Kiss Me Again by Kristi Rose Read Free Book Online

cross.
    "God is watching," His wife whispered.
    "Pardon?" Her words caught him off guard.
    "God is watching It's something momma used to say when she thought we were lying. It always got us to confess. I suppose that's the point of this exercise." she mumbled the last bit.
    It was do-or-die time. There'd be no skirting the truth in order to avoid what needed to be said. There would be no white lies to save feelings.
    It wasn't that he believed God would smite him down or anything like that. He knew that he was to blame for the state of their relationship. His hesitation and concern with rocking her boat, for increasing their risk, had made him drag his feet too long. Andee deserved better.
    Reverend Parker came out from an annex room and smiled at them. "Come in. Come in. We're just getting started, held the introductions until you arrived." He gestured for them to precede him.
    Andee looked to him, something she always did when she was nervous and moving into new territory. He gave her a reassuring nod and, sensing her hesitation, stepped forward.
    "Reverend. Thanks for letting us come last minute." Buck extended his hand and the two men shook, the reverend clasping Buck's hand between his.
    "I'm glad you're here. It's good to see you both. I wish it were under different circumstances, but this'll be a good thing. Trust me, son. I'll take care of you."
    They released hands and Reverend Parker clapped him on the back as Buck moved to wait at the door for his wife to precede him.
    Reverend Parker opened his arms to give Andee a hug.
    "Have faith, sis," Reverend Parker said, using the nickname he'd given her ages ago, back when she was a child and, like Buck, was at their house more than at home.
    Buck held the door open for her and followed her into the small annex room. Inside, he counted three other couples. A small gasp escaped Andee and he swung his gaze to the direction she was looking and saw Kevin and Lisa Norman.
    Kevin look like Buck felt. Plowed down by a truck. Kevin had certainly had far more to drink yesterday than Buck had and the pallor of his skin reflected just as much.
    Reverend Parker closed the door and asked everyone to take a seat. "Let's begin with introductions and why you're here." He indicated to a couple who appeared to have many seasons together behind them. They were smiling and holding hands.
    "We're Fred and Milly Brown. We've been coming to couples therapy for the last twenty years. After our kids moved out, we suddenly found ourselves alone, together. A lot. It was rough. Instead of throwing in the towel, we gave this a try. We've been coming every year since for a tune-up." Fred told the room while Milly nodded in agreement.
    Buck and Andee shared a look but she quickly looked away, likely because she remembered she was mad at him. Not about to let the moment go, he leaned toward her but made it look as if he was adjusting in his seat. "Show offs," he whispered.
    She pressed her lips together to hold back her laugh and gave him a slight nod to tell him she agreed.
    "Hi," said a perky, young blonde sitting next to a stick of a guy. "I'm Tiffany and this is Tyler." She pointed to the stick, who waved.
    "Hi," Tyler said.
    "We're getting married in four months and this class was recommended before we actually tie the knot." She rubbed her knees, in nervousness or excitement. It was hard to tell.
    "Yup," said Tyler, clearly bored and only there because he was told to be.
    Reverend Parker pointed to the Normans.
    Lisa was sitting slightly turned away from Kevin with her arms crossed. "I'm Lisa Norman. I'm married to this jackass--sorry Reverend--and I'm here because we have children, and we promised our families we would come."
    Kevin nodded. "I agreed to come."
    "If you don't want to be here, Kevin, don't. It'll be a waste of my time as well as yours. It's OK to leave. God won't strike you down as soon as you walk out of the building." Reverend Parker leaned against the wall, hands in his