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I came out of the bathroom from showering and made my way back into…a nightmare. Not literally, but it looked like a Tasmanian devil had whipped around my room scattering my clothes everywhere. Zilla had a couple lined up on the bed, but most of the rest were lying on the floor in massive heaps. She came out of the closet with several pairs of shoes to match the outfits she deemed worthy and dumped them onto the bed. She urged me forward and I reluctantly began trying things on. I went through about fifteen different items, ten dresses and the rest blouses and jean skirt combinations. Some of them I wore with heels, some with wedges and a few with boots. No sneakers, regular jeans or even one of my favorite band shirts were allowed for consideration.
She finally settled on a satin emerald green blouse that matched my eyes perfectly. It tied on the side and had a plunging neckline which exposed a little cleavage and was mostly backless. It was trimmed at the hems with black velvet. She paired it with a mid-thigh length jean skirt and a pair of matching black satin heels. I tried to protest about how cold it might be outside, but she nixed my worries and handed me a double stranded black choker with matching earrings.
She gave me the one over, clearly pleased with her work thus far and started pulling me toward my desk chair. She grabbed my makeup and began poking and prodding at me for another ten minutes, finally shoving a mirror at me. I pulled it up level to my chin, unsure what I might find staring back at me and gasped. I didn’t even recognize myself. My features were meticulously and discreetly hidden beneath the face of a glittery porcelain doll. There was dark eyeliner, a spatter of green-hued shadow, long flowing lashes, powdery white foundation and a light pink blush. She grabbed my glitter puff and tapped me a few times with it for good measure. This was the first time that I had ever been absolutely mesmerized by her efforts. I threw my arms around her and squeezed. “You are so awesome.”
She hugged me back. “I know. All part of the best friend thing, ya know. You don’t look half bad if I do say so myself.”
I smacked her on the arm. “You really like it?” She nodded her approval. “Good, because it just comes natural. You can’t buy this,” I said snickering and waving my hands over the length of my body for emphasis.
She stifled a yawn. “Sorry it’s been a very long day. Also, not to burst your bubble, but Prince Charming should be here soon.” I must have looked like I was about to pass out because she added, “Oh geez, don’t look so horrified. It’s going to be fine. You’ll go out, have a great time, come back and we’ll talk tomorrow. We’ll get everything figured out, trust me.”
“Thanks Zilla,” I said spritzing on some last minute perfume. “I’ll walk you downstairs and call you first thing tomorrow to give you all the juicy details, if there are any.” She winked and I blushed a horrific shade of crimson.
I made sure she was fully out of sight before I shut the door and locked it. I ran into the kitchen and scarfed down a few snacks before Cole arrived. It’s just a rule that when you’re out on a date you eat beforehand so you don’t seem like a heifer. I heard the doorbell ding so I chugged some water and went to snatch my satin green clutch off the kitchen counter. I noticed it was still open, so before I shut it I peeked inside and saw the items Zilla added. I laughed out loud when I got a gander at what was in there. A condom, some breath mints, an extra pair of panties, my money clip with credit cards and ID, and some other various items.
I sighed. Did she really think I was going to sleep with this guy on our first official date? I’m still a “v” and not really interested in giving it away this early in the game. Besides, I had contemplated holding out until marriage anyway. The doorbell chimed again and I snapped back into panic mode. I came to a skidding stop at the front door, took a deep breath and opened it wide. Cole was standing there staring back at me and when he saw what I was wearing he grinned so wide it made his face light up. I’d have to remember to thank Zilla again tomorrow.
I was so caught up in the way he was looking at me that it took me a minute to do the same for him. He had on a pair of tight-fitting stonewashed jeans, a beige and white striped button-up and matching brown flip-flops. He held up a bouquet of multi-colored roses he’d had hiding behind his back. “Are those for me?” I asked astonished. He nodded and handed them too me.
I breathed in their heady scent and said, “Thanks, they’re very pretty.” He reached out to take my other hand and kissed it. “I thought they looked beautiful, but that was before I saw you tonight.” He broke off one of the roses which he carefully tucked behind my ear and smiled.
I flushed and said, “I’ll be right back, just going to put these in some water.” I assumed he would have followed me in, but he didn’t. When I came back he was still standing at the front door waiting. I gave him a sly look and he said, “Shall we?” Then he took my hand to lead me to the car.
I began having heart palpitations when I got a look at what he was driving. A 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS in a cherry red color with black racing stripes. “This is your car?” I asked bewildered.
“Yes,” he responded amused. “You like it?”
Not only did I like it, I loved it. It was the kind of dream car I had been begging my parents to buy me for years. “Absolutely,” I said not hiding my excitement. “This is the car I’ve been picturing myself in since I was twelve years old. I’m so jealous right now it’s not every funny.”
He laughed and led me around to the passenger side where he opened the door for me and after I was settled in, shut it gently. It smelled like leather and new car. Either he just bought this puppy or he was really good at keeping it clean. Before he buckled himself in he grabbed something out of his pocket and handed it to me.
It was a piece of black fabric. I began to unfold it expecting some sort of jewelry to fall out when I realized what it was really intended for, a blindfold. “What’s this?” I asked uneasily. The idea of not being able to see on a first date made my stomach clench. Not to mention my makeup would probably get smeared.
“I told you I wanted it to be a surprise and that means waiting until the very last minute, which in turn means you have to wear the blindfold,” he replied entertained. I hesitated. “You’ll ruin the surprise if you don’t,” he chastised. With a little reluctance I let him tie it and after several attempts at making sure I couldn’t see him I felt the car start and lurch forward. He flipped the radio on to an oldies station. “What kind of music do you like?”
“I’m really into indie bands right now, but I pretty much like anything except hard core metal stuff. The screaming makes my head hurt. What about you?”
“Same here. Are you comfortable?”
“For the most part yes, it’s just a little weird having my eyes covered like this while trying to make conversation.” I didn’t want to say it directly, but I felt as if he had been staring at me the whole time and it was making me more nervous. “Are we close?”
“Yep almost there, just a little farther.”
It felt like hours to me, but was actually only around five minutes later when we pulled to a stop and he shut off the engine. I heard him get out then nothing but silence until he opened the door. He grabbed for my hand and helped me slide out so I wouldn’t lose my balance. I could hear waves crashing against the shore all around me and knew we were at the beach. I reached up to take the blind fold off and he caught my wrist. “Tsk tsk,” he said guiding me forward, “were almost there.”
We wadded through the sand, me carefully trying not to fall in heels. I wished I had brought flip-flops instead. When we finally came to a stop he told me to stay put while he finished up something. A moment later I felt his fingers tugging at the knot on the blindfold. When it fell away I was captivated by what I saw. We were partially hidden in a small cave near the beach. Close enough that I could reach out and dip my toes in the water. There was a giant beach blanket spread out with a picnic basket a
nd several small purple candle holders with lit votives in them. Exquisite silver and lavender china was carefully arranged near the edge and a matching napkin folded into a giraffe rested on each plate. “You like it?” he asked pulling some wine glasses out.
“I love it. It’s very beautiful,” I replied shyly. He sat down and patted the spot beside him as he pulled out a bottle of something that looked very similar to apple cider and poured us each a glass. He handed one to me and said, “To new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings,” I replied tapping his glass against mine. He reached back into the basket and pulled out an amazing spread of food. There were dozens of little finger sized desserts like chocolate covered strawberries, cherry cheesecake bites and cannoli's. There was fresh bread with honey butter and for the main course some savory chicken fettuccini alfredo with broccoli. I nibbled a little of everything and sighed back onto the blanket. He scooted in closer to me smiling and brushed away a strand of fallen hair. The gesture made my face flush so I averted my eyes, trying to find something else equally compelling to look at.
“Don’t do that,” he said resting his hand under my chin and tilting it back towards him. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable, but I love looking into your eyes.”
“You do?” I asked slightly taken aback. My eyes were usually not the feature guys liked the most.
“Yes,” he assured me, “I imagine the color of them is like a pool under the shade of a forest of ancient trees. They remind me of somewhere I grew up.”
I wanted to ask him more about that, but instead I interrupted his kind words by blurting out, “Why did you want to go out with me?” Way to ruin the moment, I thought to myself. He frowned. “Sorry,” I said embarrassed. “It’s just that I haven’t really dated before and usually the guys are into one of my friends, not me.” I sighed and closed my eyes. “I probably just ruined my chance at a second date didn’t I?”
He shook his head and laughed. “Well, let’s see here, when we first met you were rude, obnoxious, and a bit on the arrogant side.” I scowled. “Then you came stalking over to me to apologize, which, if you ask me, was pretty ballsy. Then you hauled off and kissed me, amazing by the way, even if it was to make another guy jealous. I just couldn’t help myself after that. You’re enchanting and sassy, everything I want in a woman.”
“That sounds like a fair assessment,” I said feeling giddy. “Now, tell me all about yourself. You know, the usual, where you live, school or just whatever you can think of.”
“Well let’s see, I’m 19, I work at Destiny’s part time, and I’m home-schooled during the day. I enjoy video games, reading and pizza, but I hate onions. I think that about sums it up. What about you?” His phone started ringing and he sighed, picked it up and looked at the screen. He tensed and said, “I gotta take this one, but I promise I’ll be right back.”
He stood up and went a little farther down the beach. I scooted forward to put my toes in the water and let the cool surf lap at my ankles. When my feet started getting cold I wiggled them into the sand and leaned back onto my hands so I could get a better view of everything around me. I glanced over to where Cole was standing with his back to me. The moonlight danced on his skin like tiny little sugar plum fairies, the sight of his handsomeness making my head spin.
His hands began moving around frantically in front of him like he was trying to make a point to whoever was on the phone. His voice rose a little higher at the same time a light breeze picked up making me wish I had brought a jacket. I listened attentively and overheard him say, “…I said I’d take care of it…she’s covered…you’re ruining it….it’s almost done…,” and then he hung up.
I started to panic. Was he talking about me and if so to whom? It’s almost done, what does that mean? I’m all alone out here with a guy I barely know and he’s talking about having me covered. Adrenaline began coursing through my body as I mentally examined all the scenarios that could play out tonight. Could I escape now before he saw me? The odds were definitely not in my favor out here on a deserted portion of the beach with no car.
“Are you okay?” he asked noticing my hysteria.
I gulped. “Yeah, just a little tired is all. Maybe we should head home now?”
He smiled. “Why would we want to do that? Aren’t you having fun?”
“Of course,” I said trying to look as coy as possible. If something was going to go down I might as well tip the scale in my favor. I took a deep breath and ventured further. “Who were you talking to about me on the phone just now?” He looked on the verge of anger, like I had intentionally eavesdropped on his conversation.
I shook my head. “I know what you’re thinking, but I didn’t. The wind carried bits and pieces down here and that’s how I heard it.”
His earlier demeanor waned as he said, “It was just my mom. She wanted to see how things were going and what time I would be home.” He sidled up next to me and draped his arm around my neck causing goose bumps to break out all over my skin.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
I was a little, but I didn’t want him to take that as an invitation to get even closer. “No, I’m okay.” I stared out at the ocean and knew he was watching me, which made warm blood brush each of my cheeks until they were a bright red hue. I snuck a glance his direction and noticed he was intently staring at my neck. His eyes seemed to be a weird color, but I couldn’t be certain if it was just the bad lighting or not. Either way, he was making me uncomfortable so I started to get up. He snatched my wrist and pulled me back down until our eyes locked. His pupils seemed to dilate and I instantly felt a release of all the panic and fear that had been welling up inside of me. Some part of me knew that this was wrong, I shouldn’t be so calm. He reached out and cupped my cheek in his hand.
At the angle we were sitting I was able scope out his body, every curve and bulge of muscle, the shape of his face and lips, the way his hair glistened like a black river in the moonlight. I noticed him giving me the same look and my stomach began doing flips. I’d never felt this way about anyone before. Especially someone I hadn’t known for very long, even if there were weird intense moments between us. I decided that I wanted him to kiss me and hoped that he would take a hint.
I lay down on my back and he leaned over me, sliding his hand underneath my neck and winding his fingers in my hair. He brought his mouth down onto mine slow and steady, each of us letting our tongues and lips explore the contours of each other’s mouths. Every so often he would venture to the side of my neck, just below my ear, and nibble or bite which caused me to moan in response. Things grew more insistent, the kind of kiss that said, “I need you right here, right now.” He let his fingertips trail the length of my inner thigh. I exhaled deeply and whimpered.
He rolled onto his back and pulled me up on top of him, but as he grabbed my hips and ground me into him I pulled back. Some distant part of my brain was registering the fact that I could let this go too far and I wasn’t as ready for that yet. I needed to get to know him, I needed time. I rested my hands on his chest and gently pushed us up into a sitting position. I leaned forward and nuzzled my face against his neck. His breathing became more regular as he combed his fingers through my hair and said, “What’s wrong?”
I hesitated, not wanting to tell him all about my private life, but if I didn’t he’d never know there were boundaries I wasn’t willing to cross. Not yet anyway. “Nothing. It’s just that…I…I don’t think I’m ready yet.” I buried my head in my hands and continued. “I’m really sorry for leading you on and everything, but there’s something I should tell you.”
He eyed me curiously and said “Go on.”
“This is so embarrassing,” I said sighing and trying to avoid his gaze, “but I’m a virgin,”
He laughed high and loud, the kind that could shake the very ground you’re standing on. I pushed him, “What’s so funny?” He stopped chucklin
g, scooted closer and took my hand. “Nothing is funny about that. I would never do anything you don’t want to and that’s a promise. The reason I was laughing is because I’m a virgin too.”
That was difficult to believe, especially with how hot he was and the fact that he seemed to know what he was doing. “Really?”
“Yep. I haven’t exactly found the right one so I’ve been I guess you could say, saving myself. Look Callie, I understand that you feel like we need more time to get to know each other and I for one agree. There’s absolutely no rush or pressure here. I like you and I want to make this work.” He tilted my chin upwards and kissed me on the cheek.
It was almost like he knew what I was thinking or feeling and that made me even more nervous. He smiled reassuringly, which showcased all his pearly white teeth and then started packing everything back up into the picnic basket. I stared out into the distance letting my thoughts wander for so long that I hadn’t even noticed Cole taking things back to the car. I only snapped out of it when I glimpsed Draven floating up towards me from the water. I jolted up and quickly scanned the perimeter for signs of Cole. I didn’t want to get him mixed up in the other part of my life that was a mess. Luckily for me he was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t look happy and I’m sure he could tell I felt the same. “What are you doing?” I asked furiously. “You know I’m on a date right now.”
“I know,” he replied gruffly, “but I need to speak with you privately. It’s important.” There was an underlying tone to his words that I couldn’t place. I made a mental note to analyze it later.
“Okay, well as you can see now is not the time or place. It’s not like I can continue talking to your ghostly figure when Cole comes back, he’ll think I’ve gone off the deep end. I guess meet me back at my house in an hour and we can talk then.” I heard a car door shut and knew Cole was on his way back. “One hour and don’t be late,” I said waving him off. He looked super angry and upset that I had dismissed him, but turned around and faded away.
Cole came up behind me, took my hand and pulled me into his arms. “Hey space cadet, ready to go?” he asked looking around with a weird expression. He sniffed the air curiously and then as if realizing what he has just done, focused his attention back to me.
“Not really, but yeah.”
“Don’t worry,” he said pulling me closer, “this is just the first of what I hope will be many more wonderful adventures.”
I couldn’t help but smile. In this moment I felt happy and I didn’t think anything could break my mood. That was until I got home, of course.
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