Bad Influence

Realizing Chad was turning around, Rosalyn unlocks her ankles to avoid being scraped against the tree. As he lowers himself to the ground, she bends her knees to kneel, still straddling his lap. Once free of his kiss, her breath is rapid as her lungs try to keep up with the oxygen she needed. Just leaving her eyes closed, she leans her head against his, her hands resting on his shoulders now. Her heart was pounding a hundred miles an hour while she tried to catch her breath, and everything tingled. It felt like a very sudden stop to something extraordinarily wonderful, but she knew better than to try and continue it. They were way too close to the line of losing their heads in the heat of this moment, and if anything, she was grateful that Chad had been the first to pull away. It only served to heighten her respect for him. 

His soft words were like gentle music to her ears. Somebody liked her. Appreciated her. Wanted her. Whether it was just surface feelings, all based on physical attraction, short-lived or not... she couldn't help it that it made her feel good. At the very least, she had discovered that something about her really was special, and maybe she really did still have a chance at a relationship with somebody someday. Even if Chad was only attracted to her outside appearance, it still made her feel desirable.

Why he was thanking her though, she didn't know. Still breathing hard, she tries to process his words, wondering what it was about this that he was so grateful for. She'd done nothing but let him give her some physical affection. Had he really enjoyed it as much as she? 

Remaining in his lap with one leg on either side of him, she curls into him closer, burying her face against his neck. Sliding her arms around his neck as well, she hugs him tightly. "You're an amazing man," she murmurs softly. And she knew this was it. It was the beginning and the end. She wouldn't be upset though. She knew he had another life and this was just a whirlwind vacation with a twist. What she could do was take these moments, tuck them safely away in her heart and remember them always. Her first real kiss. Her first time with so many flutters in her heart. Her first time being pursued, if only for a couple days. 

Finally her breathing begins to slow as her body relaxes again. Finding her legs starting to cramp, she pries herself away from him to readjust, sitting sideways on his lap instead. Leaning her head on his chest, she listens to his heartbeat, mixed with the sweet sounds of nature around them. 

"I've never felt so special," she admits softly. "I'm glad you came." 

Flipping shut his cell phone, Justin continues his drive. The timing of the call couldn't have been better - he was already on his way into North Springs to see his mom. That would have to be postponed though. Unfortunately, he knew that the situation with Mackenzie couldn't be good. He'd been making headway with her. It had been slow, but he'd seen it. What had happened? Why had she run away?

His concern for the little girl increases as theories enter his mind. His only option now was to get to Misty's house and find out what was really going on. The only hard part was knowing that he needed to call Ken - and now. If Mackenzie had run away, her parents had a right to know that he knew where she was. He was a little surprised they hadn't called him already. The tricky part would be convincing Ken to let him talk to her before barging in. He could do it.... he had half an hour to talk.

Flipping his phone back open, he keeps one eye on the road as he drives.


Hearing Justin would be there soon, Mackenzie gives a little huff, but she doesn't argue.

Alec sees Misty looking at the snack and he smirks at her comment. "What? This isn't good enough?"

Mackenzie perks up a little. "It was a snack."

"Well a snack can be a meal!"

She rolls her eyes. "You don't have kids, do you?"

Alec points to Misty. "She doesn't either yet!"

"But she's a woman."

"So?"

"So women automatically know how to take care of kids."

Now it's Alec's turn to roll his eyes. "I guess maybe I could go for something other than apples and peanut butter too."

During the next half hour or so, a light lunch is enjoyed and Mackenzie does eat, and even opens up a little bit to talk about school or her adopted sister. She avoids conversation about her parents or Carson though, or even why she'd come here at all. That wouldn't come until Justin arrived.

And he did. It had been about forty-five minutes, but he had accomplished getting Ken to allow him time with the girl. After arriving, he greets everyone until he requests he be left alone with Mackenzie in the kitchen.

Alec sits on the couch in the living room, unable to hear what was quietly being said in the next room over. He eyes Misty for a few moments before dropping his gaze. "I kinda feel sorry for her ya know? Carson didn't want me around her at all - even kicked me out of the restaurant once 'cause she was there. I just... wanted to get to know her was all. But I know I'd be a bad influence, so I guess he was right."