likely return and take Lily up on her offer.

He walked home in silence, admiring the inky black sky dotted with pinpricks of white stars. So many stars tonight, he thinks, trying to take his mind off Lily’s offer.

Finally reaching his house, he sees the light on upstairs. Kayla made it home, hopefully safe.

Going upstairs, he found his sister waiting for him in their study.

“You made it home okay?” he asked.

“Well, I am sitting here, so yeah. I made it home. And yes, safely.”

“Dallas is strange,” Cory blurts.

“He’s not strange. He’s ni… um, kind. Different doesn’t make him bad.”

“Yeah, well, just be careful. Something just isn’t right. Who doesn’t eat meat?” Cory said, rolling his eyes.

“Lots of people these days, geez. Enough about him, I didn’t expect you home so early.”

“We got things put away quickly,” he lied.

“Yeah, but you didn’t start for dessert?” she asked with a grin and a wink. “You didn’t put it away?”

He sighed and said, “Not you too…”

“Hey, it’s obvious how much you two like each other. Want each other even,” she added, blue eyes sparkling with laughter.

Ignoring her, he said, “Yeah, but we’re supposed to stay pure until marriage.”

“Oh pooh, that doesn’t happen these days. Even mom doesn’t expect us to stay virgins. She’s been bugging me about the pill. I told her I’m not ready yet, but when I am, she’ll know. She already has condoms for you – and me, if I decide to have sec before I get the pill.”

Cory reddened at this, his ears burning. “She told you and not me?” he asked.

“She didn’t think you’d feel comfortable talking about it and knew I’d tell you. And I knew we’d talk about it sooner or later.” She grins at him and adds, “So do you need them right now? I’ve got some…”

Cory turned even brighter red and asked, “Why?”

Kayla giggled and said, “Duh, mom gave me some in case it happens before I get on the pill, remember? Emergency rations, you could say. She expected me to be first,” she said turning red herself at this revelation.

“Slut,” Cory said teasingly.

“You wish,” she retorted. You’re certainly a lot closer to it than I am at the moment.”

He knew this to be true, but said, “And what makes you think Lily is willing?”

“Are you kidding?” she asked, incredulously. “Do you not see how she looks at you? I’m more surprised she hasn’t jumped you yet.”

You don’t know how close to be the truth you are, he thinks.

She continued, “Not to mention all the girl talk that goes on…”

“You talk about me? About us?”

“Let’s just say that if you already – done it, I mean – I’d probably know more than I really want to, and that’s saying something considering how much we tell each other. And I’d probably know way too much about the whole deal because I’d hear both sides. Then I’d feel jealous or left out and probably go and do something stupid like have sex just to say I did it and be disappointed by it and turn into a lesbo or old maid. And it would all be your fault because you couldn’t control your hormones,” she teased.

He just sat there with his mouth agape. She smiled at him and said, “You better close your mouth before you catch a fly. Unless that’s what you’re trying to do.”

Cory closed his mouth with a click, and it was quiet for a moment before he asked, “How much of that was the truth?”

She winked at him and replied, “You figure it out. I’ve got a bath calling my name now.” Getting up, she walked out of the study with a bounce in her step.

Cory sat there a minute thinking about all that she said, before getting up himself and headed towards his room.

Kayla walked out of her room, wearing only the bikini she had on earlier, holding her clothes in her hand, and walked into the bathroom. Walking wasn’t the right word really. It was more of a sashay.

Tease, he thought.

The bathroom door closed, and the lock clicked. Cory knew this meant she wanted some Alone Time. The twins had unceremoniously discussed AT, as they called it, after reaching puberty when Cory had walked in on his sister.

Neither was embarrassed or ashamed as it was a natural act for growing children, but even as close as they were, some things were private. So, AT was born. The bathroom was normally unlocked and either twin could go in when it was open. When it was locked for whatever reason, you gave space to the other.

Cory figured that the afternoon of fun and friendship, the night of food and talk, and the walk home with Dallas, added to their candid talk, had taken its toll on Kayla. He smiled and thought, Good for her.

Walking into his room, he shut the door behind him and went over to his bed intending on falling into it. Before he collapsed into it however, he noticed a small silver square on his pillow.

Bending over to examine it, he let out a chuckle. Kayla had left a condom for him on his pillow. Picking it up, he had intended on putting it in his dresser drawer but decided to put it in his wallet instead.

You never know, he thought. Maybe his sister was right, and it was better to be prepared than to be unprepared if they decided to act on their urges. Stopping after starting and unwanted pregnancy were both bad options when… “You could be covered,” he said out loud and then laughed at his own joke. He’d thank Kayla later, as it would be cruel to interrupt her in the bath.

With that done, he fell face first into bed, turning off his light by touch, and quickly fell asleep.

Kayla finished her bath, getting out and drying off in front of the large sink mirror. She didn’t consider herself vain, far from it, but tonight she studied herself in the mirror. As she got older, she noticed that she is starting to look more feminine and less like her brother, whom she considered handsome, but handsome in a woman isn’t desirable.

She was starting to lose some of that tomboyishness in her features, she decided. Fuller lips, higher cheekbones, a slightly thinner face. She turned is way and that way, examining the curves of her body in various positions, noting she was indeed filling out where she could – no, where she should – both in her upper and lower body.

Yes, very much girlish, she thought.

Satisfied that all was as it should be, she dressed in shorts and a tank top and left the bathroom. Stopping at Cory’s bedroom door, she listened to see if he was still up. There was only the quiet sound of his light snore she had heard enough to know he was already asleep. Taking his cue, she went into her room and quickly feel asleep.

The next morning Cory got up and found Kayla in the bathroom brushing her hair. “Um, thanks for your gift,” he said, trying not to turn pink.

“Use it wisely,” she replied. “I just wish I could replace someone as kind and gentle as you to be my first.”

He studied her face in the mirror for signs of any insincerity and didn’t replace any. “You will, I’m sure of it,” he told her, hugging her.

“I wish I was so sure,” she whispered.

“You deserve no less,” he said, releasing her. “Now get out so I can pee.”

She laughed at him and left.