“You look…. God, you’re beautiful,” he whispers. I look down almost shyly but when I feel him take my hand I look back up into his eyes. He smiles. “Really beautiful.” My lips turn up into a smile and suddenly my heart steadies. “These are for you,” he says still smiling as he holds the fragrant flowers out to me. I take them from him and start to turn away to take them to the kitchen so I can put them in some water but, instead, I’m pulled close to him and his mouth covers mine. Tingles flow through me in a steady stream. His lips warm, soft. I’ve never felt this way, never had anyone completely overtake me, overwhelm me. His mouth releases mine, but he stays close pressing his forehead against mine. “I’m not sorry. I’ve waited as long as I could to do that but I couldn’t stand it any longer.” His smile is breathtaking.
“I’m not sorry either,” I whisper.
Our breaths come out in pants, and I’m wishing we’d just stay here now, but I move back and his hand slowly slides out of mine. I walk quickly into the kitchen and can’t find anything that can be used as a vase. Finally, digging in the cabinet under the sink, I find an old mayonnaise jar. I clean it out and then fill it with water. After cutting off the end of the stems, I place them in the jar and set it on the breakfast bar counter. I look over by the door and see him leaning against the wall. His arms are crossed over his broad chest and looking all kinds of sexy watching me. My nervousness evaporates as I walk over to him. I stand up on my tiptoes and kiss his lips again because I can. He smiles against my lips and I step back down flat on my feet and smile.
“Let’s go have this date.”
He takes my hand holding onto it as I lock the door behind us, and together we walk out the front door of the complex. “So, what are we doing?” I ask as he opens the passenger door of his truck and I sit down. He winks as he shuts my door and my smile couldn’t be any bigger as I watch him walk around the front of his truck and gets into the driver seat. My heart is racing from the excitement and his closeness. He starts the truck, looks over his shoulder as he backs out and then he starts driving down the road.
He looks over at me and smiles, then keeps his eyes on the road and me, simultaneously. “I thought first, a quiet dinner, then maybe a movie but let’s see where dinner takes us. I like to plan yet I also like to be spontaneous and let things just happen.” He winks at me again, and I don’t think he could be any more gorgeous and breathtaking as he is right this very moment. My smile continues as I nod and start to look out the front window when I feel his hand take mine, his fingers threading through mine. Warmth. When my eyes look at him again, instead of seeing playful Josh, his face has changed into seriousness, his eyes half-mast and full of desire. Damn! Is it getting hot in here? As we continue our way out of town, my mind wanders. I wish we didn’t have to hide. I wish we could walk the streets, holding hands, and act like a normal couple. I’m broken free of my thoughts when his hand squeezes mine and I look over at his smiling face. It’s like he can read my mind, his eyes telling me to stop thinking so hard, that it will all be okay. I smile and then watch the scenery pass by. Now’s not the time to wish how things could be but to live in the moment and cherish what we have. For now.
§ § § §
As I drive her to our destination, my mind thinks back to when she first opened her door. I about lost it when I saw her. Her black sexy dress and those damn matching high heels sent my heart pounding into overdrive. My heart lodged in my throat at her beauty. When she started to go put the flowers I gave her in water, I couldn’t stop myself from pulling her into me, kissing those full lips. I’ve wanted to do that for so long. It was so much more than I could have imagined. So soft, warm. Her smell invaded me. A little of her perfume and her unique scent all at once overwhelmed me. I didn’t want to let her go.
I blink bringing me back to now as I watch the road. Her hand feels right in mine; everything feels right being with her. How can we wait a whole school year? Sneaking around, hiding. I want to walk down a street with her, holding hands, declaring my feelings for her in public, be able to take her places, and kissing her when I want to. Shit! I can’t think about that. I need to focus on now.
We finally reach the restaurant. Her eyes light up when I pull into a parking place. I get out quickly, reluctant to release her warm hand, and run over to open her door for her. I take her hand again and help her out. After opening the front door for her, I take her to the hostess stand, and we are immediately taken to a half round booth in the back. Thank God I made a reservation as this place is packed. As I sit down, sliding over until I’m beside her, I can tell she’s nervous as she looks around. Her hand is lying on the seat and I cover it with mine. Her eyes snap to me until she’s looking deep into my soul. “Don’t worry, Emma.” I watch as her body relaxes, her smile small.