Chapter I
"Where are you taking me?" Kiara asked impatiently for the hundredth time that afternoon.
"Keep your eyes shut, we're almost there," Eiodo told her again. Even though she was blindfolded, Kiara could tell her friend was smiling from the way it crept into his voice.
"That won't be much of a problem; I can't see through the bandana tied over my eyes." It was true, the smooth fabric was too thick for transparency, and when she tried, the images were too deranged to make anything out.
But it was not a problem, Kiara liked being surprised. And on this day, her seventieth birthday, anything would be special coming from her attractive boyfriend sitting in the driver's seat on her right. Their bodies were so close; she could feel comforting heat radiating from him. She breathed in the familiar soapy smell of his aftershave as she relaxed her back against the cushioned cat seat. It was then Kiara realized she was stiff with anticipation, and now she felt restless.
The car slowed to a stop, and before she could ask where they were, Eiodo leaned over and pressed his soft lips against hers. He pulled away quickly, making her hunger for more, but she his warm breath continued to tickle the back of her neck.
"You're so beautiful," Eiodo said absently, brushing the back of his band on her cheek. Thepitch of his voice made her wonder if he knew whether he was saying anything.
Kiara's hands formed a mind of their own and locked around Eiodo's neck. "I love you too," she smiled. When their lips met again, however, Eiodo's tongue explored her mouth. She was about to deepen the kiss when he pulled away a second time to remove her blindfold and stare into her oddly colored golden eyes.
His face was angelic-straight from a magazine or a fantasy story. Raggedy, black-brown hair that looked as if he hadn't combed it in days, yet it still seemed flawless, fell into his crystal blue eyes. He had a perfect nose, mature face, and firm muscles that rippled over his drop-dead sexy olive toned body. It was still hard to believe he fell in love with her first, and not the other way around.
A second passed before she noticed he had lowered his lips to rest on the nook of her neck. "Promise yourself to me?" he whispered longingly into her ear.
The thought sent goose bumps and an unwanted shiver down her spine. If only it was that easy, to just say it and let it come true. "I can't, I'm still too young to-" she hesitated. Where was she going with this?
He lifted his head and frowned. Kiara immediately regretted speaking so soon, but she knew it was for the best. She didn't know what was going to happen between now and whenever. Still, the hurt in his eyes sent searing hot daggers through her heart.
"I understand." It was impossible to hide his disappointment.
"Eiodo-"
"Let's go, we're here."