Paper Cranes

by Nicole Hite

  Lee: Awesome, handsome…sexy?

  Me: An arrogant asshole.

  Lee: Well, that was uncalled for.

  Me: You’re right. That was uncalled for. I’m sorry.

  Lee: Apology accepted.

  Me: Let’s start over. Lee, would you please pick me up tomorrow so I can wait for my car at your shop while you work on it?

  Lee: I don’t know. It could take days. Are you sure you want to spend that much time with me.

  Sadly, I would gladly spend every second with him if I knew he cared for me that much. But I was no fool, I saw him recoil tonight.

  Me: I trust it won’t take that long.

  Lee: You never know. I charge per hour including parts and labor. I may just bleed you dry.

  Me: Now who’s the hustler?

  Lee: Good catch.

  Me: Please, pretty please don’t hustle me. I’ve had an enormously shitty couple of weeks.

  Lee: Oh come on. It would be funny.

  Lee: I would never do that to you, you really can trust me Kat. I’m not a bad guy.

  He asked for it and I was curious.

  Me: Then why did you back away when I wanted to kiss you?

  Lee: So you admit you tried to kiss me lol?

  Me: Whatever. So what? You’re probably a shitty kisser anyway.

  Lee: That’s not what other girls tell me. Not to toot my own horn or anything.

  Me: Something tells me you don’t mind tooting your own horn. And how many girls have you kissed. Lip whore!

  Lee: Enough to know I don’t suck, Dove.

  Dammit. Why does he keep saying things like that? I hate it, but I love it. I hate him, but I don’t.

  Me: …

  Lee: Kathryn Dove, Are you at a loss for words? I am speechless.

  Me: You’re a deflector.

  Lee: I wasn’t deflecting, only stating the truth.

  Me: That’s deflecting.

  Lee: Why are you so worried about it? Does it matter that much to you?

  Me: It doesn’t. I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t lost my touch.

  Lee: Is that so?

  Me: Of course. That, and I’ve never been shut down before I…

  Lee: Assumed.

  Me: Assumed what?

  Lee: You assumed it had to do with the ALS.

  Me: No.

  Lee: Yes.

  Me: Well, maybe.

  Lee: Trust me, it had nothing to do with the ALS.

  Me: Then what? Am I repulsive? Are you gay?

  Lee: Definitely not gay.

  Me: So, I repulse you? Is that what it is?

  Lee: Far from, Dove.

  Me: Then why???

  Lee was getting under my skin in the most irritating way. I just wanted a simply answer and yet I wasn’t even sure why I was pushing so hard for an answer. The pause between texts was excruciating. Instead of waiting for a response, I tied up my hair into a lose knot, changed into simple boxers and an 80’s t-shirt, slipped on my leopard slippers and padded my way down the stairs and into the kitchen.

  The house was dark leading me to believe Jo had gone to bed. Navigating around the dark halls, I hit my knee on the coffee table, cursing under my breath. Not receiving the text from Lee ticked me off and banging my knee didn’t help either. I hobbled my way to the kitchen, flicking on the lights to avoid any more injuries. I opened the refrigerator, prepared to make a sandwich.

  My stomach growled as I place two pieces of bread on a plate while retrieving the peanut butter and a bag of chips. I took my time spreading the perfect amount of peanut butter on both sides of the bread. When I concluded that it was evenly distributed, I opened the bag of ruffles potato chips. Plucking a chip from the bag I popped it into my mouth, crunching away. Some may question my nutrition regimen, but I plop a handful of salty chips on the bread. I place the peanut butter coated slice on top and squish it down.

  I was just about to sink my teeth into my ‘samich when I received a text. Nearly scaring the shit out of me, I dropped the sandwich on the floor.

  Fuck! I really wanted that too!

  Lee: You still awake?

  Me: Nope. I got tired waiting for a valid explanation. You left me hanging too long.

  Lee: Why did you text me back then???

  Shit! He had me there. I should have just ignored the text, but something inside me couldn’t stay away. I just wanted to hear his voice or look into those amazing brown eyes right now.

  Me: Whatever. I’m going to bed, I’m really tired.

  Lee: Then why are you making a sandwich right now?

  What the fuck? How did he know that? I started a subtle surveillance the house, searching every nook and cranny.

  Lee: Warm.

  Me: What? Are you going to ask me what my favorite scary movie is next? I would make a pretty pathetic Drew Barrymore.

  Lee: No, never. I see you more as a Neve Campbell lol

  .

  He responded as I checked behind the couch. Making my way to the back door, I peeped through the back window, slightly terrified.

  Lee: So cold.

  I worked my way to the stairs, debating whether I should climb them to my room.

  Lee: HOT!

  Taking the steps two at a time, I got a quick response back.

  Lee: COLD!

  Backtracking I stood at the foot of the stairs, contemplating my next move. That’s when it hit me. I made a one eighty, opening the front door.

  “Scorching hot,” Lee finally stated with his silky smooth voice.

  I dropped my phone to my side as I gripped the doorframe eyeing Lee himself. Just his presence put a smile on face. Lee was leaning on the doorframe so causally the bottom part of his shirt lifted a bit, exposing the tiniest area of skin and hair. My favorite part on his body… so far. Cocking his head to the side, he lifted it to make contact. It baffled me how one look could make me puddle.

  “What are you doing here?” I tried to look at him with aggravation, but I never did have a good poker face.

  “I didn’t respond because I was driving. That and I thought you deserved a response in person.”

  “Oh.”

  “Yeah, oh is right.”

  “Well? What’s your answer?” I said as I walked out onto the porch and shut the door behind me. Now on the porch, I realized how much he towered over me with his giant frame.

  Jesus!

  Lee removed his arm from the door, not taking his eyes away from me. He didn’t say a word as he reached with both hands and cupped my blushing cheeks. Closing the gap between us, Lee’s body was practically on top of mine. Stroking my cheeks with his thumbs, his very touch eased my body as his hands melted against my skin. This was the most relaxed I had been in a very long time.

  As if he could read my mind, he slowly dipped his head hovering over my lips. His warm breath kissed me before his beautiful lips did. And then he kissed me. As soon as his soft lips touch my own, I knew I would never, ever be the same again. Lee begins to trace the soft curves of my chin as he parts our lips to gain better access to my mouth. My hands willingly reach for him, as our tongues collide. My hands have a mind of their own as I run my fingers through his brown curls.

  Lee trails his hands down my back as they make contact with my hips. His very touch turned me on. He moved his fingers from my hips just barely skimming them across my bare skin and my night boxers. Snaking his hands around my waist, he pulls me closer to deepen our kiss. Our bodies molded together like we were made for one another. We were made for one another.

  The closer he pulls me toward his body, the more I wished we were completely undressed and in my room; every piece of him, covering every piece of me. To the neighbors, we may look like a bunch of high schoolers, but to me, we were in our own world. Everything faded in the background and it was just the two of us, enveloped in one another’s embrace, doing what we were made to do. Nothing mattered except us in that moment.

  His lips were perfect, just like I knew they would be. He sucked in m
y bottom lip, slightly tugging on the tender flesh. I couldn’t help but smile at his sexy growl. My heart was beating so fast I was convinced it would explode at any minute. I felt his every need and desire by the way he expressed his feelings in that very kiss. He swept his lips across mine as our tongues tangled in a heap of passion.

  My body was on fire with each stroke, and little by little Lee found relief from the flames with his tender pecks. Just when I thought he was pulling away, he would come back to me with more hunger. He craved my lips just as I craved his. Our cat and mouse game had hit a sudden apex. No words were spoken, but our mouths spoke to one another with each moan and caress.

  After what felt like an eternity on my porch, Lee slowly pulled away. The disconnect from our lips left us panting, desperate to reconnect and continue. Trying to catch our breaths, Lee rested his forehead to mine. I didn’t want to open my eyes for fear this was only a dream. A really good dream at that.

  Once I opened my eyes I could see I wasn’t the only one who felt something in that kiss. Pulling his arms from around my back, he returned them to my cheeks. Lifting his head, a touch, our lips touch so innocently as he peppered my face with kisses pulling back a little. Kissing the tip of my nose, I giggled at how lovely it felt to be wanted – needed even. I never thought I would feel this way ever. Lee just blessed me with the best gift imaginable.

  “Wow,” I said.

  “That is my answer,” he said gasping against my lips as he rested his forehead to mine.

  “Umm, to what?” I was dizzy and disoriented.

  “Your question. You asked why I hadn’t kissed you. To answer you, I wanted it to be perfect… and it was, just how I imaged it would be.”

  Lee turned and walked excruciatingly slow down the stairs to his truck.

  “Really? You’re just going to leave me like that?”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow, Kat,” he said casually opening the truck door and hopping in.

  Watching him drive away, I was completely dumbstruck. What the hell just happened? One second I was annoyed he hadn’t kissed me, then he does and I’m annoyed he left me a hot mess.

  Baffled, I sat my ass on the steps, retrieving my fallen phone. Lee had quite literally shocked me enough to release my phone. Screw knocking my socks off, he knocked the phone out of my hand, which was saying something considering I loved my phone not mention leaving my peanut butter and chip sandwiches on the floor

  Looking at the cracked screen, I couldn’t help but laugh hysterically. I never, in my entire life, had witnessed let alone been a part of, such a sweet, romantic gesture. Reflecting on the night a constant theme circulated in my brain - happiness. For the last couple weeks, my heart had crumbled little by little. Tonight was the first night I had ever felt hope that the crumbled pieces could be put back together again.

  The feeling felt foreign, yet strangely familiar. Perhaps I was going about this all wrong?

  All night my head swam with thoughts of Lee; his lips, his touch, his caress. Never once had a guy ever treated me like that, as if I was the only girl in the world. Like I was the diamond in the rough he had been searching desperately for. He wanted perfection, and he sure as hell got it.

  At precisely six am, Lee knocked on my door. I had taken more time than usual to get ready, but every second was worth it to see the expression on his face right now as I opened the front door.

  “Morning, Dove,” he dipped down to place a sweet kiss on my cheek.

  “Morning,” I smiled as his lips left my pink flesh.

  “Kat, get your ass in here and bring that hella sexy man in here too,” Jo yelled from across the house.

  “I’m so sorry. She has zero filter sometimes,” I scrunched my nose as I pressed my lips into a firm line.

  “It doesn’t bother me at all. I’d love to meet her.”

  The smile was undeniable as it grew wider, making my cheeks hurt. Stepping out of the way, I offered Lee entrance into my domain.

  “Well come on in.”

  Making our way into the kitchen, Jo stood, hip resting on the edge of the counter. She curled her fingers around the coffee mug as she stood there eyeing Lee from head to toe.

  “So, Mechanic Lee, tell me about yourself,” Jo jumped straight in to questioning Lee.

  “Well, I’m thirty-two…”

  “Yes, thirties are the best, aren’t they Kat?”

  Jo was in her grumpy ass morning mood. If she was annoyed, she was determined to make you annoyed as well.

  “Yeah, um, I help my dad and brother run the family garage in the French Quarter…”

  “You have a brother? Is he as good lookin’ as you?”

  “JOJO!” I screeched.

  “Valid question, Kat. It’s okay. I suppose he is; we are two years apart. He’s thirty.”

  “What’s his name?”

  “Jesus, Jo, you haven’t even offered the man coffee and already you have him under the spotlight.

  “I’m sorry, Lee. Coffee?”

  “I was actually hoping to take Kat out to breakfast, if that’s okay?”

  “Fine with me, but you need to come back over so we can talk about…” she trailed off, fishing for more info.

  “Gage”

  “Damn, even his name sounds sexy as hell. I’m not rushing, but hurry back. We have much to discuss.”

  I was mortified. Sometimes JoJo was worse than living with a hovering parent. She never knew when to shut up and even then, she had no filter.

  “I’m so sorry about that. She’s a little over-protective and a little horny,” I chuckled.

  “Aren’t we all,” he grinned as he slid his hand into mine.

  Laughing, we climbed into his massive truck.

  “So, you’re taking me to breakfast?” I smirked trying not to sound too excited.

  “If you don’t mind. I felt bad for ruining your late night snack last night.”

  “It’s not that big of a deal,” I stated just as my stomach let out a giant rumble.

  “Sounds like your tummy thinks otherwise.”

  “Well, if you insist.”

  We pulled up to The Pancake and I, just as the morning crowd started to trickle in. Somehow Lee knew exactly when to come in order to avoid the massive implode of customers. The waitress sat us on the patio over-looking busy Bourbon Street. Even at this hour it was active; people still stumbling home after a night of debauchery, various stages of the walk of shame, and regulars.

  “I do not miss that feeling,” I said pointing to a twenty something girl carrying her heels.

  “What? The walk of shame,” he chuckled.

  “Hell no. That hangover.”

  “You don’t drink?”

  “Naw, I was a horrible drunk. I was a little mouthy when I got to drinking.”

  “Sadly, that doesn’t shock me,” he grinned.

  “I never knew my limit and therefore I was a mess all the time. It was when I drank dark liquors when I was the worst. I was not a good person to be around, Lee.”

  “Why is that?”

  “I became violent. I was rooming with two guys right out of college, already a bad idea. I may have been a little upset that one of them was cheating on his girlfriend and I may have taken a swing at him.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I can neither confirm, nor deny my actions. I will say that that was the last night I ever drank. That was also the last night I stayed at that apartment. I packed my shit and hit the road in search of a new start.”

  “I applaud your courage. Not many people can recognize they have a problem until it’s forced in their face.”

  “You sound like you have experience?”

  Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a blue medallion. Tossing it on to the table, I recognized it immediately. Digging in my purse, I pulled out an identical medallion, placing it next his.

  “Seems like we have more in common than we originally thought,” Lee grinned. “Five whole years. Those first couple of months were some of
the hardest times in my life.”

  “What was your breaking point?” I barely got out.

  “The day a good friend of mine died,” he said, pushing the medallion across the tablecloth.

  “How did they pass?” I stumbled. “Never mind, don’t answer that.”

  “ALS.”

  “That’s why you run the groups…” I said meekly.

  “Yep. Towards the end, I had a hard time dealing with her leaving. I was just a kid at the time. I didn’t know how to deal with all that emotion, so I dealt with it the only way I knew how – I drank. See this scar behind my ear?”

  “Yeah…”

  “That’s a reminder why I will never drink again. I was slam drunk out of my mind the day she died and carelessly thought I needed to go for a drive. Yeah, I drove at 120 MPH without a care in the world. That’s until I slammed into a guardrail, ejecting me from my truck and nearly hitting a tree head on.”

  Covering my mouth, I shed a small tear for what could have been and how thankful I was to still have him here. That’s also why he can sympathize with the disease and me. It’s nothing new to him. I don’t want to be the reason he goes back to drinking though. I’m not strong enough for that and I don’t know if he is as well.

  “Please don’t cry, Dove. That’s all in the past. I’m not that guy anymore.”

  “How do you do it?”

  “Do what?” he questioned me.