11 Days

ONE KISS

Right outside the barn I spread out a blanket to sit and read the book Six had given me this morning. Gus had woken up from his nap and decided to accompany me to take another nap, the poor man was tired from sleeping so much. Sometimes I heard Six clap to get the attention of the dogs, other times I heard the high-pitched sound of the toys along with the playful barking and growling of the dogs but not once did I look up to see what Six was doing or how he was doing. I explained how to feed the kids, I told him that they spent most of their time in the pools and then dried themselves while running in the fenced area. It was not necessary to bathe the dogs unless we took them to the lake, at the end of the day Sam and I would apply dry shampoo on them, so they stay clean. To my delight, Six had been a perfect fit with them, especially Lulu. Little Lulu was a white chihuahua of at least two years old, she hated women, but men did not present any problem for her - today Lulu had met the love of her life and I had met the new volunteer.

When I heard Six come out of the fenced area and the soft thread of bare feet on the grass I started to smile, either because of the fact that he was approaching or because I wanted to know how he was going with the children, I smiled. Six slumped next to me letting out a long sigh, his neck slightly flushed, his chest heaving, the gold of his hair dull from the lack of sun today. Six looked exhausted. The fingers of both hands ran through his tousled hair and when he flexed his arms, his biceps swelled and I could discern the muscles and veins from his lower arms; I forced myself out of the trance before he realized I was ogling him.

“Rough day?” He followed the sound of my voice through the corner of his eye but otherwise, he did not hold my gaze fully. “Is there anything wrong?” maybe this wasn’t what he was expecting.

A shake from his head was followed by a lazy smile. The kind of smile that you would draw on your face when something had gone well, and you realize that everything you had to do to get to that point was worth it. From his back pocket he took out his notepad and began to write.  

They’re very demanding but I had a lot of fun.

“I’m glad!” I said putting the book down on my lap. “Would you like to take them to the lake?” his eyes widened in horror. The poor guy was exhausted and no wonder, after dealing them for the first time, dogs can be furry little gremlins after falling into a water pit. “I’m joking. I think you’ve done really good.”

I think so too.

Then he tapped at an open page from the book.

How are you doing with that?

“I think I’m alright. I went through the basics but if I can get hold of videos I’ll learn in no time.” I almost bit my tongue to reveal more about myself than he needed to know, but something in Six's expression prompted me to tell him. "I don't have a computer or a phone, the only piece of modern technology in my department is a television donated by Joey - my boss." Six just stared at me, his hands remaining relaxed in his lap. "My brother will send me everything I need to be able to rejoin this era."

I could film the videos for you.

“No, God, no. Please…” I was at loss for words. “I will continue to practice with this and give it back once I have my new laptop.”

Suddenly the thunderous roar of a car interrupted us- Sam had returned from her errands. "Come on, the boss is here." I patted Six on the shoulder and we both stood up. Gus lazily followed us back to the barn and wagged his tail as soon as he saw Sam enter. She grinned at me and then gave Six a quick glance over. I have no idea why, but I blushed when I recognized the approval in her eyes.

“We meet again, young man!” Six smiled and held up his hand, Sam took it and shook it. “A firm hold, I like that.” Sam had us go into the office with her; both Six and I sit across from her. “I must assume you’re not here to admire my beauty.”

Six smiled at her and waved her off, effectively dismissing her.

What happened next made me feel uneasy when I saw how Six wrote on his notepad, ripped the page out and folded it in half to hand it to Sam, who read it seriously. "I see." she said. "Honey, you can go home now. The young man and I are going to talk for a bit."

I said goodbye, packed all my things and left the barn in search of my bike. Sam was rarely serious with other people unless it was extremely sensitive. As I pedaled home in my head a lot of theories took shape. Maybe Six was a mobster after all, he didn't look like it, but it might as well be a possibility. To my delight I made it home safely even as I considered visiting Maven and Tony and spending the rest of the afternoon drinking cheap wine, I held back and decided I'd better drink it on my own. Two hours later I was in bed watching a romance movie eating popcorn and draining a bottle of rose wine on my own. The tranquility of my day went to s**t when someone knocked on my door. "I'm going!" I yelled as I headed for the entrance. I slammed open the door and there was Six with both hands in his pockets, looking as fresh as ever. "Hello..." then he proceeded to hand me a folded piece of paper. Read, he mouthed. I did.

I was wondering if you had plans for tonight other than spending it locked in your apartment like a hermit. If you have nothing better to do, would you like to have dinner with me? In my place, of course. If you say no, I would like a chance to convince you.

I was overwhelmed by his confidence boost. Was this what it meant to be courted? What did I know about those matters if the only boyfriend I had ever had in my twenty-one years of life won me over with donuts. "For aesthetic reasons I'm going to refuse at this moment. And now what?" curiosity brought out the worst in me by wanting to know how Six would try to convince me.

Six licked his lips as he advanced towards me, he cornered me against the open door and took my hands in his, guiding them behind my back. My lungs began to fail me, but I soon found a new source of sustenance when Six's lips descended on mine, the kiss was sweet at first - a gentle exploration of our mouths and tongue. Then it turned into a sensual dance with light bites and grinding of our lower bodies. I moaned into his mouth as he drank from me. He groaned when he slid his leg between my thighs, and I began to rub against his jeans. All too soon he broke the kiss, leaving me panting and wanting more of him. I wasn’t being courted by the new guy; I was being seduced by him. “So what’s for dessert?”