6. Anders
6
ANDERS
I have no intention of getting Elaina drunk, but I certainly don’t stop her from ordering a gin and tonic from the waitress to sip on while we engage in our friendly competition.
She roundly defeats me in the first game, her skill shining through effortlessly, but I manage to hold my own in the second round, narrowly sneaking in a hard-fought victory. Just as we're gearing up to start a third game, a song comes on the radio that instantly transports us both back to our youth. "Can I trouble you for a dance?" I ask, as the familiar country twang of Randy Travis gently filters through the speakers, wrapping around us like a warm embrace.
Elaina sighs, a playful glint in her eyes, and sets down her drink with a soft clink. "I suppose I need some time to rethink my pool game," she replies with a teasing smile. She grabs my hand, her touch sending a thrill through me, and allows me to lead her out to the dance floor, where the world around us fades away.
With this curvy, beautiful woman in my arms, I can almost forget everything else in my life. The relentless day-to-day grind of handing out traffic violations, the heavy burden of arresting people for DUIs, and the emotionally taxing duty of performing welfare checks on potentially unwell individuals—all of it melts away as I pull her closer, lost in the moment.
Holding Elaina gives me hope that there's more to life than coming home to an empty house. The image of one day leaving work, driving home, and catching sight of her sitting on the porch, a welcoming smile lighting up her face, fills me with warmth. We could share stories about our day—her laughter mingling with mine—as we reminisce about the mundane and the extraordinary. Then we might head inside, where the aroma of a home-cooked meal or a simple breakfast could fill the air, creating a comforting atmosphere that feels like a sanctuary from the outside world.
Being a single police officer in my thirties can be a profoundly lonely experience, especially when it often seems as if I might never find someone to fill that deep, aching void in my life. Yet, these last few hours spent with Elaina have sparked a flicker of hope, making me wonder if she could be the one to change everything for me. I know it’s a bit foolish to entertain such thoughts so soon, what with it being our first date and all, but sometimes love has a way of creeping up on you when you least expect it.
"I think this is the longest we've gone without you opening your mouth," Elaina playfully teases after a couple of moments, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I was just pondering how beautiful you are." And she truly is. There’s something enchanting about the way she looks up at me with those big, soulful brown eyes, paired with that soft, genuine smile that warms my heart. "It just makes me want to do this." With that thought racing through my mind, I dip my head down to kiss her. I know it’s probably a bit daring to catch her off guard like this, especially on our first date, but the moment feels electric, and I simply can’t resist the urge.
I'm about to pull away when Elaina's lips part, and her tongue slips out, darting into my mouth with an unexpected boldness. She caresses my tongue, gently at first, her arms tightening around my neck as if to anchor herself in this moment. I pull her closer, my heart racing with desire. I want to have her, to lose myself in the warmth of her body pressed against mine. I need to feel that intoxicating connection deepening between us.
"Anders," she breathes my name, her voice a soft whisper when she finally breaks the kiss, her cheeks flushed with warmth.
"I'm sorry," I apologize instantly, a mix of surprise and regret flooding my thoughts. "I didn't mean to do that."
Elaina laughs, a small, delightful giggle that dances in the air, and shakes her head, playfulness glimmering in her eyes. "No, it's not that. I loved that," she assures me, her smile widening, though a hint of vulnerability lingers. "I just want you to know that it's been a while since I've been with anyone. I... I'm not even sure if I remember what I'm doing." Her confession spills out, and it makes her blush deepen, a rosy hue spreading across her cheeks. Instead of looking into my eyes, she glances down between the two of us, her embarrassment evident as she fidgets slightly, caught between shyness and the thrill of the moment.
I reach up to gently grasp her chin, tilting her head so our eyes can meet. "Shh, it's okay, Elaina. You're doing everything right. And honestly, we don’t have to do anything you don't want to do. If this night ends right here, that's perfectly fine with me. I’ve had a wonderful time and?—"
But she interrupts me, her voice soft yet firm. "That’s the thing, Anders." Elaina bites her lip, her cheeks flushing deeper, looking even more embarrassed than before. "I kind of don't want it to end right here. I, well, I want it to go further."
I didn't see that coming. But who am I to say no to a beautiful woman? "Do you want to go back to your place?" I ask, my heart racing. Please, God, say yes.
She nods her head slowly, a mixture of excitement and trepidation in her eyes. "But only if you want to, of course."
We’re both dancing around the edges of a game of hesitation, our unspoken desires hanging in the air like a fragile promise. But if she wants me to make the first move, I’ll gladly take that step for her. "Just tell me to stop at any time, and we will. No questions asked." I say with sincerity, then gently take her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine as I start leading her toward the exit, the anticipation of what lies ahead buzzing between us.