The Buried Symbol (The Ruins of Issalia Book 1) by Jeffrey L. Kohanek Page B

’ t offended by my being so forward last night. ” Meg gazed into his eyes. “ I don ’ t see many boys my age and I feel … so lonely sometimes. ”
    “ How could I possibly be offended? ” Brock replied. “ You ’ re absolutely stunning. Any boy would be thrilled to have your attention. ”
    She smiled. “ You ’ re so sweet. You flatter me. ” She leaned in and kissed him longer this time. It was like swimming in a dream. A sweet, sweet dream.
    She pulled away and sat on the bed next to him. The blanket pulled away from his lap, revealing his aroused state.
    “ Oh my, ” Meg said, clearly seeing what was happening.
    “ Um. Sorry. ” Brock stammered, not knowing how to handle the situation. He tried to pull the blanket back over his lap, but she was sitting on it.
    “ Oh, don ’ t worry. ” She cupped his cheek and kissed him again. “ In a way, it ’ s more flattering than your sweet words anyway. ”
    “ Um. Okay, ” he replied.
    She stood and walked to the door. “ I wish it weren ’ t so, but I have to go. Feel free to wash up before you come down. I ’ ll see you downstairs for breakfast. ”
    The door closed and he found himself already missing her.

CHAPTER 17
     
    Brock descended the stairs, seeing Ren and Tipper at the same table as the night before.
    “ G ’ morning, Brock. ” Tipper ’ s hand rubbed his temple as he chewed. “ I hope you ’ re feeling better than I am. ”
    “ I don ’ t know, Tip. I don ’ t think I can eat right now, ” Brock replied. “ The food smells good, but my stomach is rolling and my head is pounding. ”
    Ren nodded. “ I know what you mean, Brock. I ain ’ t ever had that much ale before. Now I know why Hank always said that you gotta count your ales. You lose count, and it all goes sideways. ” He laughed.
    It was good to hear Ren laughing, though it hurt Brock ’ s head. He sat next to Ren and put his head in his hands, resting his eyes until a soft touch caused him to stir. He looked up to see Meg standing before him.
    “ Try some hot tea. It ’ s supposed to work wonders. I even squeezed a lemon into it for you. ” She stepped away to serve the couple seated nearby.
    Brock stared at the steaming tea. Figuring that anything was worth a try, he lifted the cup and took a sip. It was hot, but not burning hot. The aroma loosened his sinuses, and the heat felt good on his throat.
    As Ren continued to talk, Brock continued to sip the tea. By the time the tea was gone, Tipper and Ren had finished their breakfast, and Brock began to feel better.
    Meg approached their table. “ Brock, are you able to eat anything yet? ” she asked.
    “ Maybe a biscuit? ” he replied.
    Meg nodded and disappeared into the kitchen. She returned a minute later with a warm biscuit.
    Tipper sighed. “ I feel a bit better after eating. I should be ready to go soon. ”
    Brock swallowed and responded, “ Yeah. We should leave soon, but we need to restock before we hit the road. ”
    Ren turned toward Brock. “ Thank you guys for toasting to Hank with me last night. I know you have your own path to follow, but if you ’ re ever back in these parts, will you look me up? Hank and I have a house … well, now I guess I have a house in Port Choya. ”
    Tipper responded, “ Ren, thanks for sharing your room with me last night. When we ’ re in Port Choya, we ’ ll be sure to look you up. We may even buy you some ale. ” He smiled.
    Brock groaned, “ Please, no more ale. ”
    Meg returned to the table. “ Can I get anything else for you boys? ” she asked as her eyes swept over them, landing on Brock.
    His eyes locked onto hers and he responded, “ Meg. Can we buy some trail rations from you before we go? ”
    She nodded. “ Sure, Brock. Come into the kitchen, and we can figure it out. ”
    Brock stood and followed Meg. As soon as they stepped through the door, she pinned him against the wall and gave him a deep kiss. When she pulled away, he stared at her,