“Hmm?”
“I can write your review.”
“Yes, that might be a better way to spend your time…sitting in your bed with your computer thinking of me.” I can’t tell if he is joking or not. His face shows no emotion whatsoever.
“Seriously though, it might take me all day to write.” I try to bait him to get him to talk. My latest quip seems to work.
“Well, my work does that. It makes people think. If it didn’t take you all day, I would be concerned that you didn’t get it. That you didn’t get me.”
“What inspired the book?” I ask, hoping to engage him in talking about himself some more.
“A little bit of this, a little bit of that, as I said before although not based on anyone in particular, there is truth to all things I write.”
“Did that really happen to someone you know?”
“I can’t tell you that silly. That goes against patient doctor confidentially,” humor laces his voice.
“Well you aren’t a therapist, so…”
“Aren’t I, though?” he states matter-of-factly.
“Do people just tell you their problems?”
He pauses and lines in his forehead form. “Yes, people do open up to me quite a bit.”
I think over the last few weeks and what I’ve told him. His statement is completely accurate. Even I’ve told him things I’ve never told anyone else. He just makes me feel so comfortable, and he is so damn intelligent, I can’t help but seek his advice.
“I imagine they do.”
Out of nowhere the waiter arrives back at the table and places a bamboo basket in front of us. As Ryder lifts the top off, the smell of the dumplings hits my nose. I’ve never smelled anything so delicious. My mouth waters instantly. Grabbing the chopsticks, I take a dumpling and place it in my mouth. This is no joke. It’s a taste explosion. The pork, ginger, and garlic work together to make a symphony in my mouth. As soon as my mouth is empty, it misses the taste.
“Well it looks like dinner is on you,” I beam at him.
“That good, right?” His face has a smug smile on it.
“Oh my God, yes.”
“Did you ever doubt me?”
“Well,” I laugh, “actually no. I’ve never doubted you.”
“Good girl.”
We eat in relative silence, only stopping to note just how amazing the food is. When the check comes, Ryder laughs and pulls it away from the middle of the table, mumbling about how I never should have doubted him. I joke that he is all-knowing and that they should erect statues in his honor. He agrees. After he pays, we stand and he places his hand on the small of my back.
“Will I see you tomorrow?” My voice sounds needy…I hate that I can’t hide my desperation
“Maybe,” he replies and loneliness starts to envelop me.
“What will I do without you?” My lip drops to a pout.
“Well, you can stay home and write your review.”
I smile at him.
“Seriously.”
“Okay, silly man.” I roll my eyes as I make my way out the door.
As we walk outside, I can feel my blood coursing through my veins. I don’t think my heart has ever pounded so hard in my life. I can feel the sexual tension pulsating in the air. I’ve never wanted anything more than to feel his lips on mine.
I make a split decision and turn to him, wrapping my arms around his neck. My fingers start to twirl in his coppery locks as we lock eyes. There is something in his gaze that I can’t put my finger on, almost predatory. I try to decipher it, but I am quickly lost in his touch as his arms wrap around my back.
“Ava…”
His voice is a warning, but I don’t heed it. Instead, I lift onto my tippy toes and place my lips on his. A groan escapes him as I press my body into his.
“Just a little taste,” he says as his lips meet mine.
A current passes between us. I lose myself in his kiss. The warmth of his mouth, his soft lips, I’m lost. I feel him nip my bottom lip as he pulls away and just like that the moment vanishes.
“Ava, not until you’re mine,” his voice comes out ragged through labored breaths.
Dejected, I look to the ground. “I should go,” I stutter.
He lifts my chin, and I can see every sapphire speck in his eyes. “Soon,” he promises.
THE NEXT DAY Ryder never contacts me. Not once all day. Thoughts of what he is doing consume me. I’m overwhelmed with the anxiety that often plagues me. As Alexandre wanders out of the room and into the hallway I pay him no notice. Only concerned with watching my phone, I sign into messenger…nothing. His name is there lit up in green. My finger hovers over his screen name. Breathe. Closing the app down, I breathe in another giant breath of air trying to calm myself. I’m grappling with the idea of saying ‘fuck it,’ and just sending him a message. Nope not going to do it. Still green…Damn it, what is he doing?