Catherine followed Vincent, her mind still reeling. She could hardly believe it had really happened. Not only had Vincent kissed her, he had done it in front of the entire tunnel community, and not just a simple kiss either, but one that had left her tingling all the way down to her toes! And that was something she had never before experienced.
As she stumbled silently along behind him, her hand tucked securely in his, her mind kept repeating the same refrain over and over. More! More! Catherine wanted more.
Vincent stopped without warning and Catherine found herself mashed against his strong frame like a scene out of an old time comedy. Vincent stumbled back slightly, both from the impact and the sudden contact of her body against his. He stared down at her, blue eyes flashing fire, as dazed as she by what had just happened between them.
Catherine was having a difficult time ‘reading’ Vincent’s feelings through the myriad of emotions tumbling through their bond and the look in his eyes unnerved her. She couldn’t quite decide if it was anger or passion she saw there. Maybe it was a little of both, but he wasn’t being fair. Maybe she shouldn’t have let the situation get so out of hand, but he was the one who had instigated it. Was it her fault he’d kissed her in front of everyone?
“Vincent, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have . . .”
Reaching out with one sharp clawed finger, Vincent caressed the side of her face and Catherine couldn’t have said another word if her life depended on it. As he pulled her into his embrace, through their bond Catherine could at last discern one very strong emotion within him. More! He, too, wanted more.
“Catherine.” One word, softly spoken as only Vincent could say it, and Catherine was lost completely. Sighing deeply, she wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up at him, her eyes filled with more passion than ever. She pulled back, breathless and shaken. She held onto the front of his shirt, not at all certain that her legs would support her. Vincent held her tenderly, his own breaths short and raspy.
“Vincent, I . . .”
Childish laughter interrupted their passionate encounter. Vincent pulled away so suddenly that Catherine had to lean against the tunnel wall for support. Kipper and Samantha ran by with a couple of the younger children in tow. The older children took in the scene before them and knew instinctively that they had interrupted something between their friends. Something very important. Wisely, they chose not to prolong the interruption. With a quick wink to Samantha, Kipper herded the younger children past the couple and kept going.
“I believe the celebration has ended, Catherine.”
She could hear the regret in his voice and knew that Vincent was no more ready to call an end to their evening than she. They would, however, soon be surrounded by hoards of people and privacy here would be impossible. Catherine looked at him, her face filled with hope.
“Take me somewhere, Vincent, please. I don’t want to go home yet. I need to be alone with you.”
Vincent stared at Catherine intently, trying to regain control of his emotions. He was inundated with the steady current of her emotions. Desire, love, hope, fear that she would deny his request, then back to desire and love again. He could feel her needs stronger than ever and knew he could not leave her alone again to work out her frustrations. Not when he was the cause of them, and not when his own needs were so very overpowering. Reaching for her hand, he whispered softly, “Come with me, Catherine.”
Catherine followed him silently as Vincent led her away from the crowd filing out of the Great Hall. She didn’t know where he would take her and once more she didn’t care. The important thing was that he was going in the opposite direction of her apartment. He wasn’t taking her home.
After a couple of minutes, Catherine realized that he was taking her to her favorite place. The waterfall, an underground cavern where they had spent many quiet peaceful hours. Something that could not possibly exist, the waterfall was a place as unusual as the gentle soul who loved to share it with her.
Once there, Vincent looked around to assure their privacy, then reached out to pull Catherine into his arms. Sighing contentedly, she wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tight. Vincent buried his face in her soft hair, inhaling her unique fragrance.
Catherine trembled as she felt his lips touch the top of her head. With a soft moan, she turned her head so that his mouth was resting lightly against her cheek, and she could feel his warm breath on her face. Vincent tightened his hold, his own body trembling as uncontrollably as her own.
Lifting her chin gently, Vincent leaned down slowly to capture Catherine’s mouth in a kiss so passionate she felt as though every nerve in her body was afire. She pulled back just enough to catch her breath, not quite relinquishing her hold on his warm, exotic mouth.
“Vincent! Where did you learn to kiss like that?” Her voice was soft, breathless and held just a hint of mild suspicion. Vincent chuckled softly and brushed his mouth against hers before answering.
“This is all very new to me, Catherine. I’m learning as I go along.” He kissed her again and for the first time in her life, Catherine came very close to swooning. “I trust what I am doing pleases you?” The confidence in his voice belied his seemingly innocent question. Vincent knew exactly how his kisses were affecting her.
“Catherine, this is not always the most private of places.” He looked down at her, his eyes sparkling with a look she’d never before seen. Unbridled passion. “I have a place I want to show you. A very special place. Will you come with me?”
Her hands trembled as she cupped his face and whispered softly, “Surely you know by now, Vincent, that I would go anywhere with you. Take me where you will.” Grasping his hand, she tugged gently. “Do with me what you will.” Her voice was teasing, her eyes dancing with mischief, and Vincent knew she meant every word.
“Catherine! I . . .”
Catherine could hardly believe her ears. Her Vincent, usually so expressive and eloquent, was actually stuttering and stammering like a young man on his first date. Taking pity on him, she reigned in her emotions – but only slightly.
“Where do you want to take me, Vincent?”
Vincent smiled gratefully and pointed. Catherine’s gaze followed the direction of his finger. He was pointing toward the waterfall itself.
“The water? Don’t tell me you want to go swimming, Vincent?”
“No, Catherine. There is a place behind the waterfall. A quiet place. I used to spend a lot of time there when I was a boy. It was my private place. No one has ever been there with me except Devin.” He smiled down at her tenderly. “I wish to share it with you now. It’s just a short climb. I’ll help you. Will you come with me?” His eyes pleaded silently.
Would she come with him? Catherine would have climbed Mt. Everest if he had asked her. Taking his hand, she smiled at him in complete trust and confidence.
“Lead the way, Vincent.”