by J. Lea
“I had a lovely time,” Everly says as I’m locking the door.
“You think the night’s over?” I smirk. “It took me forever to persuade you to go out with me, so I plan on squeezing every last drop from the night, missy.”
“You really were persistent,” she agrees, smiling, looking as if she’s mentally going through my every invitation.
“I fight for what I want.” Always.
Taking her to the nearest beach, we walk along the ocean, hand in hand, carrying our shoes.
“Tell me something about you,” I ask her. The waves splash against our feet, pleasantly chilled in the night air. She knows everything about me, but she’s still a mystery to me. It hasn’t escaped my attention she avoids talking about herself and always steers the conversation in a different direction whenever topics get too personal. But I want to get to know her better. I want to know about her hobbies, what brings a smile to her face, what makes her sad or angry. I want to know everything.
“My life is so boring. I’m sure there’s nothing interesting to share.”
“You’re wrong.” I shake my head. “I barely know anything about you.” There’s a slight pause. “Tell me when you discovered yoga, then.”
“Actually, yoga found me. I needed a way to relax and unwind, and yoga fit perfectly with my life. It became a part of me. Like running is for you, I’m guessing.”
I spread the blanket I brought with me in front of us. “Isn’t it a little … boring?” Trying not to make a face, I lie down, lounging on my side. She sits next to me, her legs tucked under her.
She chuckles. “Maybe for you. I was skeptical at first, too, but then I fell in love with it.” She aims her finger at me. “Even though you didn’t try your hardest the other day, you should give it another chance. I promise to go easy on you this time and only show you the basics.”
“I think I’ll pass,” I vehemently shake my head. I can already imagine the back pain from twisting my body into various pretzel poses. “It’s not exactly my cup of tea.”
“And running is? That’s the real torture. The last time I voluntarily went running I almost had a heart attack.” She scrunches up her face.
I chuckle at her dramatic declaration. “Come on, running is liberating.”
“Nuh-uh,” she gags. “I’ll just stick with yoga.” Reaching for her hand, I intertwine my fingers with hers, stroking it with my thumb.
“Have you been friends with Amber for a long time?”
“We met in college. I was instantly drawn to her craziness and laid-back nature. She’s like a younger sister I’ve never had. Not a day goes by that she doesn’t make me laugh.”
“I like it when you laugh. I love your smile.”
She blushes at my compliment. “Thank you.”
“Look what I’ve done – I switched topics. That was not my intention. Please, go on.”
“There’s not much to tell. We’ve been friends ever since.”
“Have you ever been in love?”
Looking at me like she’s contemplating something, she clears her throat. “Yes. Around the same time, I also met Bradley. He was my first real love. It might sound corny, but it was love at first sight. He was extremely handsome, strong, and a great basketball player. Amber always commented on how boring he was, dressed well, and was too polite.” She gives a quick, bitter laugh, shaking her head, but her eyes are glowing with … warmth, maybe even love? “He was the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on.” This is the first time I’ve ever heard her speak about a man from her past.
“Should I be jealous?” I cock an eyebrow. “I thought I was the most handsome man you’ve ever seen.”
Everly giggles. “No, Bradley is … history.” She averts her gaze, fidgeting with her necklace. “He swept me off my feet the moment I saw him. But you’re not that bad yourself, if I’m being honest.” She elbows me, winking cheekily.
“Gee, thanks,” I pretend to be hurt and offended.
“You know you’re attractive, and even if you forgot that for a second, women remind you all the time. Do I really need to stroke your ego, too?”
“Well, it doesn’t hurt if I hear it from you, too.”
“I’ll remember that for the future.” She nudges me playfully.
“So, why aren’t you with this guy anymore? This Bradley dude?” I catch a strand of her hair, fluttering in the wind. Her hair is so soft it slides between my fingers like silk.
She stiffens, and I’m not sure if it’s because of my question or the touch.
“He’s …” A heavy sigh leaves her mouth. “Can we talk about something else?”
A seagull lands on the sand a few feet away from us and casually strolls up and down the beach, squawking loudly as if calling for someone.
I don’t want her to put up walls again so I let it go. “Sure. What’s your middle name then?”
“Rose.” It suits her. “Yours?”
“Graham.” Her beautiful face is illuminated by the moonlight. She looks breathtaking, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
“What were you doing before you became a hotshot businessman? I remember you mentioned you’ve only been in business for the past few years,” she inquires, drawing little circles in the sand.
“I was in construction. I won’t say I didn’t like it – otherwise I wouldn’t have done it, but out of town jobs, twelve-hour shifts, working in blasting heat, all that shit started to suffocate me. I missed spending time with Ava. She already lost her mother, I didn’t want her to spend her days without her father, too. I wanted to be the one to raise her, to see her grow and blossom. She deserved more than an absent father.”
Admiration reflects Everly’s eyes. “You really are perfect, aren’t you?”
I shake my head. “Far from that. I’ve done many things in my life I now regret, or wish I’d done differently. But this is life, and I’ve learned from my mistakes.”
W e’ve been on our date for hours. But it only feels like minutes. I’m glad he didn’t take me to a fancy restaurant. This is more than perfect. Mi Vida took my breath away when he’s lead me inside. Dim lightning, rose petals scattered all over the place, soft music, those romantic lights falling from the ceiling … It couldn’t be more perfect. Or so I thought before he took me to the beach. He is one of those men who put others first. I’m the center of his attention, and for once it feels nice. He makes sure he touches me every now and then, brushing his fingers against my skin. His touch ignites all my senses, making me aware of his closeness. It’s been ages, since I’ve let anyone this close.
“Tell me something embarrassing.” He can’t be that perfect, there must be something that makes him human. “If there’s anything at all.”
“Oh, there’s plenty.” His eyes are playful. “But there’s one embarrassing moment that stands out the most. I almost forgot about it because it happened years ago.”
“Tell me.” Now I’m intrigued.
“Only if you promise to do the same.” He challenges me.
Hesitating for a moment, I nod my head. “Fine.”
“Phoenix and I went to a lake one summer. We were around twenty years old.” Connor shakes his head, like he can’t believe he’s about to share something like that. “There were girls the same age as us sunbathing. Of course, I wanted to impress them. Too cocky for my own good, I came to this perfect conclusion about how they’ll all drop their panties after they see me do an awesome flip into the water. So I jumped. The flip turned out even better than I hoped, and I swam to the shore, smug as hell.” He pauses for dramatic purposes. “I got on my feet and as I started walking out, the girls started giggling, pointing their fingers at me. I had no idea what was going on but it wasn’t the reaction I was hoping for. Finally, I looked down.” He shakes his head, grinning. “It turns out, I lost my swim trunks when I dived in. That alone wasn’t that bad,” he shares. “But ... The water was ice cold. Freezing cold,” he emphasizes, chuckling. “Now when I think back, it’s real
ly funny, but back then I was humiliated. You can imagine how the cold water affected my junk. Did I mention the water was really cold that day?” he stresses.
I can’t help myself, but I burst out in laughter. I know I’m probably contributing to his pride being hurt again, but this is hilarious. “How come Phoenix didn’t dive in with you?”
“He was busy making out with one of the girls in the bushes. Which is what I was supposed to be doing instead of showing off. I guess I didn’t have the right skills to impress a woman yet. I blushed like a little girl, wrapping myself to my neck in a towel while trying to explain the situation. But it only made matters worse. The girls I was trying my damnedest to impress laughed so hard they nearly peed themselves. They left, whispering, giggling, and making fun of me. Not only did I get zero sex, my pride got hurt. It took me a while to return to that lake.”
“So if there’s one thing you learned that day, it’s to check how cold the water is,” I say between laughs.
“Ha, ha. Very funny.” He grimaces, but his eyes are laughing with me. “It was very, very cold.”
“You’ve mentioned that, like, two thousand times already.” A smile is playing on my lips which I can’t seem to get rid of.
“I can assure you my junk is pretty decent, and I’m not trying to sound cocky.”
“I believe you. I think.” I add, teasing him. I know how decent his cock is, I saw an outline of it through his boxer briefs when he was coming out of bathroom the other day. I was impressed by it, if I may add.
“Oh, shut up.” It’s the first time I see him blush.
“Shame I couldn’t see the expression on your face back then. I bet it was priceless. I feel so sorry for the twenty-year-old you.”
“Like you’ve never experienced something embarrassing. I bet there’s a lot hiding behind the innocent façade of yours.”
“Maybe,” I shrug nonchalantly.
“Spill, it’s your turn.”
“Okay, but you have to promise not to laugh.” I poke my finger at him.
“Can’t promise anything. After all, you were laughing your ass off just moments ago.”
“Okay, fine, I get your point. So, it was my junior year of high school. I liked this guy who was in my class, and as luck would have it he asked me out one day. It was my first date ever.” I spent the whole afternoon getting ready. I was so happy and excited I couldn’t even stand still. “The nerves were getting to me so I needed to ease the jitters in my belly. Dad always kept his alcohol locked in the cabinet in the living room. Whisky, brandy, some bottles of wine, stuff like that. So I took a key and unlocked the cabinet and grabbed the first bottle I saw.” Connor listens intently. “I took a first sip. It burned all the way down to my stomach, tasting awful. Bitter and strong. I took a few more swigs for courage, but the taste didn’t get any better. Then the doorbell rang. Quickly, I put the bottle back in its place, but as soon as I took a step toward the front door I felt dizzy, the room was spinning, but the jitters were gone. Happy with myself, I opened the door, where my date was waiting for me. He took me to an amusement park. God, what a big mistake!” I toss my braid over my shoulder. “We sat down in a cart, chatting and laughing. When the roller coaster started moving, I started to get sick. My date was having a great time, but all I could think about was how I needed the spinning to stop. When the roller coaster finally came to a stop, I threw up all over him. I couldn’t stop puking. I think by the end, he was swimming in my vomit. I remember the look he gave me, shocked and grossed out beyond belief. I swear, vomit was even dripping down the bridge of his nose. He left without saying a word, leaving me all alone. I had to call my Dad to come pick me up. The next day, everybody at school knew what happened. They called me Puke Monster.”
He seems awfully quiet.
“What? You don’t have anything to say?” I prod. I was expecting him to laugh hiss ass off.
“I’m just thinking of how much champagne you drank today. In case I needed to take off.” He’s trying to sound serious but failing.
“Jerk.” Pretending to be hurt, I elbow him. “It wasn’t funny at all. I had to go to same school as those people for another year and a half. Trust me, it was hell.”
Connor chuckles. “What if he went in to kiss you, and you threw up in his mouth?”
“Oh, god. Eww. I don’t even want to think about it.” I cover my face with my hands.
Thousands of stars are illuminating in the night sky, the moon high above us. I stare up at the brilliant dots of lights, enjoying the comfortable silence between us. After a while, I close my eyes, letting my other senses take over – the sound of the waves splashing against the shore, the feel of the light breeze caressing my heated skin. Feeling happy and satisfied in Connor’s company. He kept his promise and made the date unforgettable. I believe him when he says he would never hurt me. He proves it every single day.
I feel a light touch against my cheek, and I slowly open my eyes. Connor regards me intently, having just tucked a lock of my hair that escaped my braid behind my ear. His gaze doesn’t waver, and I lean my cheek into his palm, his touch like a soothing melody for my heart. Why am I still holding back? Why do I keep torturing myself? I simply need to let go. If only old habits weren’t so hard to break.
“What are you so scared of?” he whispers, like he was reading my mind. His lips hovering inches from mine, his warm breath causing my lips to tingle.
“It’s hard,” I finally confess. “I’ve spent so long convincing myself I’m better off on my own. I don’t … I don’t know how …” I sigh. “You know what my Mom always said? Love can be like the sun, smiling at us from the sky – warm, freeing, and infinitely beautiful. But it can suddenly turn into a devastating tornado, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. And the consequences, if you survive, are brutal. I have plenty of scars to prove that.”
“What happened to you, Everly?” Puzzled look on his face makes my heart ache. “Why don’t you trust me? I wish you’d let me in. Just let me in.” He presses his forehead to mine.
Deciding I need to stop being a coward, I nod. “I want this. I want you. You turned my world upside down in the best possible way.” A tear rolls down my cheek at the realization – my walls are crashing down whenever I’m with him; brick by brick, they’re tumbling to the ground, and with Connor’s help I will crush them all to fine dust. Just the thought of letting go fills me with panic, but it’s time. Connor wipes the tear with the pad of his thumb.
“I really want to kiss you. Will you run off if I did that?” Our lips are so close, they are almost touching. His breath is caressing my heated skin.
I shake my head. “I want you to kiss me, too,” I breathe, my voice so low I’m afraid he didn’t hear me. But he did because his lips tentatively touch mine, gentle at first, easing me into the kiss and letting me know he has all the time in the world. Every single nerve end on my lips is tingling with electricity. Butterflies start fluttering wildly in my belly. Our kiss gets more and more sensual, making me moan. After he breaks the kiss, he leans into me, a deep breath escaping his chest, as if he needs to process what just happened.
“I …” I breathe, but he doesn’t let me continue, slamming his lips onto mine like his life depends on it. Goose bumps erupt all over my skin and I surrender to the passion and heat between us. His lips are soft and he smells insanely good. Connor gently lowers me down onto the blanket, leaning into me, one hand supporting my head, the other sliding painfully slowly from my back to my waist. His touch ignites a fire within me, and both of us let out a soft moan.
“I adore your lips,” he murmurs. “I could kiss you all night.” His fingers trace little circles on the sensitive skin of my upper thigh as his lips explore mine in a deep, passionate kiss. His hand sneaks around, squeezing my butt, sending tingling sensations to my lady parts.
“God, this feels so good,” I moan, fisting his shirt in my hand and feeling his rock-hard muscles underneath. This is the first time I’m making out
with someone underneath the stars. It’s magical, especially with the rhythmic, soothing sound of the ocean.
Dizzy from his kisses, it takes me a while to realize his lips are no longer on mine.
“Why did you stop?” I grumble, my palms flat on his chest.
Connor unsuccessfully suppresses a grin. “You’re shivering. I think we should be heading home.”
“I don’t want to go home yet,” I admit softly.
“Good. Because this,”– he waves his hand between us– “here, now, is everything I’ve wanted. We’re only just beginning.”
I melt at his declaration. He pulls me closer to him for a sweet, gentle kiss.
With one hand under my knees, and the other behind my back, he lifts me up, like I’m light as a feather, carrying me toward his car. I take this opportunity to wrap my arms around his neck, drowning in his scent, feeling the wild beating of his heart.
The house is surrounded in darkness when we return. We quietly climb the stairs so we don’t wake anyone. When we reach Connor’s bedroom, he catches my hand in his, intertwining his fingers with mine, and looks intently into my eyes. His lips crush onto mine, and we spend several minutes making out in the hallway, enjoying the final moments of our date. The warmth of his body is soothing.
“I had a great time,” I tell him.
“Wanna come in?” He waves a hand to his room. I hesitate, biting my lower lip. I’m not ready to take the next step yet. It’s too soon. I barely said yes to a date. “We don’t have to do anything,” he adds. “I mean, I didn’t invite you in for that,” he hurries to reassure me. “Unless you want to …” He leaves the sentence unfinished, smirking.
“Some other time, okay?” I press my hand against his chest, stepping on my toes to kiss his cheek. “Good night.”