Two
“Where are you traveling to next?” I ask as I lean forward across the table. The noise level isn’t deafening but I feel a pull toward this man. Like I need to be closer to him.
“Hawaii,” he says nonchalantly with a grin that lights up his entire face.
“I was supposed to go there once…” I leave off as I think about another time in my life when I had less responsibilities and could do whatever I wanted without a care in the world. That girl did not know how easy she had it.
“What kept you from the trip?”
This whole time, I’ve continued fiddling with the toothpick, but I drop it back in my glass and place my hands on the table. Something about this man brings nervous giddy energy out of me. And I definitely don’t hate it.
Smiling, I tell him, “I dated this guy in college. We were madly in love and planning a romantic getaway to Hawaii for spring break. I was so na?ve back then.”
“What did he do?”
That is such a loaded question. What didn’t that guy do? It was my first heartbreak I ever really experienced and even though I know I am better off, that’s not something you get over. Sure you grow up, get wiser, but it still doesn’t erase the memories of that sting and hit to your ego.
Picking up my martini glass, I sigh and let the salty cool liquid burn my throat in a deliciously refreshing way. “Turns out our definitions of the word love were very different. He loved my body and about five other girls. There was never a trip. He made the whole thing up to keep me around.”
“He sounds like a tool. You probably wouldn’t have had a good time anyway,” Rick says with a confident shrug as he follows my lead and takes another sip from his own beverage.
I laugh at his easy opinion of a man he’s never met before. But he hit the nail on the head. “You’re right, but I’d still love to go there someday.”
And many other places, but I don’t add that tidbit of information.
“So do it.”
If only it were that easy. But rather than face reality I say, “You know I just might do that. Maybe I’ll stow away on your flight tomorrow.” I tell him with a wink.
Keeping his hands in his lap, Rick closes the distance between us. Following my lead, he doesn’t crowd me. At our small intimate table, he is close enough to reach out and touch me. But he doesn’t. I am warmed by his presence.
I can smell his breath on his lips. An intoxicating blend of mint, the citrus from his beer, and a warm smokey scent that must be coming from his cologne. It’s wrapping me up like a blanket and doing dirty delicious things to my body.
Our drinks are long forgotten as we get lost in conversation, talking about everything from our favorite movies to our wildest dreams. The tension between us grows stronger with each passing minute, until neither of us can resist any longer.
Feeling bold, I reach across the table and take Rick’s hand. His skin is warm under my touch, and my heart pounds in my chest as I lean in closer to him.
“I’m not usually this forward,” I admit, “but there’s something about you that I just can’t resist.”
Rick’s eyes grow dark with desire, and he leans in closer to me. “I feel the same way,” he whispers, his breath hot against my skin. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night.”
As if on cue, he reaches out and cups my face in his hands, pulling me in for a deep, passionate kiss. I moan softly as his tongue explores my mouth, his hands roaming over my body as we lose ourselves in the moment.
The loud noises of the bar patrons, the clinking glasses of drinks being made, and the overhead music all fall away to nothingness as we get absorbed into each other and only each other.
Pulling away, he shakes his head slightly and whispers, “No more talking.” I can’t help thinking of the word as a growl. In the same deep, husky voice he says, “Let’s get out of here.” I glance at him again and see that he is staring at me now with a longing so strong I can feel it on my skin.
The way this man has control over my entire body with that one word is exhilarating. A chill runs down my spine. Goosebumps begin to form, and my heart races. Heat pools deep in my core and I lick my lips in anticipation. This man makes me feel excited, anxious, and even afraid all at once.
And I like it.
Two can play that game. I place my hand on his leg and lean in close, brushing my lips against his ear. “Indeed, no more talking,” I whisper as I nibble on the lobe. I feel his body shiver and tingle. Grabbing my drink, I hand it to him and whisper, “Finish your drink.”
Standing up, I reach down for my purse and smile at the bartender. I turn back to Rick and ask, “You ready to go?”
He nods and hands me back the drink before standing up. Leaning in, he places a quick peck on my lips before pulling away. I feel the warmth of his body as he stands behind me. With his arm draped over my shoulder, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
I walk up to the bartender and give him my card. I know I’m already a little too drunk to drive home so I might as well enjoy the perks of having Rick’s company.
The bartender hands me my card. “Your tab is paid by an anonymous source.”
“Who?” I ask even though I know the answer.
“You’ll have to figure that one out.”
I turn back to Rick and give him a you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me look. He just shrugs and gives me a grin.