Author's note: This story starts where Pt. 2 left off. While not required, Pts 1 and 2 are recommended first, to follow the story. Do enjoy. As this chapter is a little shorter, I'm publishing Pt. 3 and Pt. 4 at the same time. All copyrights reserved to the original author. - TIB
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The following Monday at work, Kelly was a little trepidatious in approaching Denise.
"Are you okay?" Kelly asked.
Denise gave a beaming smile. A little... too big, actually. "Hey honey. Sorry we got split up there after the festival. But it looked like you ended up having quite a night."
Kelly felt the blood drain from her face. "W-wha... what do you mean?"
Denise raised her eyebrows knowingly. "After we got separated, I looked around for you for a while, then came back to the park. Eventually found you behind one of the tents, but you were... errrr... quite preoccupied with someone." She winked, as Kelly blushed in embarrassed horror. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. That was rather hot. You two look good together, and he seems like quite a stud, huh?" Denise smirked, clearly enjoying herself. "I didn't watch for long-mostly tried to ensure you two were left alone."
Kelly didn't know what to say. "Denise, I... well... um... thank you, I guess."
Denise chuckled. "I guess I wouldn't mind being somebody's 'fuck toy' either."
Kelly buried her face in her hands. "Ohhhhhhhh... Denise, you bad, bad girl."
"Says you," came the reply.
Kelly found herself daydreaming again at work, and looked up "Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs" on the internet, as Caelin had told her to do. She was amazed at what she read, looking at the world differently than she ever had. Had she too been unaware of dangers to herself and others? What role would she choose for herself? Clearly after the attack the previous weekend, she needed to be able to protect herself. This was something she would have to think about.
On her way home from work, Kelly's phone rang. "Hello?" she answered.
"Hello, baby girl. It's Caelin." Kelly's heart jumped a bit. "Let's get together this weekend."
"Yeah, I'd like that very much." Kelly pulled to the side of the road so she could talk. "Saturday? It's the 4th of July. I love the city fireworks show."
There was a stretch of silence on the other end. "The 4th." Another pause. "That used to be my favorite day of the year." Oh... used to? What did that mean? "It sounds like you're planning on going to this show."
Kelly pursed her lips in some puzzlement.. "Well, not exactly. But I guess I have been going to it every year. Would you prefer something else?"
Another brief pause. "No, that'd be fine. I'll pick you up at 8." She gave him her address.
Kelly couldn't wait. The week dragged by ever so slowly, each day inching her a little closer back to him and their first real "date". Kelly decided to wear her pretty blue dress that evening that complimented her fiery red hair, which she styled in long waves. Dressing up a bit, she chose to go with garters under her dress, holding up a set of black sheer stocking hose, and a thick black belt over the dress to accentuate her waist.
Opening the door for Caelin, her heart a bit aflutter, his unspoken reaction to her appearance was everything she needed for affirmation. Clearly, he approved of her choices. He looked like no slouch himself, wearing a pair of charcoal grey slacks, a navy polo shirt, and dark sports jacket that made his large frame even more imposing. A white pocket square just peeked from his breast pocket, making him look ever so dapper.
He gave her a light kiss. "You dressed up for me."
She smiled.
"I like that," he said, smiling back warmly, holding and rubbing her arms as if to warm her, then giving her another kiss on the forehead. "Let's head out."
They spent the evening making small talk, getting to know each other as they walked the streets. There was so much Kelly wanted to know about him, but was cautious, taking her time, sensing a minefield underneath. He wasn't very talkative at first, but did seem very interested in her and what she had to say. As the evening wore on, though, Caelin seemed more at ease, and began to open up to her, talking a bit about himself as well. Mostly casual conversation.
People were out and about, waving flags, wearing Americana-themed clothing, barbecuing with friends, and playing frisbee in the park with the family dog. Street vendors sold hot dogs as the food staple of the day. Approaching the time for fireworks, Kelly asked if they should start heading to the capitol building to see the show.