A/N
Hey, y'all. I hope this update finds you well. We are heading into Fall now and it's not my most favorite time of year. I love the colors when the leaves change but I don't like the time change. It gets darker sooner and my mood manages to tank. I love the sunshine and warm weather. Any who, thanks for the patience on the update. I also posted a one shot called Behind the Badge last week. I wrote the story a year ago and after reading back over it, I found some errors that needed to be fixed. The plot is still the same though. Take care and until next time.
Chapter 6
Ana
As I step out of my car, my father exits his and starts walking toward me. I've had such a great weekend and I really don't want it to end on a sour note.
"Anastasia, where have you been? I've come by here for the past two days looking for you," he huffs, looking between me and my house.
"Well, here I am. What can I do for you?" I grab my keys from my purse and walk to the front door.
"I'd like to talk to you about a few things." I open the door and we walk inside.
"Okay, what's on your mind?" I ask then look past him for my mother. "Where is mom?"
"She is at home. I really wish you would consider my offer to set you up with one of gentlemen I work with. They are all smart, successful, and financially well off. You wouldn't have to worry about money for the rest of your life." He plants his hands firmly on his hips like is preparing for an argument.
I exhale a frustrate breath through my nose. Dammit, I wish he would give this a rest. How many times to I have to tell him I am not interested? Besides, after this weekend, I won't have to worry about money either. And I did it all on my own.
"Listen, dad. Like I've told you before. I am not interested in hooking up with any of your co-workers. I find them boring and self-centered. Please do me a favor and drop the subject." I try to keep my voice calm, but it is becoming difficult.
"Why are you so hardheaded? You are just wasting your skills. Why can't you take my advice and do something constructive with your life!" His voice is becoming louder as he talks but I am not backing down.
"I am doing something constructive! I teach children how to do things that matter in life. Like how to read and do math, not be their significant other's doormat. I will not turn out like my mother." I take a few breaths to try and calm myself before I continue.
"This is not the 1920's where the wife stays home, and the husband works and makes all the decisions for the family. Times have changed, dad, and I refuse to be pushed into something I don't want to do. I think it's best for you to leave now before we both say something we regret."
I stare my father down and I swear he is on the verge of steam blowing from his ears.
"This topic of conversation is far from over young lady," dad spits out. He jerks the front door open, almost pulling it off the hinges.
I watch him stalk to his car and the tires screech as he pulls away.
I drop on the couch and lean my head back. I take deep breaths to fight back tears but it's no use. I cry as my father's words repeat in my head. How did he end up this way? He couldn't have been raised like this. I need to talk to Grandma Steele.
After a few minutes of crying tears of frustration, I hop off the couch and take my suitcase to my room. I have laundry to take care of and a week of meals to plan. I wish I was a better cook.
I get my clothes started and realize I haven't text Courtney or Jose that I made it home safely. I go in search of my purse and find it on the floor near the couch. My phone has several texts, missed calls and a voice mail. What the hell?
I walk into the kitchen as I send messages to Jose and Courtney to tell them I made it home okay. The voice mail is from an unknown number with a Seattle area code. I place the phone on the countertop as I press play on the message. Thankfully, it is on speaker, or it would have crashed to the floor when I heard the baritone voice coming through.
I stand still as I listen to Christian's message. He is not telling me to get tested for an STD. He wants to see me again. Holy shit on a cracker!
I cover my mouth in shock as I listen to the message play again. This sounds like a completely different person from the Christian I remember. Confidence and arrogance are now replaced with doubt. He almost sounds scared. It makes me chuckle as I listen to him stutter through asking me out for a date. I save the message and decide to come back to it later.
I pour a glass of wine and dial Grandma Steele's number.
"Hello?" Her sweet voice comes through the phone, and I smile.
"Hi grandma, it's Ana."
"Annie, dear. It's so good to hear your voice. How are you, honey?"
We talk back and forth for a few minutes catching up and she asks me when I'm coming to see her.
"I will come Saturday morning and spend the day. How does that sound?"
"That's perfect. I can't wait to see you. It's been a while." I gulp and nod my head.
"I know, grandma and I'm sorry. My life is busy but that's no excuse for not making time to see you. I'll see you Saturday and tell you all about it."
"Wonderful, sweetheart. Take care and I love you!" Her voice is soothing and one of her hugs would do wonders for me right now.
"I love you grandma." I hear the line click and I look at my phone screen to see she hung up. She still has a landline and doesn't believe in having a cell phone. She thinks people have lost their minds by using mobile phones for everything.
I sit on the couch, sipping my wine and think about my options. I could wait and talk to Courtney tomorrow about Christian, but I want to handle this on my own. I know she will tell me to go for it. So, before I can change my mind, I type in Christian's phone number and press send.
It rings a few times before he answers. "Hello?" He answers with hesitation in his voice.
"Christian?" I ask, because I'm honestly not sure it is him.
"Yes, who is this?" He asks, sounding annoyed.
"Hi, Christian. It's Ana Steele. You called me earlier and I am calling you back." I bite the tip of my nail waiting for his response.
"Oh, hi Ana. I'm sorry for being rude. I have not stored your number in my phone yet and didn't recognize the number. How have you been?" His voice is softer now and I imagine his lips curling into a smile.
"I've been busy. I just got back into town a little bit ago." I won't go into detail now, but I will if he asks.
"I hope it was a nice trip, wherever you went."
"I visited a friend in LA and had a great time. The weather was so nice I almost hated to come home to rainy Seattle," I say and hear him chuckle.
"California does have nice weather. I've been there a few times. I'm not sure if you listened to my message but I would like to see you again." Wow, nothing like getting to the point.
"I listened to your message. I will go out with you on one condition."
"And what would that be?" His voice oozes seduction and I smile.
"You let me plan everything about the date." I wait patiently for a response. When he says nothing, I check my phone to make sure I didn't lose connection.
"Hello? Christian, are you there?"
"Yes," his voice comes out scratchy and he clears his throat. "Yes, I am here. Sorry about that. I would be happy to let you plan what we do. When can I see you?"
"I have plans on Saturday to see my grandmother, does Sunday work for you?"
"Yes, that sounds perfect. Will you let me know where you live so I can pick you up?" he asks eagerly.
"I will text you my address this week, okay?"
"Of course, it's okay. Will you tell me how I can dress? I must admit it feels strange not planning this, but I trust you."
I chuckle and promise to let him know so he can prepare.
"Thank you for calling me back, Ana. I can't wait to see you again."
"I am glad you called me. I am looking forward to our date. See you later, Christian."
"Bye, Ana."
I end the call and feel butterflies flutter in my tummy. I don't want to get overly excited about this date, but I can't help it. Christian is extremely good looking, but he is a player. I hope I don't get my heart broken.
The next morning, I sit at my desk enjoying the quiet before the chaos that usually comes on Monday. Said chaos charges into my room and stands in front of my desk. I look at her over the rim of my coffee cup.
"Why didn't you tell me?" I look at her waiting for more.
"Tell you what?"
"You called Christian back last night and set up a date. I'm hurt you didn't call me back." Courtney tries to make her face look upset but I know she's not mad.
"Yes, I called him back. How do you know about that?"
"Never mind that. Tell me everything." She sits on the edge of my desk as I tell her the gist of my conversation with Christian and fill her in on my father's visit as well.
"Wow, your dad is a real asshole. What part of "let me live my own life" does he not understand?" Courtney shakes her head in disbelief.
"I have no clue. I hope Grandma Steele can give me some insight on him. I don't think he has always been like this. Maybe something happened to change is outlook after he met my mother." I shrug.
"So, tell me about the date? Where are you going?" Courtney asks, practically begging for information.
"I have some ideas, but I am not ready to share them yet." I grab a stack of papers on the corner of my desk and try to ignore her.
"Come on Steele, give me something!"
"No way. And have you spill the beans to Elliot? I will tell you when the time is right."
"Good morning, Miss Steele," I hear one of my students say as they walk to their desk.
"We will discuss this later," Courtney says in a low voice.
I grin and shake my head as she stomps out of my classroom.
"Good morning, Sam," I say to the little boy that greeted me a few moments ago. He always has a smile on his face.
It's finally Friday and Courtney has been on my case all week for Sunday's date details. I decide to fill her over dinner.
She busts into my classroom once all the buses have left for the day. "Let's go, Steele," she says bouncing on the balls of her feet. I open my desk drawer and grab my purse, then pretend to be looking for something. She grabs my arm and pulls me toward the door.
"What's your hurry? You act like your life depends on the outcome of my date with Christian." I laugh as I lock my classroom door.
"Come on Steele. I live vicariously through you."
"What's that supposed to mean? You can date just as easy as I can. Why does this date matter so much?" I stop in the hall and wait for her response.
"I just want you to be happy, Ana. Lord knows you deserve it. From what Elliot has told me, Christian is a great guy. He just needs the right woman to help him, and I know that woman is you." She hooks her arm inside mine and we walk toward the main door of the school.
"Thank you for the encouragement, but I want to take things slow. You said yourself that Christian has only had one-night stands. I just want to have fun and see where it takes us." Courtney smiles and opens my door.
"I will stop to get our dinner and be at your place in about thirty minutes." I smile and hug my friend.
"Thank you," I whisper in her ear.
Once I get home, I grab a bottle of wine from the refrigerator and pour two glasses. Just as the second glass is filled, Courtney waltzes through the front door.
"Honey, I home." Her voice carries through the entire house.
"I'm in the kitchen," I yell back.
I hand over her glass of wine and help spread our takeout on the kitchen counter. "Good lord. What did you order? There is enough food for an entire week."
"Well, Chinese takeout keeps good in the refrigerator. I didn't think they would pile each container so full. I can take come home with me if you like," she says, then starts laughing.
"We can split the leftovers. Grab a plate and meet me on the couch. A new season of The Witcher is cued and ready on Netflix." Courtney smiles then waggles her eyebrows.
"Henry Cavill is so freaking hot. There isn't a movie or show where he doesn't look utterly fuckable." I nod my head in agreement.
"Hmm yeah. That's the truth." I pile my plate with fried rice, sesame chicken and low mien then top off my wine before going into the living room.
We watch a few episodes and Courtney stops the next one before it starts. "Alright, you have delayed this conversation long enough. Tell me your plans for Sunday. I promise I won't say anything to Elliot until after Christian has picked you up. Please?" Courtney begs and I guess it's okay to tell her.
"Fine, but I will talk while I put the leftovers away. Come and sit at the bar." I get up from the couch and make my way into the kitchen. I grab some storage containers and start putting food away.
"I haven't told him anything about the date so please keep this to yourself," I state while scooping the leftover rice into a bowl. Courtney listens eagerly as I tell her my plans for Sunday. I look at her once I finish explaining everything and she has a huge smile on her face.
"That sounds perfect, Ana. I'm sure he will enjoy it. I agree that your plan is the best way to have privacy and spend time getting to know each other. When are you going to let him know what to wear and what time to pick you up?"
"Tomorrow morning before I leave for Grandma Steele's. I am only telling him what to where, and my address. He can come get me whenever he wants."
"Is sex going to be on the table?" Courtney raises her eyebrows and I shake my head.
"I don't think so. I am not looking for that right now. I am okay with making out but I want to get to know him personally before we hop in the sack again. Is that stupid?"
"No! You obviously have the sexual chemistry. You need to explore other aspects of a relationship if you want it to be long term." I nod my head in agreement.
"Thank you," I say sincerely.
"You are welcome. I think I need to hit the road. The wine has worn off and I need to soak in a warm bath. It's been a long week." Courtney comes around the bar and gives me a hug.
"Thanks for being someone I can talk to about everything. I hope you know you can come to me if you need to talk about anything."
"I know. Elliot is working on ending things with his wife and we will see what the future holds for us. He is a nice man and deserves happiness." Courtney grabs her purse and the bag with her portion of the leftovers.
"You deserve happiness as well. You've had your fair share of douche bags just like me. Wouldn't it be neat if we ended up with brothers?" I chuckle and she rolls her eyes.
"I am not sure what will happen with Elliot. We enjoy each other's company but have a long way to go. Tell Grandma Steele I said hello. Bring back some of her baked goods."
"I will. Text me when you get home," I call to her as she walks to her car.
"You bet. Love ya!" Courtney yells before getting behind the wheel.
The next morning, I text Christian about our date tomorrow. We have been texting off on all week and he hasn't asked about any details yet. I did give him my address so I only need to let him know what he can wear and what time to be here.
Ana – Good morning, you can pick me up whenever you want tomorrow. Wear something relaxing. I am wearing jeans and tennis shoes. I can't wait to see you XO
I hope it's not too much adding the XO at the end of the text. Before I can think any more about it, my phone vibrates in my hand.
Christian – Good morning. I will come get you around noon. I can't wait to see you XO
So, I guess adding the XO at the end was okay. I smile and grab my light jacket. It's cloudy and a little cooler this morning.
The drive to Grandma Steele's didn't take long since there was not much traffic on the road. I park in her driveway and look around her place. Her house sits on a nice size lot overlooking Budd Inlet in Olympia. I remember lounging on a hammock underneath a shade tree near the water when I was a teenager.
I open the front door and immediately feel at home. There is something about her house that completely relaxes me. "Grandma?" I call from the doorway.
"In the kitchen," she answers. I walk down the hall and hear her mixer running. My eyes widen as I enter the kitchen. There is stuff spread out everywhere. There is not an empty space on her countertop.
"Hi grandma." I walk over and give her hug and take in her scent. She smells like a bakery today.
"Hello, dear. How have you been? I haven't seen you in forever." She smiles at me and then directs her attention back on her task or tasks it appears.
"I know, and I'm sorry. I promise I will do better. What are you up today? The only time I have seen your kitchen this full is during the holidays." I drop my purse on the floor and reach for an apron.
"Mr. Collins from the church came by yesterday and asked if I could help them out with a bake sale they are having tomorrow after Sunday Service. One of the members fell while cleaning his gutters and broke his leg. He is unable to work and he's the main financial provider for his family. So, they are doing a yard sale/bake sale and cake walk to raise money for him." I smile as she explains everything she is going to do today.
"I am glad I came then. Tell me what you need, and I will help you." She lists the various cakes she is going to make and my mouth waters. Her coconut cake is my favorite. Maybe I can talk her into making an extra one for me.
We work together and thankfully her kitchen has two ovens. We are able to bake two of the same cakes together. I need her advice on dad, so I ask her how his life was growing up.
"Your father was eager to help around here while he was growing up. He and your grandfather would do things outside and assist the neighbors when necessary. He was caring and thoughtful and would do almost anything, sometimes without asking. Once he got close to graduating high school and deciding on college, his attitude changed. He met your mother, and he turned his back on everything. He no longer wanted to be involved in what we had going on.
"Don't get me wrong, I loved your mother when I first met her. Her family was new to the area, and she seemed very nice. The more I got to know her, the less I liked her. She kept pulling Raymond away from his responsibilities here and encouraged him to go to college far away and leave us behind." Grandma stops talking and I look up from the cookie dough in front of me.
Her face is sad, and she uses her apron to wipe her cheeks. "Oh, grandma. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry. I'm just trying to understand why dad acts the way he does." I walk around the counter and hug her shoulders.
"It's alright, dear. I understand the notion of growing up and doing your own thing but Raymond and your Grandpa had strong words when Raymond left for college. During his four years way, he came home once and I was surprised he showed up. When your grandpa passed away, Raymond flew in for the funeral then flew back to college. He didn't stay here, nor did he speak more than a few words to me the entire time."
Oh, my word. I can't picture my father being such a cold-hearted bastard. "Do you know what they argued about?" I get back to mixing the cookie dough as she explains the reason for their argument.
"Raymond told us he was in love with Carla and was going to marry her. We tried explaining our position on him waiting until he graduated from college. Marriage is a big commitment and he needed to have a solid foundation, a job with income mainly. But he saw it as us not supporting him. He told your grandpa he resented him for trying to keep him at home and he was never coming back here to see us again." Grandma wipes her eyes again and I decide to tell her how he is treating me. Maybe she can offer up some advice on changing his opinion.
"I want to tell you what is going on between me and dad and see if you can offer any suggestions on how I can get him on my side." She nods her head and I continue. As I explain how he is pressuring me to settle down with one of his coworkers, she shakes her head in disbelief.
"Ana, dear. I don't know why he is acting this way toward you. He doted on you as a child. I know you have a great job, that you love, but that won't stop him from trying to making sure you are set for life. And from what you have told me about your side gig, you won't need to ever worry about money. Maybe you need to tell him everything about what you are doing and encourage his support. Otherwise, he will risk losing you all together."
"I have a date tomorrow with someone that I like. We met a few weeks ago and are taking things slow. He is nice but doesn't have much experience in relationships." Grandma raises an eyebrow and I grin.
"So, you met him at a bar and took him on a test run?" My face turns beet red as she chuckles. "Your facial expression is the only answer I need. I hope I will get to meet this fella. You should bring him to lunch one Saturday."
"I will." I don't bring Christian up anymore the rest of the afternoon. I am thoroughly embarrassed that my seventy-five-year-old grandma commented about one-night stands.
Once the baking is done, we have a total of ten cakes, and I don't know how many dozens of chocolate chip cookies. I load them in my car and deliver them to the church. They are appreciative of our hard work and invited us to attend the event. I declined stating I have other plans.
Once we get back to the house, I walk to the back yard and spot the hammock. I walk to the tree and make sure everything is in good shape before I try it out. I lay in it and stare out over the water as the afternoon turns into evening.
I love it here. I would consider living here if I could find a job teaching. It is so much quieter than the Seattle city life. I like Seattle but this is more my thing. I hear a noise and I turn to see grandma sliding a chair next to me.
"I remember many summer afternoons with you on this thing with a book in your hand." I smile.
"This is one of my favorite places to be. I can't believe dad would turn his back on something this great. I hope my mother didn't encourage his behavior, but I feel that may be the case. She is so focused on money, image, and possessions and not enjoying the most important things like family. But I guess that is not important to her."
"I am glad you came to see me, Ana. I know you have a busy life and I appreciate you taking time to help me out."
"I'm happy to help whenever you need it. You know I am just a phone call away, grandma. Please don't hesitate to ask, no matter what it is." I sit up and study her features. Her hair is brown like mine, but with gray streaks. We are about the same height and have the same eye color.
I stand up and reach my hand out to her. "Let's go inside and eat dinner. I'm starving." We walk hand in hand back to the house.
Christian
Friday evening arrives and I am sitting on the deck enjoying the sun as it starts to set. Ana and I have text a few times this week and I am looking forward to our date on Sunday. She has yet to give me the details on what I can wear and what time to pick her up. She did send me her address though, so I believe she won't cancel our date.
I lean my head back and close my eyes, enjoying the quiet evening. I hear a noise then footsteps on the deck. I open one eye and sigh when I see Leila standing nearby.
"Hello, Christian," she says in a chipper voice. "How are you doing today? It's a nice evening to sit outside." I continue to ignore her, but she won't take the hint.
"Have you had dinner yet?" She asks, then sits it the lounger beside me. Maybe if I revert to my younger days and keep my eyes closed, she will just disappear. I feel her hand touch my arm and my eyes fly open.
"What?" I practically scream at her.
"I was making sure you were alive. I have been talking to you, but you weren't saying anything back to me." I jerk my arm out of her reach and lean by head back.
I daydream about Ana for a few seconds until I feel my lounger move. Dear God, I hope she is not sitting next to me. I may just have to throw her off the deck. Maybe then she will get the hint. I open one eye and see her staring at me.
Why did I have to sleep with a crazy person that lives next door to me? Oh, yeah. One too many shots of tequila and her guaranteeing to give me the best blow job I've ever had. One thing led to another, and we fucked. Not my finest hour but tequila will do that to you. I don't know what it is going to take for Leila to back off. Being nice to her will only give her the idea I am interested. And I'm sure a fuck not interested in her.
"Christian," she whines. I sign and open my eyes.
"Listen, Leila. I don't know any other way to say this. I have told you many times I am not interested in any type of relationship with you. One night is enough for me. Now, if you would please leave. You are disrupting my time of relaxation." I give her look of what are you waiting for, and she gets up.
"You will regret it one day, Christian. You will realize that I am the only woman for you, and you will come back to me." Her eyes are laser focused on mine. I try to stop the laugh that erupts, but to no avail.
"But I was never yours and I never will be. Now, please leave." She scoffs, then turns on her heel to leave. Thank fuck. I thought I was going to need to call the police to escort her off my deck.
"I didn't really believe you before when you said she was crazy," I hear Elliot's voice from behind me.
"I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't listen."
"After witnessing her just now and overhearing the conversation she had with Gail earlier, I wholeheartedly believe you." Elliot hands me a beer and sits down next to me.
"Oh, yeah? What did she have to say to Gail?" I thought Gail loved me. I hope she didn't encourage the crazy bitch.
"Leila kept asking her if you had a girlfriend or if you were seeing someone. Gail tried to ignore her questions by changing the subject, but the conversation kept coming back to you. Gail finally told her she had no clue about your personal life, and it wasn't anybody else's business either." Go Gail!
"How do I get rid of her? Or at least make sure she gets the message that I am not interested in her." I take sip of beer and stare out over the water.
"I was going to say maybe when you get a girlfriend that can stay here frequently but I don't even know if that will work. Leila may show up out of nowhere and scare the other woman off."
"That's true. Guess we will have to see how things play out with Ana. Speaking of her, has Courtney given you any hints about Sunday? Ana has only told me what her address is. I haven't heard what I need to wear or what time to pick her up." I check my phone again and don't see any text messages.
Elliot told me he and Courtney talk every day, which kind of surprised me. They hit it off the first night they met and will take things at a slow pace until Elliot kicks the bitch Kate to the curb. That reminds me.
"Hey, has the investigator sent you any more evidence of Kate's infidelity?" Mr. Taylor was kind enough to provide details of Kate's escapades and promised Elliot visual proof.
"Yeah, he sent something over earlier today. I haven't opened the email yet." Elliot's voice is quiet, so I turn my head to face him.
"Why? What are you waiting for? You will have all the ammo you need to finally put her in her place."
"I had the thought in the back of my mind that something was right between us. Yes, I can finally close the door on our relationship, but it still hurts. I put everything I had into my marriage, only for her to throw it away." He sets his beer on the side table and fists his hair.
"Hey, man. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Take all the time you need to figure it out. She will be the one paying you alimony and child support."
"It isn't about the money, Christian. We have a son together that now will have divorced parents. I hope we haven't ruined his life." I shake my head.
"He is better off away from his toxic mother. You can provide everything he needs. And if you can't, I will help you." Elliot looks at me and smiles.
"Thank you, Christian. That means a lot. Has mom called you recently?"
"No, but thanks for warning me. I hate talking to her anymore. She constantly wants me to take that cougar Elena out on a date and I am running out of excuses." I finish my beer and stand up. "You want another beer?" Elliot shakes his head no.
Elliot and I spend the rest of the evening on the deck enjoying the uncharacteristically pleasant Seattle weather. I fall asleep dreaming about Ana's blue eyes and beautiful smile. I can't wait to see her again.
It's finally Sunday and I am pacing my room trying to figure out what to wear. Ana told me to dress casually but what does that mean? Khaki pants with a polo? Blue jeans and a t shirt? Fuck it. Blue jeans it is. Wait, what if we start to mess around and I get aroused? Blue jeans will be painful. I decide on the khakis. Damn, I am worse than a woman when it comes to making up my mind.
I check my watch and realize it's almost time to go pick up Ana. I am so nervous I feel sick to my stomach. I pocket my wallet and rush downstairs. Elliot is at the table reading the newspaper and stops when I reach for some crackers.
"You feel okay, Christian?" he chuckles, and I grit my teeth.
"Feeling fine. I'm a little hungry so I thought eating a few crackers will help subside the hunger pains until lunch. What plans do you have today?" I eat a few crackers and grab a can of Coke out of the refrigerator.
"Are you sure you are feeling alright? If you are sick, maybe you should stay home."
"NO," I yell, then clear my throat. "I am not sick. Just a little nervous about this date. What if I screw up and she doesn't want to see me again?" I fist my chest as a bubble of air comes up.
"Everything will be fine, Christian. Ana likes you and maybe she is just as nervous as you are. Be yourself and have a good time. You better get going." Elliot taps his watch and I grab my keys.
"See you later. Thanks, Elliot."
"Anytime," I hear him yell as I walk out the door.
I pull up to Ana's house and take a few deep breaths before I get out of the car. I continue the deep breathing until I get to her door. Before I can knock, she opens it with a big smile on her face.
"Hi, Christian. Come on in." She moves to the side, and I walk into her house.
"I am almost done getting things ready. I heard you pull up and watched you get out of your car. Are you okay? You look a little green around the gills." She chuckles and I smile back at her.
"I admit that I am nervous. I am trying to relax because I don't want to mess this up." She takes a step toward me and reaches for my hand.
"I'm a little nervous too. Just relax, I don't bite. Everything will be fine." She lets go of my hand and walks into the kitchen area.
I watch her hips sway as she walks, and I have to remind myself this isn't about sex. We are getting to know each other. Focus Christian.
"Would you like something to drink?" Ana calls from the kitchen.
"No, thank you," I answer as I walk into the kitchen. "You have a nice place here." She smiles while packing a picnic basket.
"Thank you. I still have some things I would like to do to improve it but overall, I am happy here." She closes the basket and turns to face me. "Ready?" she asks.
"Yes," I answer eagerly and reach for the picnic basket. "I will take this to the car. Do you have everything you need?"
"Let me grab a blanket from the hall closet. I will be out right behind you."
I pause at the front door until she grabs what she needs. After she shuts and locks her front door, I hold my hand out for her and she places her small hand in mine. My heartbeat soars and my head is floating in the clouds. This woman is doing strange things to me but I like it.
I walk to her side of the car and open her door. She smiles as she gets in and thanks me. I place the basket and blanket in the trunk and walk to the driver's side. After I get in and start it, I turn to her.
"Where to?" I ask. She tells me what park we are going to, and I steer the car in that direction.
"I hope you don't mind having a picnic in the park. I feel if we out to a restaurant type place wouldn't give us time and privacy to talk," she says while ringing her hands in her lap.
"I don't mind. I'm glad you thought this through." I reach for her hand intending to give it a gentle squeeze, but she latches on and weaves her fingers through mine. Our hands stay together until I pull into the parking lot at the park.
"I will come around to get your door, okay?" She nods her head and I slide out of the driver's seat. After I help her out of the car, she wraps her arm around my waist and reaches up to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Thank you," she whispers and walks to the back of my car. I hope I am not reading too much into this, but I think she likes me.
Once we find a suitable spot, Ana lays the thick blanket on the grass. Thankfully, the weather is nice today. The sun is peaking through scattered clouds making it pleasantly warm.
"I hope you like chicken salad. I struggled with what to make that would be easy to eat." She hands me a wrapped sandwich and a bottle of water. "I have some fruit and chips as well. Which would you like?"
"Chips will do, thank you. And I like chicken salad. Did you make it yourself?" I wait until she has her sandwich and drink before I take a huge bite of my sandwich. I didn't eat breakfast, so I am starving right now.
"No, I bought it from the store deli yesterday. I like the idea of cooking, but I don't have much experience with making things from scratch. My grandma is the one that can do that. She has taught me a few things but mostly about baking." She pulls a small plastic container from the basket and presents it to me. "Dessert," she says while taking the lid off.
My mouth waters at the multiple slices of coconut cake and I can't wait to taste one.
"That looks good. I must admit I can't cook to save my life. I have a housekeeper that does all of that for me. I wouldn't mind trying to learn a few basic things, but I don't want to burn my house down." We both laugh and dig into our lunch.
Once we have finished eating, we discard our trash and lay on the blanket facing each other. I study her face and admire her complexion. She is fair skinned with a few light freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her hair is chocolate brown and shiny. It's obvious to me she takes care of herself but doesn't seem like the vain type that dwells on her appearance.
What stands out to me the most is her mesmerizing blue eyes. They match a cloudless sky on a summer day, and I find myself getting lost in them.
"Christian? Did you hear what I said?" Her voice brings me back and I grin.
"No, I was too busy admiring you. What did you say?" her face turns pink with embarrassment, and she repeats her question.
"What do you want to talk about first?"
"Well, I can tell you about myself first then you can tell me about you. How does that sound?" She nods her head and I start things off.
"I am not sure how much you remember about the night we met. I write commercial jingles for a living, and I have written a few songs that have made it into the recording studio. I was pushed into attending Julliard by my mother but quickly learned college was not for me. Well, not the learning part anyway."
"I remember you talking about the jingles, but I was too distracted by your mouth moving to pay any attention to what you were saying," Ana says sheepishly.
"We can agree on our mutual physical attraction, right?" She nods her head and I continue. "This may not come out right so bear with me. I find you fascinating. The night we met, I listened to you talk and I was really impressed. You had this way of talking about yourself and what you did without coming across as arrogant. You care about your students as if they were your own children and I admire that about you.
"I admit that I have only had one-night stands in my past and most of the women couldn't talk their way out of an open door. All I ask is that you be patient with me as I try and navigate this relationship thing. I really want it to work out between us." Wow, Grey. You really laid that on thick.
Ana stares at me for a few seconds then a small smile breaks out on her face. "Thank you for the compliment but I am no angel. I am passionate about being a teacher, but I suck at everything else. I have a strained relationship with my parents. I have been on a few dates but nothing that would lead to long term. I will be patient but understand one thing. I will not tolerate lying or cheating. If you change your mind and don't want a relationship, tell me straight up. I'm a big girl, I can handle it."
"Okay, I got it," I answer, looking directly into her eyes. I have no intention of cheating on her or lying to her.
We spend the next few hours learning each other's likes and dislikes. We have quite a bit in common and I am looking forward to getting to know what makes her tick. During our talk, our bodies have gravitated closer to where our lips are almost touching. I take a chance and press my mouth to hers.
The kiss is slow as our lips glide back and forth, tasting what each other is offering. I wrap my arm around her and roll her onto her back. Her arms wrap around my neck and her fingers run through my hair. I feel my body come alive with arousal until I hear a throat clear behind me.
"You two need to tone it down. There are children around and they don't need to witness what you are doing." I look back over my shoulder and see an older woman, possibility in her sixties, giving us the stink eye. I keep my arm around Ana and feel her chuckling into my neck.
"Yes, ma'am," I answer politely. She walks away and I turn my attention back to the beauty in my arms. Her lips are swollen from our kiss, and I want nothing more than to keep kissing them. But we are in a public place, and it would be inappropriate. Maybe that's why she wanted to come here, to avoid the temptation of us sleeping together again.
"Can I plan the next date?" I ask, while tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Of course. Just let me know where and when."
I shake my head. "I will pick you up for our dates, unless you prefer I don't."
"No, I like it. Especially when you open the door for me. It's very chivalrous, and that doesn't happen often enough anymore. So where are you taking me for our date?"
"I have an idea, but I need to research it a little more. Can I let you know later this week? I would like to see you again beforehand, even if it's just for dessert and coffee. Speaking of dessert."
I sit up suddenly and reach inside the basket for the cake container. Ana sits up next to me and grabs a fork. We take turns feeding each other and I moan at each bite.
"This is the best cake I have ever tasted. Please tell your grandma I definitely approve," I say with a mouthful of cake.
"I will let her know. Maybe you can meet her soon. I told her about you."
"Only good things I hope."
"She figured out we had a one-night stand before I even said anything. She encouraged me to have fun and not stress out about it." Ana shrugs and I almost choke on the cake.
"Oh boy, I hope she doesn't think bad of me for it. I promise to treat you like a lady, Ana. It's what you deserve."
"I will hold you to that. Now, let's get everything picked up and head home. The park is getting a little crowded." Ana kisses my cheek and tosses the container into the basket.
I look around and see children everywhere. I guess parents bring kids here to let them run around all crazy like. I'm sure it tires them out and it gives the parents a break.
Ana and I hold hands as we walk back to my car. I feel giddy as fuck right now. But I do have to ask her something. Once we get to my car, I set down the basket and use my free hand to cup her cheek.
"Ana, even though we have only known each other for a short time, I want us to be exclusive to each other. Can you and I be boyfriend and girlfriend?" I sound like a desperate sixteen-year-old with his first girlfriend. Technically, I guess Ana is my first girlfriend.
"I would like that very much," she whispers.
I place a soft kiss on her lips and then open her door. I practically skip around the car to the driver's side. The entire ride to Ana's I think about how great today went. If relationships are this easy, why did I wait so long to have one?