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the only one who calls me Jamie.”
    “Jamie, hmm?” She sat back and stared intently at him. “Yes, I can see you more as a Jamie, actually. It has a playfulness to it that I sense in you.”
    “You may certainly call me by that if you want. Let’s try it on for size. Say my name.”
    “Jamie.” Her tone, very matter-of-factly. He cocked his head to the side and furrowed his brow.
    “Hmmm. Say it again.”
    “Jamie.” This time, her voice held a tenderness that tinged the edges.
    He leaned toward her, just a touch. Just enough to let her know she intrigued him. “I like the way you say that. Say it again.”
    “Jamie,” came out in a breathless sigh as she leaned in towards him so that their lips were but a touch away, and a question played in the sparkle of her eyes.
    “Hope,” he murmured and closed his own, moving through that last bit of space to press his lips against hers. They were warm, moist, supple, and tasted of berries.
    Gentle, trembling fingers touched his cheek. He raised his own to slide through her hair and cradle the nape of her neck while the other wrapped around her waist to pull her close. Her lips parted slightly, an invitation to explore. He accepted and teased her tongue with his. She moaned and he answered, losing himself in the pureness of this first kiss.
    An angry whirring sound broke through the magic, and Jamie felt something hit him lightly on his cheek. Reluctantly, he released his hold on Hope and turned toward the noise, only to be pelted in the face by a piece of popcorn.
    “Oh no,” Hope cried out. “We’re being attacked by an alien race of popcorn!”
    “Oh shit!” He laughed and quickly turned off the popper. Popped popcorn kernels were everywhere—on the coffee table, on the floor, on the couch around them. “I’m so sorry. I guess it’s time for a new popper. I’ll have this cleaned up in no time.” He started to get up.
    “Don’t be silly. Sit down.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him back down next to her. “We’ll take care of it later. Boy, your mother sure trained you well. Besides, I’m not hankering for popcorn right now anyway.”
    “Oh no? What are you hankering for?” He raised his eyebrows up and down a few times.
    “Those Sweet Tarts you brought and Kill Bill,” she responded sweetly.  He frowned. “That is, right after another one of those kisses you brought over for me, too.” She winked at him, tugged on his shirt collar with both of her hands, and pulled him in close for a soul-searing, breath-taking, I’ve-died-and-gone-to-heaven kiss.
    For all intents and purposes, he felt he really did die and go to heaven. But what lurked in the background were negative thoughts. That it would only be a matter of time before reality crashed in and screwed it up. But for now…perfection…utter perfection.

 
     
    Chapter Four
     
    Afternoon waxed on to evening without notice. Candy had been eaten, movies vaguely watched, and lips sufficiently kissed, suckled, and deliciously bruised from several bouts of heavy petting. All in all, Hope’s birthday turned out to be one hell of a great party—for two.
    Jamie had yet another surprise for her. He’d turned the lights out. “Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Hope. Happy birthday to you!”  He walked over to her with a huge cupcake for two on a plate, a lit candle stuck in the middle. “Make a wish, sweet Hope.”
    She closed her eyes and didn’t have to think very hard. Let Jamie be the one. She blew out her candle. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I hope so, too.”
    “What?”  Oh, my God. Did I say my wish aloud? I will just die!
    “Whatever you wished for, I hope it comes true for you.” He put the cupcake down and opened the bottle of merlot, pouring each of them a cup.
    “You are the sweetest man I’ve ever met.” 
    “What can I say? You bring out the best in me. I’d like to make a toast.” He raised his plastic