DARREN
DAMN, SHE LOOKS good. I push her seat in a little closer to the table and hit a small jig before I walk into view. The server walks over attempting to pour our drinks, but I grab the bottle from his hands mouthing thank you, letting him know I got this one. He lifts his hands up and salutes my assertive gesture with a nod as he heads back towards the kitchen area. Filling her glass, before I take a seat, I glance up and Kaiden was watching me the whole time. I’m sure she noticed I was shaking a little, but I’m calm now, so I’d like to think. She lifts the glass to her lips as I stare intently waiting for her to confirm the taste.
“This is fantastic,” She exclaims.
“It was a gift from the sellers of the property,” I replied.
“The sellers? I’m guessing you helped with the designs?” she asks, taking another sip.
“No, um. . . Jay and I purchased this place about a few months ago. Still figuring out a lot of the specifics but tonight is our soft opening, so just seeing how a few kinks work themselves out as the night develops.”
She stares at me for a second with her mouth agape and I look over my shoulder a little concerned.
“What? What’s the matter” I ask anxiously.
“A few kinks?” she mimics.
She laughs at how ridiculously humble that sounded as they bring over a few of the appetizers. I join her, laughing at her amusement of me.
“I mean look at this place! The only kinks I see in the room are in my hair. Anyways, this is amazing. I can tell you guys took your time with the details.”
“Thank you, you know we try sometimes.”
She continued to ask a few questions about the property, and I explain that we acquired it early from an old couple who could no longer take care of the grounds.
“Because I work in Architectural Design, it just took a little imagination. And Jay’s real estate and business background really helped. So, we decided why the hell not?”
“Wow, the perfect combination, huh?” she said.
“I guess so, but enough about me. We haven't really had the chance to sit down and talk for real.”
“Well. . . what do you want to know?” she ask.
“Everything,” I whisper without hesitation.
She begins to tell me about her career goals and aspirations, and of course, I sit there, and listen, hanging on every word. I watch her mannerisms while she speaks and the smile in her eyes shines brighter than any star tonight. I try to control my face as she talks, but I’m captivated by her every move. The smallest things keep me entertained so I enjoy this while I can.
Her phone buzzes from her bag; for a moment, she thinks about grabbing it. But instead, she lets it continue ringing in silence, and for that I’m grateful. In my attempt to ignore it, I can’t help but think she’s hiding something because it’s been doing that all night. Nonetheless, she goes on about her family and we share a few similar experiences that bond us. She sees that I've stopped eating and looks guilt ridden.
“I’m rambling,” she speaks apologetically.
“No not at all, I like hearing you talk about these things. It’s different, you're different.”
“Different how?” she suggests.
“Um. . . you speak with passion and realness. Most of the other women I’ve ever dated had a hard time telling me their damn name, so, this is refreshing.”
I regret the statement as it leaves my mouth. Why would she want to hear about the other woman you've dated? Idiot
“Interesting. . .,” she says.
“I’m sorry, I don’t, I don’t know why I said that. I —”
“No, no. I understand. It's nice to hear.”
I’m sure she only said that to ease the embarrassment, but I know what’s up; that shit was stupid, and it won’t happen again. We talk a little more about our life plans and I can tell she’s a real one. We laugh, stuff ourselves, and enjoy each other’s company as long as possible. Glancing at my watch, two hours have passed, but she leans in closer, hinting that she isn't ready to leave. We look into each other’s eyes for a brief second and it feels like the world has gone still. I lean in close enough to smell her perfume again, rise from my seat, and hold out my hand.
“Would you like to dance with me, Kaiden?”
She says nothing through her smile, and gently gives me her hand in acceptance. Silently, we let the lights on the bridge continue to guide us across, as the hum of the band gets louder. The air is chilled, so I wrap my arm around her shoulder, and she doesn’t seem to mind by the way she tightens the grip, pulling me in close. My heart picks up the pace and I try to calm down, but it’s been difficult to do so for the entire night. We arrive in the middle of the dance floor, so I swiftly grab her hands and place them around my neck. Holding her around her waist we sway back and forth to the mellow sounds and for the first-time tonight, words weren’t necessary.
We’ve made it back to her place ending this great night. pulling into a parking spot, I turn off my car and sit in my seat for a minute. You can tell we both don’t want the night to end but it must. She reaches to open her own door.
“Nuh uh, don’t do that!” I affirm.
She giggles, but I’m serious. I get out of the car quickly and make my way around to her door.
“You know, you didn’t have to do that,” she mentions.
“It’s my pleasure, honestly,” assuring her.
We peer into each other’s eyes and the feeling of nervousness washes over me again. Her keys fidget in her hands and now I know she's become impatient. I can’t tell if she’s waiting for me to make my move or if I’m making this moment up in my head. Kiss her already!
“Um, well, it was nice. . .” she says.
C’mon, Darren.
“. . .I had a great time. I’ll call you?”
I nod yes as she starts to turn away from me. But I don’t let her get too far before I grab her arm, move in slowly, and . . .