CHAPTER
TWO
3
months later, outside Caroline's loft
"I don't suppose you know where we're going tonight?" their fingers intertwined as rays of moonlight cascaded down onto their faces. Caroline nuzzled next to him, tantalizing him with her sweet perfume.
"David, honey, why don't we just stay in, like we always do?" her strides were intentionally slow as she basked in his affection for her. She grew to appreciate his honesty and sincerity with who he was. Their relationship brought security to her life. And tonight, as they meandered, chatting about nothing in particular, she came to realize how much she appreciated this new man in her life.
"Alright, but I was just thinking, you know, with it being so warm, that we could do something outdoors. They are showing old movies at Central Park. Why don't we take a picnic and go there?"
"Okay!" Caroline immediately brightened at the thought. David invested so much time instilling romance into their relationship. He pondered over details, and loved her with a respect she had never experienced before. Though these feelings were not wholly recipcrocated on her part, she knew that men like him were few and far between. She tried. She knew that deep within the core of her being, no one could fill the spot that Richard was meant for. No one could satisfy her, counteract her, or complete her like Richard. Though actuality saddened her, she would not allow herself to be victim of circumstance. She would search. There had to be someone else out there for her. And maybe this was he.
Caroline and David approached Central Park at around 7:30. It was a warm Thursday evening and dozens of couples were taking advantage of this. Blankets and baskets cluttered every available plot of land.
"Look, over there." David pointed to a willow tree that had been converted into a rather long bench. A couple was already occupying the left side. "We can eat there and still have a great view of the movie." He already began to walk over. Caroline followed close behind.
Caroline froze at the vision that welcomed her.
Of all the 7 million people that inhabited New York, they had to occupy this
bench. Once again, Caroline cursed fate for introducing this man into
her life. Despite the noise Caroline made, Richard's stared blankly at the movie
screen, and Julia slept soundly at his side. David seated himself at the end of
the bench and proceeded to open the basket, offering an apple to Caroline.
"Are you hungry?"
"No, not really. I'm just starting to feel a
little cold." She wrapped the blanket around herself while David busied himself
with the contents of their picnic.
"Caroline!" Richard's eyes widened in shock.
One, for her presence here, with another man, and two, because she was sitting
close to him. TOO CLOSE. Their thighs
were touching. Caroline shifted to increase the interval between them, but her
attempts proved futile.
"Oh, hey Richard." David reached his arm around
Caroline to pat him on the back. "Nice seeing you here. Looks like Julia had a
long day, huh?"
"No, she just doesn't have the patience to sit
through one of these. Entertainment, in her mind, consists of diamonds at
Tiffany's." Fortunately, the movie began, providing an escape to the emotions
that came flooding back into Caroline's mind. Within 20 minutes, David was
asleep, his head resting on his arm. His chest heaved hypnotically, and
Caroline envied him for the tranquility he was currently experiencing.
The first movie finished, leaving Caroline in
tears. Richard massaged the bridge of his nose.
"Do you want to stay for another one? It looks
like we won't have to worry about any interruptions this time. Whenever Julia
manages to maintain consciousness at a movie like this, she always asks three
million questions, like she doesn't know English."
Caroline looked to the sky, wishing she had the
self-control to decline the invitation. Stop it! You know what might happen.
"Okay. Sounds good. This is a rare opportunity. David's the exact same way. Always asking and never listening to what's going on."
"Alright then."
Caroline nestled into David's side. He stirred,
but remained content in his slumber. Within 30 minutes the temperature had
dropped dramatically. David pulled the covers over him, leaving a shivering
Caroline to fend for herself.
"Here," Richard handed her his jacket, and
retrieved another blanket from his duffle bag. Gently, he placed it over
Caroline and himself. Richard cursed admonition and rested his hand on
Caroline's arm. She responded, her head finding his shoulder and she inched
closer to him. This is just a friendly gesture. She tried to convince
herself. Richard stared straight ahead, for fear that Caroline would see the
desire etched in his eyes. Suddenly, he felt warms lips on his neck. He felt himself shudder as a moan escaped
him. He pulled her to him, fiercely, devouring her with every ounce of who he
was. He tasted her, shared her breath, and collapsed against her.
Richard's hands digressed up Caroline's back,
and settling to rest on her shoulders. Emotions that Caroline had managed to
conceal resurfaced with fervor. They briefly pulled apart from one another, and
then both leaned in, foreheads touching. For the first time in months, Richard
peered directly at her, finally recognizing the agony she had tried so hard to
disclose. Oh my gosh, she's crying. What have I done? Caroline's tears
mingled with the perspiration they accumulated within their "moment." Richard
placed his palms over her cheeks, and like a blind man, memorized every
contour. His hands moved to her ear lobes, chin, the hollow of her neck,
trembling from the contact of flesh to flesh.
"Caroline, I lo…………."
Suddenly, Julia stirred, an unwelcome reminder
of reality.
"Reechard, honey, can we go home now?" Julia
snuggled into his side, her eyelids, however, remained closed.
Caroline abruptly pulled away, nudging David
with her elbow. I can't do this. I can't ruin a marriage. She quickly
gathered their belongings and raced to David's car. A drowsy David rose from the bench, stumbling to keep up with his
girlfriend.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
TO BE CONTINUED……….