It's a Date

by Jess Epps

  "Baby?" I reach out and touch his arm. He's tense and vibrating with an unnamed emotion.

  “I...” He pauses to look down at me. “I can leave you alone to decide. I know you have a lot to think about.”

  His jaw is tense and rigid, his chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath he takes. I can’t tell what he’s going to do…I can’t tell if he’s mad or upset or what? Both? My Noah…

  “I don’t want you to leave…”

  “…not yet,” he adds onto my sentence.

  I can’t help the tears that fall once he says that. I don't even know who’s staring back at me. Those eyes...aren't his. His body radiates so much heat but he's so cold. I never wanted this to happen…to get this close. I wasn't supposed to care about anyone else. This was just sex. Just a New Year’s Eve fling. But I went and got too close to the storm. Now I’m being ripped apart. The tears are steadily falling down my cheeks. I haven't cried in front of anyone since my parents' funeral. He walks up to me and wipes my tears away with the pads of his thumbs then kisses me tenderly before leaving the room and then my apartment.

  February 14th – Valentine’s Day

  I HAVEN’T SPOKEN to him since he left last night. I don’t even know if he went home. I spent the rest of my night crying and searching for a gift for him. I found it. I paid extra to have it delivered to me today. It’s the most perfect thing I could give him.

  After a long soak in the tub, I get out and pick up my phone. There’s one text from my man.

  Be mine?

  I didn't think I had any left in me, but the tears start to fall steadily down my face again. I type out my reply through blurry eyes.

  Of course I will.

  I sit on my bed in only a towel, internally begging him to respond. My phone vibrates.

  Can you be ready in twenty minutes? I’m coming to get you.

  My heart is pounding in my chest to the point where it actually hurts. I’m going to bruise my own body parts from being so riled up. I look at my reflection and cringe. My eyes are red and swollen and there are dark circles from my lack of sleep last night. I haven't slept without him since he came to New York. I can't sleep unless I’m in my spot, on his chest. I take a steadying breath to keep from sobbing again and I reply.

  Yes, I can be ready.

  Standing up to get ready, I'm unsure now about how I should dress. He said he wanted sexy, but that was before. Before last night.

  I’ll see you soon, my ballerina.

  His text makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. He’s been through so much, yet he’s such an incredibly positive person. I drop my towel and run to my closet, tossing clothes out as I look for the perfect outfit.

  I find my little flared black skirt and bite the inside of my cheek. This is going to be cold! I dig through my drawer of leggings, stockings, and pantyhose until I come across ones covered in little black hearts. I get a matching set of bra and panties, lace of course. I find my knitted navy blue sweater, black knitted scarf and my black leather jacket. I get dressed quickly then slip my feet into my Christian Louboutin Belle Boots.

  By the time I finish my makeup, there's a knock on my door. My heart leaps because I know it's him. This feels like our first date again. God, that seems so long ago, yet it has only been seven weeks.

  SEVEN.

  And I’m completely addicted to this man. How? How did I let this happen? I make my way down the stairs and try to swallow my heart before opening the door.

  I pull the too-heavy door open and drink him in: his blue denim shirt, a charcoal polka dot tie that I bought him, a gray shawl cardigan with the middle two buttons done up, his favorite navy bomber jacket and gray dress pants with a brown leather belt. He looks edible.

  But above all else, I notice two things: his cologne—my favorite scent—and his eyes. They're back; they're his again. My Noah. I'm so beyond nervous. I smile shyly. "Hi. Happy Valentine’s Day."

  “Happy Valentine’s Day, baby.” His body is against mine before I know it and his hand is moving to the back of my head. His lips find mine an instant later. His kiss isn’t forceful: it’s needy. He needs me just as much as I need him. As we kiss, his other hand moves to the small of my back.

  “Are you going to get cold?” he whispers against my lips.

  I'm completely caught off-guard. After last night, I never expected him to talk to me again, let alone touch me like this. My eyes flutter closed with his lips touching mine. "I don't care."

  “I’ll keep you warm, I swear.” He smiles against my lips. “Now let me spoil my beautiful girlfriend.”

  I nod in approval and we leave with our fingers laced together. Surprisingly he doesn’t lead me to my car, but we ride down in the elevator instead. Walking out of the building, we head toward a man in a suit and driver’s hat standing next to a pink limousine.

  I gasp and stop dead in my tracks. "It's pink!"

  I'm practically jumping up and down in excitement over this ridiculously loud paint job. We walk over and the driver opens the door for us. I try to climb in as gracefully as I can with a skirt on, trying my best not to flash the whole world.

  I can hear Noah laughing when he gets in behind me. I sit down and he joins me, picking up two glasses of champagne, and handing me one.

  “To us, baby. To my valentine.”

  I think I’m blushing. I decide to kiss him instead of sipping my champagne first. “To us.”

  His lips linger on mine and I’m about to pull away when his hand glides up my neck and softly cups the back of my head, keeping me firmly planted. His lips move against mine slowly and I feel his tongue graze the seam of my lips. In a natural reaction to him, I part them, as if his mouth is commanding mine to open for him. I find myself moving closer; my chest is lightly brushing his as our kiss continues to be soft yet sensual. His thumb is caressing my jawline while his tongue expertly strokes mine. I can't help the small whimper that escapes me. I'm so wet now, just from his slow, passionate kiss.

  I smile against his soft lips. “Where are you taking me, Greek god?”

  “Just wait and see, baby. This night is all about us.”

  I love it when he calls me baby. I love his pet names for me. Wait…love?

  Yes…I can admit it. I love it. The limo comes to a stop and I can barely see out of the windows.

  He takes my hand and helps me out, making sure I don’t flash anyone. We walk into the China Grill and we’re taken to a table for two.

  “I hope you don't mind but I've ordered for us already. I didn't want to wait as we have another stop to make."

  The waitress comes over and takes our drink orders. Given the atmosphere I decide on ordering a bottle of warmed sake. I sit back in my chair and take in the impressive décor.

  "Noah, this is too much."

  He reaches for my hand and grins mischievously at me. "You’re worth it, Heather. All of it."

  The waitress comes back, but Noah doesn't move his hand from mine. She places our drinks down and quickly returns with spicy edamame and fried dumplings. We thank her before she leaves the table.

  I scrunch up my nose at Noah, “Dumplings?”

  “Consider it your valentine’s gift to me…by eating a dumpling.” He winks and leans forward, picking up a dumpling with his chopsticks gracefully, and holding it up to my mouth.

  “Open up,” he says with a little too much enthusiasm.

  I can’t hide my smile, nor can I deny him this. It is after all, Valentine’s Day. Narrowing my eyes at him playfully, I take the dumpling into my mouth. His eyes lock onto mine and I know he truly wants me to like it. He wants us to have something else in common…even if it is just a dumpling.

  I chew slowly, tasting the flavors that explode in my mouth. Surprisingly…I like it. Really like it. He’s waiting for my critique so I finally swallow and ease his pain. “Okay, you were right. Those are delicious,” I concede.

  The smirk that glides across his face shows his sultry, cocky, egotistical v
ictory. “Damn right they are.”

  I giggle as another dish is brought to the table. Our waitress informs us that everything is served family style and Noah ordered Szechuan beef with udon noodles.

  I can't help but smile. He's thought of everything. I want to keep that smile that he's wearing. He hasn't mentioned yesterday; it's like it never happened. He's back to his warm, affectionate self...times ten. "Noah, this is amazing. Thank you."

  "You're welcome; I hope you enjoy it."

  "I will." I bring my fork to my mouth and look up. I'm about to say something but he's staring. "What?" I ask shyly.

  "You're just so damn gorgeous. I can't help but think of that dirty mouth elsewhere."

  I wither in my seat—I love it when he's cocky. Taking a bite, I moan softly because frankly it's the best Szechuan beef I have ever tasted.

  "That good, huh?" he asks teasingly.

  I nod and dab at my lips with my napkin. "Yes.”

  He takes a bite and groans. I almost spit out the sake. "Are you making fun of me, Noah Ryan?"

  "I would never…" he says, right before taking another bite.

  He's super-playful tonight and I'm swooning over it. He unexpectedly gets up and scoots his chair over so he's to the right of me instead of opposite me. His cologne surrounds me and I take a deep breath.

  “Hi," I say, moving my hand to his thigh, taking a sip of my sake, my thumb absentmindedly grazes his thigh. I'm anxious to give him his gift, so instead of waiting, I reach for my clutch and take out the small box, setting it on the table in front of him. "Happy Valentine’s Day."

  "You got me something? You didn't have to do that.” He excitedly reaches for the box and opens it, revealing two silver cufflinks with numbers engraved in each one. "Wow, thank you baby. What do the numbers mean?"

  I'm almost nervous to tell him. "It's...uhm. It's silly. It's the longitude and latitude coordinates for my place." I shrug, hoping he doesn't hate it.

  He looks up at me with shock on his face. "You'll always be with me that way. Baby, this is the best gift I've ever gotten. Thank you."

  "You really like it?" I'm relieved. I've never bought a man a gift before, other than my dad.

  "I do, baby, thank you." He leans forward and kisses me then signs the check the waitress brought us after we finished eating. "Are you ready to head to our next spot? And will you hold onto these so I don't lose them? Please?"

  "I'm ready." Taking the box, I put it back in my clutch. I'm about to stand up when he extends his hand to help me up. It's such a sweet act, and it's so like him to do that. My heart fractures inside my chest. He deserves so much. He deserves to be happy. He's such an amazing, caring, compassionate person. I don't know if I can ever give him what he deserves. I take his hand and he helps me up then laces our fingers together before we walk out. "Where are we going next?"

  "To my place," he says nonchalantly.

  "Okay."

  He helps me back into the limo when we get outside. His hands on my hips ignite something inside me and I want to be as close to him as possible. When he slides in next to me, I scoot over to him, our thighs touching. He looks down at me and I can barely see his expression in the dark. He's got the interior accent lights on low. It's very romantic and I can feel our spark. It's still there. He puts his warm hand on my thigh and I get chills. I think I shiver.

  "Are you cold?" he asks me.

  I shake my head. "I'm okay."

  My voice is soft. I look down at his hand as he caresses one of the hearts on my tights with his thumb. He's lost in thought, staring out of the window when I look back up at him. I'm afraid to ask what he's thinking.

  I have only a few hours to get back to Mr. Norwich with my answer. I've cried so many tears over this whole situation. I just don't know what to do. I don't want to think about it. Not tonight. Not until I have to.

  Noah leans over and kisses my neck so tenderly. “Do you want to change into one of my shirts and sweatpants later to get more comfortable?”

  I nod and look up at him. Suddenly it hits me without warning. I don't know why but that question made me so emotional that I start to tear up. I wanted to dress sexy for him on Valentine’s Day. But I brought my stupid clutch and forgot to pack something cute to wear. I'm a freaking mess on the verge of a meltdown.

  “Baby?” He tilts my chin up and presses his lips to mine. “What’s wrong?”

  I'm trying to hold back the tears that threaten to fall. I'm sure my voice gives me away. "You're just so sweet, Noah."

  “You’re my girl, Heather. You deserve to be treated like the queen you are.” He lifts me onto his lap and wraps his arms around my waist. I feel insanely safe with him; I’ve never felt so safe before with anyone. And that's all it takes. The tears flow freely and I can't stop them.

  “Ballerina…I’m here,” he says softly as I rest my cheek against his shoulder. He runs his thumb over my cheek to brush the tears away.

  This is the second time I've cried in front of him. There goes my F’ing makeup. I'm trying to just concentrate on my breathing. No need to hyperventilate tonight and completely ruin his Valentine’s Day. He’s running his hand up and down my back as the limousine comes to a stop. He doesn’t say anything but he lifts me and carries me out and thanks the driver before dismissing him.

  When we get into his apartment, he sets me down on my feet and kisses my tear-dampened lips. On the kitchen counter sits a bunch of printed-word paper roses, which are set in a pink vase.

  I smile up at him and lean over the bunch of roses. I try to amuse him by picking up and smelling one. Oh! They smell like him, like his cologne. I look up at him before returning the rose to its vase. "Baby, they're beautiful. Thank you."

  "You're welcome, ballerina. This way, you will be able to hold onto them.

  I think I'm over my cry-fest. Pulling myself together, I kiss him slowly. "I'm sorry."

  “You have nothing to apologize for. Come on, I want to show you something.” He laces our fingers together and leads me into his living room.

  As soon as I enter the room I freeze. There are hundreds if not thousands of fairy lights.

  They're somehow suspended from his vaulted ceiling. All the furniture has been moved and in its place...a tent, with the opening facing his floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city. My mouth is agape. I have no words. My breathing is coming fast and my heart is fluttering like a hummingbird’s wings.

  "What do you think? It's not overkill, is it?" he asks, as he pulls me toward the tent made from white sheets. There are pillows and blankets inside. He must have bought pillows just for this.

  "I..."

  I can't even finish my thought. The tears are back. I throw my arms around his neck and bury my face in his chest.

  "You remembered my perfect date?" What in the hell is wrong with me? Pull it together, Heather.

  "Of course I did. It's too cold outside, so I made you your own stars."

  I can't let go of him so I jump and wrap my legs around his waist and latch onto him like a little monkey. "Baby, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." I start placing kisses all over his face. I'm so excited. So overjoyed. It's my fantasy date.

  He chuckles and wraps me in his rock-hard yet silky arms. "I'm so glad you like it. Fuck, I was concerned you'd hate it."

  "Are you kidding me?" I almost shriek. Pulling back to look at him, I see he looks so happy. There's a twinkle in his eyes again. Ugh, I love that smile on him. "I love it, Noah."

  "I..." He pauses and looks at me. "I'm glad you like it. Let's get you into something comfortable before we get in.

  I smile brightly and nod. I'm like a little kid about to go camping. But without the bugs.

  He puts me down and pats my ass. "There are clothes on my bed for you…go ahead…"

  I squeal and take off to his bedroom. Lying on his bed, folded neatly, is a pair of black sweats that swallow me but they're my favorite. And a plain white tee-shirt. As I take my clothes off, I realize tha
t Noah never wears prints on his shirts, only solids. I know it's a weird thing to recall but I do. I leave on my lace bra and panties, figuring they’re the only things sexy I brought with me.

  I walk back to the living room to Noah holding up two large steaming white mugs with marshmallows on top. "You made me hot chocolate?" He has thought of everything.

  He nods eagerly and holds out a mug. He’s stripped down to his undershirt and boxers, and there are now two tents in the room. I take the mug and blow on it before taking a sip. Oh yum! He made this with milk. The only way anyone will ever get me to have milk is in my ice cream, milkshakes, and hot chocolate. "Mmm, Noah, this is so good."

  “I’m glad. Your stars are waiting for you, ballerina,” he says, gesturing to the tent entrance.

  I smile and walk over to the entrance and carefully get in without spilling my hot chocolate. Suddenly, the overhead lights go out and all that's on are the twinkling fairy lights. I'm beyond thrilled.

  He gets into the tent with me and sits down behind me so I can lean against him while we both stare out the window. Large white snowflakes start to fall and I giggle. “It’s snowing!”

  I'm grinning like an idiot. I've got everything I could ever want right here. My stars…my Noah...his smell...lying on his chest...hot chocolate. It's the perfect date. He's perfect.

  “Now that I didn’t plan for.” His chest moves with his deep, raspy laugh.

  I smile and giggle with him. "Are you sure? You've thought of everything else."

  “Just for my beautiful girl. Happy Valentine’s Day, my valentine.”

  I turn my head and kiss him gently. "Happy Valentine’s Day, my Noah."

  He groans and takes my mug, putting it aside and then his. His hand cups my face and he starts kissing me passionately. Slowly, sweet, tender, and magical. I place my hand in his hair and tug as his hand moves down my throat. He’s holding my throat in one hand as he applies the tiniest bit of pressure. His fingers slowly move up until they are holding my jaw and throat rooted in place. I don’t even have the words. What he’s doing to me…the way he’s holding me captive…I’m loving this side of him.