Chapter Five
On the Monday following the accident, Bryan had a visitor. Keionna rode out on her bike just before lunch. Bryan had gone kayaking that morning like always, and was sitting at the kitchen counter with his schoolbooks when there was a knock on the door.
Bryan was pleased to find his Irish visitor on the porch. She had a basket in hand. "Come in; let me get you some tea." Keionna was dressed in a pink polo shirt, cargo shorts, and sandals. While not as revealing as her bike outfit, Bryan was able to appreciate her subtle femininity.
"I wanted to say I'm sorry again. I also brought you some lunch." Keionna looked pensively at Bryan. "Can you forgive me?"
Bryan laughed. At the confused and hurt look in Keionna's bright green eyes, he rushed to say, "Of course. There is nothing to forgive. I'm as much at fault as you are. But, Yes, I forgive you Miss Keionna ... um, I don't know your last name."
" Doyle, Keionna Doyle." Her smile lit the room like a starburst.
Bryan extended his hand, "Mr. Bryan Andrews at your service." Instead of taking his hand, Keionna rushed into his arms and clasped him tightly. Unsure at first, Bryan gently folded his arms around her and returned the embrace.
Breaking contact, Keionna became all business. She cleaned off a portion of the counter, stacking Bryan's schoolwork neatly. She unpacked plates and containers from the basket.
"I brought you lunch. I made it all myself. Though when he heard where I was going, Little John wanted to help, but I insisted. These are my favorite foods from home. I hope you like them."
The smells drifting up from the various containers reminded Bryan he was ready for lunch. "I'm flattered. You didn't have to go to all this trouble, but thank you." He boldly reached out and clasped Keionna's shoulder.
Realizing he was still dirty from his morning exercise, Bryan asked if he had time to quick clean up some before they ate. Keionna graciously agreed. Bryan fairly flew upstairs and dashed through the shower, pulled on a clean polo, jean shorts, and deck shoes.
His hair still a little damp he jogged back into the kitchen. Keionna was there waiting patiently. A smile blossomed on her lips and she jumped up and took him by hand to the seats at the counter.
Lunch passed in a haze of laughter and simple wonder for them both. Keionna explained the history of each dish she had brought. Bryan feasted on her every word, barely tasting the good simple foods. Keionna's fingers were constantly touching his arm, his shoulder, or his hands. Having assured herself that Bryan was not hurt and checking his dressing on the cut on his arm, she spoke animatedly about her life in Ireland.
When the meal was done, Bryan asked Keionna if she would like to go for a walk. "Unless you think I should wear my helmet to be on the safe side." He joked. Bryan was amazed to consider how at ease he felt with this young woman. Since his disastrous break-up 10 months ago, he hadn't had the desire to get to know another female. Keionna was a breath of fresh air after being stuck in a mineshaft for a year.
As they stepped off the porch, Bryan unconsciously reached for Keionna's hand. She willingly interlocked her fingers in his. Bryan showed her around the cabin grounds. He pointed out the original foundation of his grandfather's first cabin; the outside fireplace where the family would sit on the weekends. He talked about his father's improvements to the property, how they built the bigger cabin, the pole barn. Bryan even hinted at some of the plans he had for the estate if he were ever to come into its inheritance.
Ultimately, he led her down to the lakefront. There was another fire pit and of course the pier. The two made their way to the end and still hand in hand sat on the end dipping their toes in the water.
Following a companionable silence, Keionna turned to Bryan. "Do you like me?"
Perplexed, Bryan raised their interlocked fingers, and stared at her.
A twinkle entered Keionna's eyes, the silver flecks noticeable. "Do you like me?"
"Yes, yes, I do Miss Keionna Doyle, I like you very much." Bryan avowed.
"Good, because I like you very much too Mr. Bryan Andrews. Very much indeed." She seemed to be looking at him expecting something. The corners of her mouth were turned just so slightly up, causing the tiniest dimples in her cheeks. She kept gazing at his face expectantly. Bryan got nervous. She fixed her eyes on his.
"Well..."
"Uhm, what?" Bryan was worried. Where was this going? Keionna was gently caressing his hand with her fingers and still looking at him.
"Would you be willing to kiss me, Mr. Bryan Andrews?"
Kiss!? Bryan's heart lurched.
Keionna laughed gently. She reached towards his face with her free hand. Clasping the back of his head, she pulled his mouth toward hers. Their eyes shut, Bryan felt the soft touch of this red-haired angel's lips caress his. Teasingly she bushed her lips against his. Bryan stopped breathing.