25. Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Five
The next day at work is just like I’d imagined it would be; awkward. Nikos came in a little later than me in the morning, already talking on his phone so we barely exchanged a curt nod and he’s been out running errands since. At least if we had more customers, I’d give him a call and he’d come in and lend a helping hand and I’d be able to talk to him. See how he’s doing after last night. I shrug, busying myself with clearing out the tables and ashtrays scattered across the lobby and pool and it’s only when my shift is over that I hear his bike roll in and watch as he walks in a moment later. Seriously?
I scan his face but his expression is too damn schooled, and his hands are behind his back, so I just blurt out what’s on my mind, as I always do when I’m frustrated.
“Now you decide to come back,” I huff out, crouched over my damn bicycle lock that has somehow decided to jam right when I need it the most.
I fumble with the locking mechanism and I freeze, my emotions getting the best of me. “Lis—”
“Damn thing won’t unlock,” I spit out, interrupting him, angry at myself more than the lock or him. “I should have known this is how it would get afterward.”
His grip on me tightens, but I refuse to look up to meet his eyes. I am so wound up right now, that I feel like I’m about to burst. “WHAT? What is it?” I screech when he won’t let go or finish what he started.
"Close your eyes, Lisa. Just for a single moment. Please."
I swallow hard, wondering what the hell kind of twisted game he wants to play, but I indulge him.
"Spread your hands. Palms up."
I do as he says, my anxiety peaking as my heart rate rises. He places something in my lap. "You can open your eyes now."
I look down at the small nondescript package in my hands. Strange, but it looks exactly like the one the FedEx guy delivered the other day. The one I signed for and the same one I placed atop his desk.
“I got this for you the other day.”
Stunned, I look at him wondering what the hell he’s talking about until I unwrap the paper packaging and open the lush silver-hued box. My eyes go wide when I see the single forged red rose inside, and my heart just soars, all my anger dissolving into thin air.
“I remember you saying how much you love red roses and how you could never get a rose bush to grow in your garden.”
“You shouldn't have.”
“It’s no big deal, Lisa. I wanted you to have it, that's all. This one will never fade. Or die.”
I smile at him, grateful for his gift. “It’s beautiful, Nikos. I can’t remember the last time someone bought me something so pretty.” His last words echo in my mind.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“I love it, Nikos. It’s perfect. I’m sorry I yelled at you, I feel like a fool.”
“Good. Now, let me see if I can fix that lock.”
And he does. Three minutes later, the problem is fixed and I’m finally ready to head back home.
“Lisa…”
I look up to meet his eyes and wonder if he’s thinking the same thing I am. If he wants to get together again as I do.
He hesitates and I wonder if he’s going to say anything about our night together. “I have to go, Nikos. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I mumble, my throat tight with unspoken words.
He grabs hold of my hand, squeezing tight. “Last night was more than I expected, Lisa I hope you know that.”
“It was great for me, too, Nikos,” I blurt, not sure what else would be considered appropriate at this point.
We are standing close to each other and the moment is there. Right there. He can easily reach down and kiss me but he hesitates, just like I thought he would. Is this how this works? We just fuck and kiss and then go back as if nothing happened? As if I haven’t experienced the best night of my life?
I want to make love to him again. I can’t stop thinking about it.
I can still feel his eyes on me as I took him in my mouth. I can still feel him inside me, his thickness filling every part of me. His weight on me. His taste and scent.
And I want more. I want to do it all over again. Sighing heavily, I realize the moment’s come and gone and I try to slow my racing heart and mind.
“See you tomorrow, then, huh?”
“Yes. See you tomorrow, Nikos." I put the box inside my bicycle's woven basket, turn my back to him, and start pedaling through the various cars and pedestrians away from my boss’s irresistible allure and back to my husband.