Chapter 16

Catherine finished the classes and went to her office. After drumming with her nails on the table, she took her phone and texted, "Are you free tonight?"

She put her phone on the table in front of herself. She stared at it waiting for it to buzz and it did.

"Tonight is the night?"

Alexandra being very playful sometimes annoyed Catherine. Especially, during this kind of important moments. She wanted to text her back but before she wrote anything, she received a text message. "I have a few things to be done. It will be no earlier than 8:00 pm. Is it OK for you?"

Catherine thought about it. Maybe this is a chance to delay it but she did not want to. "It is OK. I'll be waiting for you at my place". A few minutes later she received "Which one do you prefer red wine or rose?" Catherine texted while smiling, "Red". She immediately received a response, "Please send me your address". Catherine responded accordingly and put her phone down.

She ordered dinner that evening but barely touched it. She was nervous. It was as if she is getting ready for the first date with someone special. "It is not like we are doing it for the first time," she said aloud to calm herself. "On the other hand," she thought again, "the first time does not count since we were drunk. I barely remember anything". "The second time, I did not even do anything". It was so complicated. Catherine was not used to it. She missed the times when she was in charge.

It was 8:00 pm but no one buzzed the doorbell. Catherine walked from one side of the room to the other. "She is getting 10 minutes late," Catherine thought angrily. She sat down on her couch and took the book on the coffee table, and she heard the doorbell buzz. Catherine opened the door after she checked whether it is Alexandra.

-Nice place you have.

Alexandra did not rush to come in. Apparently, she wanted Catherine's approval. Catherine froze. She was looking at her. Then, realizing she should invite her, asked her to come in.

-Thank you. I still cannot get used to it. It is small comparing to my house in Bloomington.

-That house of yours... Did you buy it?

-No, I inherited it.

-I see. I brought wine. I really hope you can differentiate between a good and a bad wine.

Alexandra looked at Catherine with begging eyes. Catherine laughed taking the bottle from Alexandra.

-Oh, I know how a good wine should taste.

-Then, you will definitely like this one.

-What a self-confidence!

Alexandra smiled in response.

-I was worried that you are a scotch lover. Plus, while going to someone's place the first time you do not bring a bottle of scotch. Does not look so good.

-If I drank scotch in front of you, it does not mean I drink scotch on regular basis.

-It is not about seeing you drink scotch. It is about the way you consume it. You literally inhaled it.

While Alexandra was talking, Catherine left the room and reappeared from the kitchen with two glasses and a corkscrew.

-I was busy getting drunk. That does not happen a lot.

Catherine demonstratively smirked looking at Alexandra.

-I will be happy to see you again like that.

-That will be difficult to arrange.

Catherine opened the bottle and poured wine for both. They sat down on the couch. Catherine tasted the wine.

-This is really good. Haven't drink something like this for a long time.

-I am glad you like it. It means you can appreciate a good wine.

Ethan came into the room and seeing someone unfamiliar locked his eyes on Alexandra.

-It is so sweet. Does it have a name?

-Yes. Alexandra this is Ethan, my comrade for life.

Catherine introduced Ethan with a demonstrative tone. Alexandra stood up and bent down on one knee.

-Hey, Ethan. Nice to meet you. Give me your paw.

Ethan did so and Alexandra shook his paw. While she was interacting with Ethan, Catherine checked her from behind. She wore a shirt and skinny jeans, which emphasized her body structure. She broke her gaze as soon as Alexandra returned to the couch.

-I love dogs. When I was a child, I begged my mother all the time to buy me a puppy. One of my unrealized childhood dreams.

-You can have it now.

-Having a dog is a huge responsibility and I spend most of my time out of the apartment. As I said before, I love dogs. Therefore, I do not want to torture them.

Catherine looked at Alexandra with a kind and understanding look. They continued to drink the wine. Neither of them talked.

-So, who is going to initiate this?

Alexandra broke the silence. Catherine realized her being also excited. Catherine did not say anything. Alexandra asked another question.

-Probably, I should be the one, right? After all, you do not strike me as someone who leads in bed.

Catherine felt offended.

-What?! I am always the dominating one.

Alexandra looked at her with a confused face. She definitely did not believe her.

-Sorry if I offended you. The experiences we had do not say so.

Catherine could not say anything. She was right. After everything she went through with Jackie, her confidence was pretty shaken up. Thinking about how weak she became, she got angry. She had to gain her toughness back.

Catherine put her glass on the coffee table and leaned toward Alexandra. She put her hands around her waist, pulled her to herself and kissed her without hesitation. The kiss was not a tender one. She was angry, angry about how weak she became, how she cannot keep up with youngsters anymore. She kissed her aggressively. She wanted to apply all her anger on her. She wanted to prove her how tough she is. Alexandra put her hands on her back trying to hold her but she did not let this happen. She pushed her hands away and started unbuttoning her shirt. The couch was not so comfortable and Catherine stood up to pull Alexandra to her bedroom. On the way to the bedroom, she continued kissing her lips and neck. Once they were inside of the room, she pushed her to the bed and climbed up on her. Then, she froze. Alexandra looking at her with expectations asked, "What are you waiting for? Are you going to do it or not?" DEJAVU.

Catherine could not move. This very moment was like a barrier. It felt like if she passes it, everything will be different. Something was stopping her from doing it. Should she listen to her guts?

She put her hand on Alexandra's cheek. "Sorry", she said kindly and kissed her slowly, tender as if she was making it up to her.

They were moving intensively. They were rushing. It was like a competition on who is going to please the other first. In the middle, Alexandra was able to pull over Catherine and got on top. Catherine felt every single of her touches. It was like her fingertips were burning her skin while her lips were caressing her neck.

"Look into my eyes", Alexandra whispered and Catherine did. She looked into her blue eyes and saw her pupils dilating.