The Start of Something Part 3

For a very long moment, as the rest of the world seemed to pause for us, we stood there kissing. His hands began sliding down towards the curve at the small of my back.  I could already feel myself spinning rapidly back into the throws of my desire, though there was something restrained about the entire kiss that left me hanging on for more. I felt him growl roughly into the kiss as his body pressed against mine, his hands urging my hips toward him.

    I gasped suddenly as my focus returned to the present moment.  Seeing the headlights shining through the blinds on the front door my daydream melted away instantly to be replaced by the serpents of anxiety squirming in my stomach. He's here. After a few months of talking we had finally made arrangements to spend a weekend together to "see how things go".  I was petrified.
    I felt like a mouse, being caged in with no turning back and no escape. I took a deep breath and peered out the blinds only to see my next door neighbor emerge from his car. I sank against the door with mild relief though I knew it was temporary.  I grabbed the phone clutching it to my chest, just in case he had trouble and needed to call.  After pacing my foyer for a few moments I decided to relax on my couch and distract myself with a program on Ancient Egypt.  I could feel my heart beating ferociously as every minute ticked by. I kept averting my eyes toward the clock every few seconds making my television observance non-effective as a diversion. The time flashed seven fifty nine, my heart beat faster so I placed a hand upon it in a soothing reflex.  Taking a few deep breaths I turned my head to look at the front door, silent and waiting as my only sentinel.  Eight o'clock ticked by...nothing.  I had thought for certain the pyramids and their mystery would keep my mind off of my nerves but I was sorely mistaken.  He is going to be quite unimpressed with me if I cannot get a hold of myself.  I closed my eyes and took some more deep breaths...not working.  Eight twenty two...my heart stops suddenly as the rap at the door seems to echo through my mind. At this point I nearly hyper-ventilate and make my way to the front door.  I can see his midsection through a couple of the crooked slats of the blinds. I make note of the vintage brown leather jacket he is wearing and smile slightly to myself.  I release the breath I was holding and turn the knob.  I felt frozen for a moment, like a deer in the headlights and hoped I was at least smiling at him. His eyes were much bluer in person and his face full of warmth and a hint of the passion hiding just beneath the surface of his composed countenance. Stepping aside and motioning him in, we embraced for the first time. It seemed to last only a second and I could hear myself say things like, "I hope your trip was fun" and "Glad you made it without event".  I love the smell of leather, and he wore it so well.
    I started breathing a bit more evenly at this point though my posture continued to indicate my unease.  I offered him a brief tour of my abode avoiding the children's messy rooms. As he followed me we discussed where we would like to dine and he outlined his preferences specifically leaving the decision up to me to satisfy.  I offered him some water and we sat on my couch as the narrator on TV continued on in monotonous banter.  I would not peel my eyes away from him and my breathing began to quicken in nervousness once again. He must have noticed because at that time he suggested he run out to his car to grab the letter he wrote to me and the CD he had made me. He made his exit and I took the opportunity to figure out where to take him for dinner.
    Moments later he returns carrying, not only the CD and a letter, but a silver package. A present! He is certainly not like the men I am used to dating. I could have cried but I was still too nervous. He gave me the CD and the letter and then slid the silver rectangular package on my lap. I looked up at him and told him he didn't have to get me anything. I don't really remember what he said in response because the blood was pumping so loudly in my veins the dialog during this moment was rather muted.  I removed the silver wrapping to expose a velveteen green hinged box in which I slowly opened...still unable to fathom even getting a present on a first date.  As my eyes fell upon the contents tied snugly in the white satin lining, I could not breathe.  It was a rose. A rose in which would last forever...made of crystal.  My God! What was he thinking!?  Where would I put this?  Was I hyperventilating?
   "Thank you...But you did NOT have to do this." I could hear myself say, and he just smiled at me with his eyes sparkling warmly.
   "I know. Isn't it beautiful?" He asked and I nodded, "You should find a place to put it so that it doesn't get broken." I was thinking I should keep it in its box, with my two kids and the cats.
   "I will place it on my dresser for now, in the box" I said as I rose to my feet, cradling the velveteen box in my arms as I brought it to my room.  He followed me and as I set it down I turned towards him and hugged him. He pulled me close to him enveloping me in his strong arms.  I felt as if I could have stayed right there for the whole night at least and then I heard his voice taking on a more sensual tone as he spoke softly to me.
   "You are exactly as you appeared to be from your pictures and more." I didn't really know what to say to this.
   "I am glad. So are you." as much as I hate copying sentiments...It's how I felt as well.  The best part about seeing him in person is that I could tell his intentions a bit better. I could determine if he was joking (which was a great deal of the time).  His eyes were always smiling and he looked as if he had something humorous to say about everything.
   It was at this moment that I gazed up at him and I felt very flushed at the look he was giving back to me.  He smoothed some hair from my face as I focused on his nearness, and how he still held me firmly against him. My lips began to quiver slightly and his head lowered barely sweeping his lips across mine as if to soothe them. How I wanted more. After lingering a moment he drew back and smiled at me. "We should go get food now, Kitten." I nodded in agreement feeling very dizzy.