Behind Closed Doors, page 4
“Ah, I would absolutely love to see that but some other time,” I reply rapidly. “Now, I just need you.”
She reaches out from the shower, and for one horrifying moment, I wonder if she’s about to get out of the water which isn’t what I want, but she quickly snaps back with a condom in her hands. I’m mesmerized as I watch her tear the wrapper open and grab on to the latex in her fingers. While she rolls it down over my length with expert precision, I have to tense everything up because I’m pretty sure this could be the thing to tip me over the edge. I know that I’m freaking close and I’m so scared of losing myself…
But luckily, I just about manage to keep myself intact for long enough for her to turn herself around and show her back to me. Her palms splay across the tiles and she pokes her ass up in the air while looking over her shoulder to give me a cheeky wink. I can’t believe that this is what she wants from me. I must have done something right, because right now I feel like the king of the world, the cat with the cream, the luckiest man on the planet.
I grip on to her hips and slowly ease myself in to her. Lauren’s body stretches around me and she takes me inside, her walls clamping tightly around me as she does. I edge my hands up her body and cup her breasts, utterly loving the feel of her rock hard nipples between my fingers as I thrust in to her over and over again. Our bodies have molded together under the steaming shower jets, and it is absolutely phenomenal.
It isn’t long before the slams in to her body have my head spinning and my body reacting violently to her. The sensation of her hand holding me before is still rocketing through me, tipping me over the edge in to the abyss of pleasure far too rapidly, much before I’m ready to. Luckily, her walls are tightening too as the orgasm shatters through her at exactly the same time, which coaxes even more pleasure from me. Knowing that somehow, we’re coming together makes it that much more thrilling. It’s a sensation that I want to hold on to forever, that I never want to end. I would love nothing more than to cling on to Lauren forever and keep this going because she is making me the happiest that I have ever been.
Chapter Six
Lauren
Since I’m not exactly experienced when it comes to one night stands, or two nights, or a short fling, I don’t know what this is really, I’m not totally sure what to do. Climbing out of the shower together and getting dressed is absolutely fine because we both have something to do and lots to talk about at the same time, but once we have all of our clothes on, I’m suddenly struck that I should probably know what my next move should be.
The thing is I don’t want him to go, I’m enjoying having Leo around and I would love to keep him with me for the day. Even more so that I know that neither of us have anywhere to be, unless I finally get a phone call about moving in to my apartment, but I don’t know how to ask him to stick around. I don’t even know if I should. Would it be classed as clingy and annoying? I have no idea which is problematic. At least it is for me…
“Are you hungry?” Leo asks me with ease. “There is a great café around the corner if you want breakfast?”
“How do you know about the cafés here already?” I giggle. “Aren’t you new to California?”
“Well, my friend, Noah took me there yesterday for lunch and it was amazing,” he admits. “I’m just guessing that the breakfast will be just as good. Unless you don’t like the idea of that…”
I can’t stop myself from grinning like I have a coat hanger between my lips. In just a few short hours, Leo is already so much better than my ex, so much more mature. He never took me out anywhere to eat. We had takeout once, and even then I had to pay for it because he couldn’t afford to. This feels really great.
“That sounds amazing,” I gush. “I love the idea of it. Although I don’t know if I’m ready for the public. I don’t have a scrap of make up on and I have barely even brushed my hair. Plus, my outfit…”
“Skinny jeans and a tee shirt look incredible on you,” he insists. “And you are too beautiful for a makeup. Plus, who bothers to brush their hair these days? I’m sure that’s an outdated tradition.”
He doesn’t seem to be saying this just to hurry me up. Maybe I’m being naive, but he really does seem to see me as beautiful which gives me all the confidence that I need. I mean, I have walked completely bare in front of this man, not even caring if my butt was jiggling like crazy, so no makeup shouldn’t be that hard.
“Okay, fine.” I smile and nod, preparing myself to ease him again. “I suppose if you are okay with your hair like that then I can suffer mine.” The horrified expression on his face makes me laugh. “I’m kidding, of course.”
“Hmmm, you’re lucky,” he replies with mock suspicion. “Because breakfast was almost off the table then.”
He takes my hand and we head back out to the elevator where things all kicked up a notch last night. Luckily, or unluckily, I’m not too sure, it’s full this morning so we can’t get carried away. We have to simply act like a nice couple hanging out together, rather than two people who are practically horny teenagers.
God, it hasn’t ever been quite so thrilling for me before. Even this morning, it was so intense that I nearly lost myself completely. I really hope this goes somewhere because I want to explore it more.
We continue holding hands as we head to the café recommended by Leo’s friend, which gives this whole thing a sense of being the start of a relationship rather than just a night of passion. It feels like we’re actually a grown up couple as well, which puts my last very college relationship to shame. It makes me realize that this is definitely what I want. This helps me to feel like I’m in a brand new chapter of my life.
“Ooh yes, good recommendation,” I declare as we head inside. “It smells delicious in here.”
We take a seat at the table by the window, which gives us a view and a distraction, but neither of us use it. Instead, we’re too invested in one another. Even without the assistance of alcohol lubricating the situation, Leo is one of the easiest people that I have found to talk to in my whole life.
“So, would you love to go to Tokyo?” I ask with a cocked eyebrow. “That’s one of my dream places as well. I love the Japanese culture. It’s so different to our own. The temples, the fashion, the food…”
“Do you eat a lot of Japanese food?” He grows excited which shows me just how much he is passionate about this. “Because I love it, but I don’t imagine what we get here is anything like what they serve there.”
“I agree. I bet it’s a million times better. I can’t wait to get there for real sushi.”
I almost suggest that we go there together, but I don’t think that’s a good idea even as a joke. Even if this feels heavy to me right now, it might be light and superficial to him. He might not want it to carry on after today. Even if that crushes me inside, I will still be grateful for the time that we have shared.
“Ooh, the arcades as well,” he gushes happily. “It’s pretty much the home of the arcade game, isn’t it? That would be one of my first stops if I ever get there. Well, maybe after the Kabuki theatre…”
“We don’t have Japanese theatre around here, but we do have a pretty good arcade…” His eyes light up at my suggestion which fills me with relief. I carry on with my suggestion. “We could go if you want to.”
“Hell yes.” He does a mini fist bump. “That is if you don’t mind me being competitive.”
I raise an eyebrow at him. “Oh, you haven’t seen me yet. I’m the most competitive of all.”
“Ooh, I think this is going to get interesting…” he laughs. “I’m even more excited now.”
I am too, the most excited that I have ever been to go to the arcade. Mine and Leo’s similarities are going to lead to a very interesting day today. As me and Leo share a smile I can’t wait to see where it goes…
* * *
“I don’t think I have ever laughed so much in my life!” I squeal as we finally leave the arcade a few hours later. “You weren’t lying when you said that you’re competitive, were you?”
“Hey, it only caused issues when we were playing air hockey.” Leo holds up his hands defensively. “It worked out pretty well when it came to winning you that bear, didn’t it?”
As he nods to the little furry brown bear in my arms, I hug it tighter to me. It’s so soft and sweet, and definitely a wonderful memory of today. Not that I’m ever going to forget it.
“Little Benji is glad that you saved him from that machine. He’s glad to move in with me.”
“Who said you get to keep him? You don’t even have a place yet. You got no phone call today.”
I glare at him which causes him to peel in to laughter. “No one is taking my bear away.”
“Well, you are just lucky that I’m not so cruel. It’s clear that Benji loves you best of all. The only problem is he is going to want to live on your bed. Even when you move in to your home…”
“He will be. You don’t need to worry about that. I need a cuddle buddy at night.”
Of course, I would much prefer it to be him, but I can’t ask for that. I certainly can’t ask for it every night because that would be weird. We can’t live together after day one. Even if I feel like I could…
No, stop it, I warn myself instantly. This is the side of you that needs a relationship. Just go with the flow.
It’s hard to go with the flow when I don’t know where the flow is going to take me. I would just like some kind of confirmation from him. It feels like Leo likes me as much as I like him, like we are in this together, but until he tells me that himself, I can’t be one hundred percent sure.
I consider this as we walk back to the hotel, but I can’t quite find the words to ask him, so I let it remain stewing in my mind. I’m still not trying to do anything that will scare him away because I’m moving too fast. I’m enjoying Leo so much that I really want to keep him around for as long as I can.
“Well, this is me.” I force myself to drag my hand off of his as we get to the hotel. “Thank you again for today. It really was a whole lot of fun. I haven’t enjoyed myself like that in as long as I can remember.”
He steps closer to me and cups his hands on my cheeks before he pulls me in for a soft and gently kiss. The feel of his lips against mine sends tingles bursting all the way through my face. I want to keep him there, so I rest my hand on top of his and kiss him for what feels a bit like forever.
Eventually, he pulls back and he looks into my eyes. I think I can read his expression and it seems like he wants to see me again just as much as I do him, but still I’m not brave enough to pop the question.
Thank goodness, Leo doesn’t suffer with the same fear. “Can I take you out some time? On a proper date? I had a really good time as well and I would love to spend some more time with you.”
“Yes,” I shoot back instantly, not playing it cool at all. I’m just so happy to get over this hump because otherwise terror would make sure that neither of us ever lay eyes on one another again.
“Great! Well, can I get your number then? So, I can call you when I have arranged something perfect?”
He pulls out his cell phone but quickly notices that it’s out of battery. I could take his number, but I quite like the idea of him having to make the first move. It feels very romantic, so instead I take a pen and his hand, and I scribble my number across his palm. A shiver races up and down my spine as I do because again this feels all grown up. It’s like the plot of a movie or something rather than just a crappy college relationship. I have a feeling that me and Leo are going to go on to have an epic and intense romance. One that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I’m not saying this will go on to be my happy ever after, but it’s going to be a powerful chapter of my book.
“Thank you.” He kisses me once more. “I don’t want today to end, but I need to get planning.”
“Well, I expect to hear from you soon with the best date plan ever.”
“No pressure then.” His hand rests on my shoulder. “See you soon. I’m looking forward to it already.”
“Me too,” I reply coyly. “I’m sure it will be amazing.”
I nearly fall against the wall as I watch him walk away because I can barely hold myself up. I never expected anything so magical to ever happen to me, and I am going to embrace every moment of it.
Chapter Seven
Leo
I feel like I’m floating in air as I walk away, my feet not touching the ground. Sure, I didn’t come to California with romance on my mind, I thought that wouldn’t come for years after the pain that I have been through, but I’m not about to shut it down because it’s arrived so early. This is actually perfect. Just what I need.
Last night and today have been the best of my whole life. I haven’t ever felt as inspired like this, as turned on and full of excitement. I don’t even recall it being so much at the early days of me and Emma. I was happy to be with her, sure, because I didn’t know what was coming, but it wasn’t as much as this. I feel like a different person, like she has dragged out the best side of me already. I love who I am around her.
I can’t wait to tell Noah, I think excitedly. He’s going to be so shocked that I found someone.
I don’t know what his advice will be actually. He only really told me to hook up with someone, not to start dating another woman, but surely when he sees how happy I am, he will be okay with it. Pleased for me. Especially if having someone who makes me happy causes me to be even better at my job. The peace and bliss that will come outside of the office will surely make my concentration in the lecture hall so much clearer.
It really is all coming together, isn’t it? The best job that I could ever hope for, a nice apartment that I’m sure will look amazing once I actually get everything unpacked, and the coolest woman ever. A beautiful woman who came into my life seemingly by fate, who I share things with but that we also have differences, who makes me laugh and gets my sense of humor, one who is far too perfect to be real… but is somehow in existence.
I can’t wait until me and Lauren actually open up to one another and learn all about each other. It’s okay that hasn’t happened yet, it’s much too quick for that, but soon it will all come out bit by bit. I thought that it would exhaust me to have to start opening up again with someone new, but Lauren invigorates me.
People smile at me as I walk passed them, which seems a little strange since the public are generally very unfriendly in New York, but as I pass a window and I catch a glimpse of my reflection, I realize that it’s because I’m grinning like a lunatic. I didn’t even realize that my joy was shining through so obviously. I’m sure that I must look like a mad person to everyone else, but then they are treating me friendly. Maybe they realize that this is because of a blossoming new romance and for some reasons, strangers are happy for me.
I glance at Lauren’s cell phone number on my hand, admiring the curve of her writing. I can’t fully relax though because it doesn’t feel secure enough only on my palm. I need to charge the battery of my cell phone so that I can store it in there and maybe get it on a piece of paper stored somewhere safe as well. So that I will never lose the ability to contact Lauren, because that would be the worst thing in the world.
Where am I going to take her? I wonder as I take the next corner on the way to my apartment. Somewhere Japanese maybe? Since I have never found anyone to share my love of Tokyo before so I would love to continue that. One day, I would love for the pair of us to go, to really experience the country which fascinates me more than anywhere else, but that is a bit much for a second date (although it would be incredibly special!) so maybe finding somewhere nearby where we could have an authentic experience would be a close second.
I will need to have my apartment sorted by then as well, in case we end up back there. Even though Lauren is in the process of moving herself and probably understands, she’s far too precious to be taken in to my place when it’s in such a state. She deserves to be treated like an absolute princess, and I want to give her that.
“Hey, Leo!” All of a sudden, a familiar voice grabs my attention. I glance up from my hand to see James, the post grad student who has been assisting Noah waving frantically at me. “Wait there!”
I wait for him to catch me up, and I can already tell from the look on his face that he’s going to ask me about last night. To be honest, I would much rather talk to Noah first, because he’s my close friend here, but I’m so bursting with the romance that I’m sure is budding, I am keen to share it with anyone.
“Hi, James, how are you?” I continue grinning like a fool. “All good?”
“Urgh, I was hung over to hell this morning. But I’m feeling a bit better now. Just getting some take out to eat because I’ve got to the stage where I’m absolutely starving, but I can’t be bothered to cook.”
“Good, good.” I pat him on the shoulder. “Your tolerance isn’t great though, is it?”
“Nah, I know. Not like yours.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “You certainly seem happy today. And it’s the sort of happiness that can only come from one thing. So, spill the beans. What happened?”
“I ended up meeting the most incredible woman.” I flick my hand at him so he can see the number. “She’s perfect. We had the most amazing night and then day together as well.”
“You spent the day together?” James asks, sounding incredulous. “You aren’t supposed to spend the day together when it’s just a hook up because it can really complicate things. You have to be honest with your intentions from the start or someone will end up getting their feelings hurt.”
“I know that… but it wasn’t just a hook up. I really like her. I think it might be the start of something.”
James opens and closes his mouth a couple of times, looking like a gold fish. I can’t help but laugh.
