He couldn’t help himself. He glanced down at the sunburned cleavage pushing out of the top of her corset as they walked down the main path. It was only a brief glance, but cumulatively he had been staring at her all day. They walked with arms wrapped together, his puffy sleeves covering her thin arm as it rested gently upon his forearm. They had spent every weekend together for the past four weeks, volunteering at the Renaissance Faire. She was assigned to work the food court, and he spent most of his day peddling masks. They both got a few hours each day to wander the grounds, and spent much of that time acting like royalty together as they strolled past patrons, actors, and other volunteers.
They had done nothing more than hug and laugh together, but Sam was smitten with Mary Ann. He wanted something more, but had no idea how to tell her. They were heading towards the entrance to the volunteer tent so he could check-in his borrowed costume from the Faire library for the last time. Sam broke her hold on his arm to beat her to the doors. He grabbed the handle and held open the door for her. “M’lady.”
Mary Ann giggled, “Thank you my liege.” She quickened her step as she passed through the door, Sam taking another peak as she passed by him. He followed her inside quickly, not falling more than a few steps behind.
He grabbed her hand in his and wrapped it around his arm again, smiling broadly. He looked at her eyes this time, meeting her glance upward. “M’lady, I was wondering,” he paused a moment as her gaze locked on his eyes, causing the thought to stutter. “I was wondering if, you know, if you,” his voice trailed off as he felt himself leaning towards her slightly. Mary Ann’s face relaxed, her bottom lip curling slightly inward, her gaze locked.
He leaned in further, his mouth still cracked slightly from the last words he uttered. Mary Ann was frozen and did not flinch or close the distance; Sam would have to close the gap alone. He moved close enough to feel the warm air slowly escaping through her nose before closing his eyes. He pushed in closer, his lips pursed as they pressed against hers.
It seemed like forever to him, with her wet lips touching his; he never imagined that kissing would be so uncomplicated.
“Mary Ann and Sam, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” The call came from across the room, startling the two apart in embarrassment. Mary Ann giggled and ran off towards her friends, leaving Sam alone with the hangers. He turned his gaze towards the girls just in time to see Mary Ann flash a smile back at him before disappearing behind the wall.
This is part of a 30 day series of 2-3 minute short stories written for the 30 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, 2011. You can view all the stories in the Short Story A Day category.