6. Chapter 6
ALEX
Call me crazy, but Natalie Pierce haunted my thoughts long after the gala. I consoled myself by looking at her paintings; the more I looked, the more I saw.
She was etched into everything I tried to occupy myself with, from Rebeccas face as she read my daily schedule to the lady at the coffee shop who gestured as she spoke, a patient in a red dress, and even Dr. Morgans voice when she talked about an alternative for surgery.
Your heart rate seems fine, young man. Tell the nurse to check your vitals when she comes in.
Thank you, doctor.
I started to leave but heard him call weakly, Doctor! I walked back to the bed.
Can I at least have a drawing book and some pencils?
Youre an artist? The teenager studied me, probably searching for a reason for the surprise in my tone.
Yeah, Ill try.
I know someone whos an artist, too. Shes good. I caught myself subtly boasting but didnt mind because it felt fluid and warm.
Can I meet her? he probed in anticipation.
Get well first, buddy.
At that point, I happily went to my office and grabbed my keys. I needed more of this feeling and knew where to go.
Clear my schedule, Rebecca. Do not book anything before 10:00 am.
She looked stunned. Clearing my schedule was becoming routine, and I was sure shed question me if she was allowed. It was a good thing I was my own boss.
Mike appeared at the door. After studying the urgency in my tone with Rebecca, he teased, Off the see the one?
I betrayed myself and smiled wildly. And he had me.
It really is a woman! he grinned and patted me on the back. I was beginning to wonder why you told me to scrub in for a surgery you were interested in.
Get out of my path, Mike. I tugged at his stethoscope and joked, Go prepare for my wedding.
Tell her you have a more handsome friend she should consider before you shatter her heart.
Add my childrens christening and graduation to your schedule.
I noticed his slight wink at Rebecca as he pulled me out of my office. Tell me about her.
I will when she agrees.
Oh no, bro. He cackled. You have been friend-zoned. I need to meet this woman.
I smacked his head, unaware that we were now in the open. He returned the smack before I turned to hurry off and escape the tension from onlookers.
Here and back again. I stared at the art studio signpost and reminded myself that this was not what I would do if everything were normal. It was Natalie Pierce, and I couldnt ignore it.
So, I gathered courage and opened the door. Inside was cozy, filled with photos, paintings, sketches, and blank canvases. The floor had traces of paint, but it all pointed to the rooms purpose.
I looked across the space, and there she was, looking like a dream in her colorful skirt and wool-knitted top. Her hair was tied at the back of her neck with a scarf. I smiled. She exuded grace even in simple, unusual clothing.
Her eyes found me, and she smiled briefly before her guarded expression changed. Alex.
Natalie
I didnt expect to see you here again.
I know. I hesitated. But I had to see you again.
I thought I made it clear that I dont feel the same.
I push a lump down my throat. Mike may have just been right. I have been thinking about you, Natalie. A lot
Her hands rushed to cover my mouth as if to hide the truth. Shh Carla is here.
Dont worry about her. She met me last week.
Shes my boss. And you coming here is not cool, she warned, her eyes shooting daggers.
Then lets go talk somewhere.
The caf was quiet, as it was work hours. We sat silently, studying each other, waiting for who would break the ice. She reached out to wipe some spilled coffee on my end, and I watched with fascination.
You understand that whatever this is between us will not work?
She rested her chin on her fists. I took that as a cue to blab and emphasized how much I would try to make it work: I dont want perfect. I want real. And you, Natalie, are real.
I watched her reflect on my words. Once again, she turned me down, citing my affairs with women. Did she not realize I would never do this if I wanted to play with her feelings? I sighed disappointedly.
What happens when you get bored? When you realize I am not one of those girls you are used to?
Is that not the reason I am doing this? Because you arent anything like them.
She couldnt trust me quickly, and I understood why. I wouldnt even trust me.
I looked at her pleadingly, willing to unmask my true self for her. Ive had some good introspection because of what you said the other day. And I need someone like you to snap me out of my world.
How was work? she asked out of the blue.
It was right. I had a busy schedule. I completed a major open-heart surgery today. It was amazing.
Sounds like you are good at what you do.
I nodded with my mouth full of warm coffee. Would you like any pastries?
What do you do when youre not working in the hospital? she asked further. Now, I began to wonder what she was getting at.
Well, I bury myself in my books if I dont have to step out for an event. I also exercise often and play the guitar.
Oh, alright.
She sounded bland and distant before we stood up to leave. One week.
One week?
We will try this out for one week and see where it goes. She smiled, and I felt my knees getting weaker. It didnt help that she planted a soft kiss on my cheeks before hurrying out.
I yelled after her, Ill call you later, and then did a little mini dance.
You got the girl? The voice came from the guy at the far end of the caf.
Not yet, but Im very close.
He raised his coffee cup and smirked. All the best, man. Women like that dont come easy.
I grabbed mine off the table. And I am no quitter, either.
Are those flower petals in the sky? I wondered as I stepped out the door. The cool air hit my face, and I looked down at my phone, eager to text her but scared to come off as clingy. I sighed, dumping it back in my pocket.
For the next two weeks, I was all over Natalie. I held back from making our date extravagant. She made it clear she did not want any flaunting of wealth.
So there were a few coffee dates at the caf, dinner at a low-key restaurant, a movie night where we saw Titanic again, and she cried, and my favorite thing since I met her: an evening stroll.
Nighttime was the perfect opportunity to unveil shadows. That Thursday evening, on our walk through the park, I listened to her narrate how her parents died, her struggles in school, and how she met Emily.
That day, I discovered why she was fiercely independent and passionate about her art. I wondered why I had never seen that before, probably because it proved an excellent exterior for her vulnerable and fragile self.
We walked along the waterfront on our second evening strollwell, third if you count the gala night. The sound of the lapping waves and the gentle breeze accompanied our deep conversations and laughter.
It also gave me an excuse to occasionally reach out and touch her face while tucking her hair behind her ears. One of the benches there relieved our tired feet, and we sat, fingers intertwined, watching the moonlights reflection on the water fade away.
So, you think Im ready to meet them?
Yes. My parents are eager to meet you.
You told them about me? She laughed, her surprise visible from how she held her chest and bobbed her head.
Yes. And thats because I think Im ready to get them off my case about settling down, and I need you in that picture.
I think I can paint that. Give me the colors.
Next week, Sunday, 6:00 pm. Ill pick you up. I planted a quick kiss on her lips.
The night was on my bed. Of course, it was unplanned.
Her response to my kisses was not as hesitant as the first time. It was also not frantic or rushed. It was slower and more meaningful.
I took my time to explore her curves, savoring the mild taste of sweat and her feminine scent as I sucked on her tits, and when we finally became one, our breaths grew faster, her moans louder, and the mound of flesh on her behind bounced with every thrust.