In the Stars

by Joan Duszynski

  “That sounds good. I have to meet up with my mom around four before I head back to school. I can meet you there if you rather, though, so you don’t have to come get me and bring me back?”

  I think I hear a light throat rumble through the phone. Now that was sexy. “No, Caroline, I want to come to you. This way, I will also have more time with you. Just give me the address, and I will be there.”

  I give him Raleigh’s address. There is a pause of silence for a moment. “I live only about twenty minutes away from there. I look forward to tomorrow, and, Caroline, sweet dreams.”

  “See you tomorrow. Sweet dreams to you too, Kyle.” I have a big grin on my face as I hang up the phone.

  Raleigh comes and sits on the bed beside me. “So, he is picking you up here, huh? If you chicken out, I will just hop in the car with him instead, ok?” We both start laughing.

  “Hey Raleigh?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Seriously, are you bothered about me going out with him? You have mentioned your interest a couple times now, and I don’t want to step on your toes or anything.”

  Raleigh smacks my leg. “Shut up Caroline, you know I am just giving you shit. Even if he was interested in me, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea, being that I am currently one of his patients and all. Plus, he made it pretty obvious that he was very interested in you. I am telling you, this is going to be a good thing; enjoy it. I mean that in every way possible, too.” She wiggles her eyes up and down at me suggestively again.

  “Ok, I am hungry; let’s go pig out. Also, don’t think you are going to get out of telling me what you were dreaming about. You were very worked up over someone, and I have to know who it is and what he was capable of doing.”

  We walk out of her room, laughing like kids again, even though our discussions throughout the rest of the night are nothing like what they were like when we were twelve.

  AFTER A LONG night of too much food and laughing so much my sides were hurting, we finally crash around 3:00 in the morning. I wake up before Raleigh this time, and head for the shower. It is already 10:30 in the morning, so I need to hurry up and shower and get ready.

  I come walking out of Raleigh’s bathroom wrapped in a towel. She is awake, sitting up in her bed and massaging over her left shoulder. “I’m sorry, does it hurt this morning?”

  She just shrugs. “No more than usual, really. It is typically pretty stiff in the mornings. So, what are you going to wear for your date today?”

  I reach for her hand, helping to pull her up. “Well, since I had no intentions of going out with a hot guy today when I packed, I have no clue. So, get your ass in that closet of yours and help me find something. I have a pair of jeans of my own, and I know yours are too long for me, anyway, but I need a nice top.” We start to scan through her massive selection of clothes. Raleigh loves to shop and her closet shows it.

  We both agree on a coral color top. It is form fitting and has a v-cut in the front, showing just a hint of cleavage. The color looks really good against my olive skin. I dry my hair and smooth it down more with Raleigh’s flat iron. I go for the light makeup look, being that it is a lunch date after all.

  After Raleigh gives me her official ‘hot damn’ approval, we head into the kitchen to talk to her parents. Raleigh is nibbling on a piece of toast, when the doorbell rings at ten minutes before twelve. Everyone gives me a big smile, and even Charles, Raleigh’s dad, gives me a go get him thumbs up. I truly love this family.

  I open the door to an absolutely desirable looking Kyle. Yes, he looked really good yesterday, but today he is in low slung jeans and a tight fitting black shirt, as well as black biker boots. His hair is in that messy-I-just-have-to-run-my-fingers-through-it style. At this moment, while roaming my eyes up and down him, I can picture myself licking him from head to toe. Damn, there goes that open mouth drool look of mine again—pull it together Caroline.

  I see Kyle taking me in as well, and he doesn’t try and hide his observation. When he reaches my eyes again, he gives me a big smile. I can’t help but lick my lips in response. His eyes grow hungry for a moment, as he glances back down at my lips. He then does a slight shake of his head. “You look even more beautiful then I remember, Caroline. How is that possible?” I can hear a slight giggle from Raleigh in the house, since I haven’t shut the door yet. I feel my cheeks slightly blush as I step out the door and pull it closed behind me.

  Once I step out, I’m left standing very close to Kyle, and I notice that he smells wonderful. I find myself slightly closing my eyes, and taking a quick inhale of his scent. It is woodsy, yet crisp at the same time. It is basically all male, and I love it. I hear a slight throaty rumble again, and look up to see a very sexy, heated expression on Kyle’s face. He clears his throat and lets out a slight laugh. “I am hoping, from the look on your face, Caroline, that I passed the test? That is, for appearance and smell?” He tilts his head slightly to the side, and my mouth falls into an open O. Busted!

  I pull myself together quickly, and try to save the moment. “Well, I do like to smell the wine before I drink it.” I bite down on my lip. I can’t believe I really just said that out loud to this guy. I mean, we haven’t even officially left for our date yet, and I just met him yesterday. Maybe six months is entirely too long without sex, because I am acting all kinds of horny the last two days.

  Kyle then lets out a very obvious rumble, and reaches up with his thumb to gently pull my bottom lip from my teeth. “You have very desirable lips, Caroline. I’d rather not see you hurt them with your teeth. Are you ready to go now?” I let out a loud gasp and my eyes go wide. He holds out his arm for me to loop mine through it. I give my head a slight shake, and smile up at him as I place my hand through the crook of his arm.

  Although there is definitely a chill in the air, the sun feels good on my chest and face as we start to walk down the steps. I look up at the drive and see his car. It is a granite colored Dodge Challenger, and I can’t wait to get inside it. Kyle must notice my face light up, because he gives my shoulder a light bump. “So I am guessing my car passes the test, too?” I look up at him, and he has a very boyish grin on his face. I am guessing his car is special to him.

  As we reach the passenger door, he reaches out and opens it for me. I take a quick glance inside and see black leather seats. I look up at him and give him a big smile. “Yes, Kyle, all the tests have been passed with flying colors so far.” He winks at me, and gestures for me to have a seat. After I sit down, he closes the door to walk around to his side. He sits down and starts his car, and I love the way it sounds.

  Kyle grips both hands on the steering wheel, and looks over at me. “I have wanted one of these for a couple years now. Once I felt like I was capable of getting the actual model I wanted, I went for it. You know, a boy and his toys?” He gives me another wink. I decided then that I like this winking Kyle.

  “I really do like it, Kyle. What model style is it?” He puts the car in reverse and backs out onto the road. “It is a 2013 R/T Classic. I am glad you approve. So, are you hungry; ready to go get some lunch?”

  I rub my hand on my stomach. “I am starving. I haven’t eaten yet today, since I woke up a little later than normal. Is it far away?” He gives me a sheepish grin, then grabs his sunglasses from the center console. Of course, they are Ray Bans—what is it with hot guys and Ray Bans? They look damn good on him, too.

  “Oh yeah, slumber party night. I guess you girls stayed up late. Don’t worry, I will get you fed; it isn’t far.” The only thing I really took out of that last sentence was -don’t worry, I will get you- and I am thinking he most likely will.

  We continue to talk during the short drive to where we were having lunch. Once we park, Kyle looks over at me. “Sit right there, ok?” I nod my head, and he gets out of the car and comes around to my side as I take off my seatbelt. He opens my door and holds out his hand to help me out. I have a huge smile on my face, and decide maybe Raleigh was onto something with this slightly romant
ic stuff.

  Once we are walking inside the sandwich shop, he places his hand on the small of my back to lead the way. We stop at a stand with paper menus, which they have out so the guests can look through it. Kyle grabs a menu with his other hand, and hands it over to me. The hand at my back is still there, and I can feel it’s warmth through my shirt. I glance over at him, and he is just watching me with a smile on his face.

  “Here, take your time and look through the menu. Order anything you want, even if all you want is dessert.”

  Oh, I am wanting dessert right now, but it isn’t anything I can get from this menu. I turn, so I am facing him, and give him a big smile. But when I turn, his hand leaves my back and I miss the warmth from the contact. “Thank you, Kyle, but a meal of only dessert isn’t good for the hips.”

  Kyle’s eyes roam down my body and back up again. I can see the hunger in them as he looks me in my eyes, and it isn’t for food. “You have absolutely nothing to worry about with your hips, Caroline. As a matter of fact, I see nothing about you that I would change at all.”

  Ok, now I know my cheeks are red. What is with all the blushing?

  Once we have our orders and are seated across from each other, I dig right in. The food really is good, and I am glad he chose this place. We talk about everything; from where we grew up to our favorite color. Mine being purple, and his being blue. With that, he added “like your eyes, Caroline”—the man is good. I also found out he is 23, and has a birthday coming up next month. I turned 20 in October; not that the age really matters any way.

  I feel so at ease talking with him. I even talk to him about my dad, and how he worked for NASA. He did work for the computer systems, but we still went to several of the launches. The feeling of the earth shaking under your feet, and the noise of the rocket breaking the sound bearer was amazing. I expressed my love for the night sky, and how my dad and I would always talk about the star constellations.

  I still love to go outside during a clear night just looking up, taking it all in. Especially on nights where there is a full moon. Kyle was so attentive throughout. While I was speaking about Daddy, he reached across the table, taking my hand and stroking his thumb across it. I found myself rubbing my thumb across his as well.

  When we were ready to leave the sandwich shop, we still had some time left. We used it by walking outside, looking through the windows of the other stores along the way. He reached down, entwining our hands as we walked. I looked up at him and just felt so warm and comfortable. He gave me an amazing smile while lightly squeezing my hand.

  We were headed back toward his car when he stopped suddenly, wrapping his hand around my waist and turning me toward him. We were still holding hands and he pulled my hand up to his lips, brushing light kisses across my fingers. I let out a slight gasp at the warm, moist feeling of his lips on my skin.

  When he lets my hand back down, I wrap my arms lightly around his waist. He was looking right into my eyes, and he looked so peaceful and happy. “Caroline, I don’t know what it is about you, but I know I don’t want you to leave. I’m not ready to let you go yet. This has been such an amazing day, and I can’t help but think about the next time. I hope you want there to be a next time.” He pulls me tightly up against him and rests his chin on top of my head. “Please tell me we can try and be together again soon. Being with you just feels so right, so good.” Kyle presses his lips to the top of my head, giving it one sweet kiss.

  I pull back slightly so I can look back up at him. He almost looks saddened about having to take me back. I unwrap one of my hands from his waist and reach up toward his cheek. He lightly leans his cheek into my hand, and then turns his head slightly, kissing my palm.

  Damn, wow, what am I going to do with this man; and to this man for that matter? He is the full package. Great looks, attentive, sweet, good career. Yet Kyle has a bad boy side that shows some in his stance, the hunger he gets in his eyes at times, and things like his clothes and car choices.

  “Kyle, today has been wonderful. You have made me feel so comfortable and special. Thank you for everything, and yes I would love to do something with you again soon. You have truly made it hard for me to want to end our time today as well.”

  He pulls me into him again, and presses his lips down onto mine. The kiss starts off very soft, and then quickly turns hungry on both of our parts. I let out a moan, and he gives me that sexy rumble as our tongues connect, rolling around each other. He pulls back first, and we are both gasping for air. It is then I realize we are still standing out in the middle of the sidewalk. I do believe I was ready to jump this man in the middle of town—oops.

  He presses one more kiss onto my forehead and takes my hand back into his. “I am sorry, Caroline, but I have wanted to explore those lips since I first saw you. I told you earlier I find them very desirable. I hope that didn’t upset you.”

  I get a big smile on my face. “Did that feel like you upset me? I am not complaining at all. As a matter of fact, Kyle, I am looking forward to doing it again.”

  He slightly shakes his head back and forth, while pulling me toward his car. “I better get you back now, if you really have to go to your mom’s by four. If not, I might have to take you back to my place. If I do that, I know all control will be lost at that moment, and you will not be leaving me to go anywhere.” Oh damn, I like the sound of that. Say hello to the sexy, bossy side of Kyle. I hope to run into him again very soon, indeed.

  I give him my sexy smile as he helps me into his car. As he is driving me back to Raleigh’s house, he has my hand in his again. Every now and then he will pull it back up to his lips, brushing those light, warm, moist kisses across my knuckles. I am at the point now where my panties are seriously wet, and I might need a quick ice cold shower before I head to my mom’s.

  We pull into the end of Raleigh’s driveway and Kyle shuts off his car. So I guess this means no quick goodbye. I can handle that, I think. “Caroline, I can’t even begin to tell you how great of a day this has been. Now that I have gotten a taste of those lips, I know I am going to be greedy for more.” I smile over at him, and run my fingers through the side of his hair over his ear. He closes his eyes at the contact. I imagine myself straddling his lap in the car while taking fistfuls of his hair and exploring his mouth again.

  When he opens his eyes they have a very animal like characteristic to them, almost territorial. Damn if it isn’t sexy. “I love the feel of your touch, Caroline. You truly are beautiful. I do remember you arguing over a tattoo with Raleigh. Trust me, I have been looking for any signs of it, but I see none. Can you tell me what it is of?”

  “Well now, Kyle, a girl does have to have some secrets. I guess this will give you a goal to try and accomplish. The whole discovering of what it is and where it is located.” With that, I give him a wink. In return, he grabs my face and kisses me hard again—giving me even wetter panties. He pulls away, looking oh so sexy. “Caroline, I have many goals I hope to accomplish with you. The tattoo just adds to the list.”

  He then winks at me, exits the car, and comes around to my side to help me out. The way Kyle helps me in and out of the car isn’t in the, I-feel-like-you-are-incapable-of-doing-this-on-your-own type of way. Unlike Eric seemed to make me feel. No, Kyle is all manners. That is until he is sticking his tongue down your throat, but that works for me. I do catch my mind wandering, though, at the thought of Eric. Why would I be wondering where he is, or what he is doing when I have this wonderful man in front of me?

  Kyle leans down, giving me one last soft kiss goodbye. “I will be calling you again very soon, Caroline, and I hope to get the same from you. I’m sure I will have plenty of dreams in the meantime, while waiting to be with you again. Enjoy your time at your mom’s, and be safe driving back to school. I, myself, am going to go home and take a very cold shower.” He then kisses my forehead and releases my hand.

  Awe, so he is also thinking a cold shower is needed. I am happy to see he is just as affected. “I am sure I will
have dreams to keep me company too, Kyle. I look forward to seeing you again soon.” I give him one more light kiss on the lips, and then turn to walk in the house. As I am opening the door, I hear his car start up and he drives away.

  Raleigh practically tackles me when I close the door. “Damn bitch, you do move fast. I saw you two steaming up the windshield, and then trying to melt the asphalt on my driveway.” We both start laughing.

  “Raleigh, I don’t know what has happened to me, but I am seriously thinking I should change the ring tone on my phone to Chuck Berry’s My Ding-A-Ling. That is all I seem to think about the last two days, ding a lings.”

  Raleigh clutches her stomach, laughing and snorting. “Oh shit, Caroline, that was good. Don’t let me get hold of your phone. Because if you do I am so going to set that as the tone every time Kyle calls you!” We both fall into hysterics.

  We walk into the kitchen to talk to Raleigh’s mom, Maggie. She asks me about my day, and I give her the details. At least the ones I feel she needs to know.

  I start packing all my stuff in Raleigh’s room, and notice a drawing on her dresser. I pick it up, looking it over, and can feel Raleigh watching me. “Is everything ok, Raleigh? What made you draw it like this?” I look back up at Raleigh, and she shrugs her shoulders.

  “I know, I typically don’t go for the mangled up carriage look; do I? I woke up the other night from a bad dream about our accident. They just won’t seem to leave me alone. I started sketching to try and calm my nerves, but somehow, this time, I ended up drawing my bad dream into my Fairytale world. I’m fine, though. Just like with all the rest of it, time will make it better.”

  I reach over and give her a hug. “I had a dream about the accident for the first time in a while the other morning, myself. I know I will never forget it, but we are both still here together, and I’m just so thankful for that.”

  “I know, Caroline; that is what is important. I couldn’t imagine life without you. Now, let’s make sure you have everything… since you are about to leave me again.” Raleigh is giving me her puppy dog face. “I really am going to miss you, Caroline. This whole not being at school with you sucks. We were supposed to experience all this together.”