"Eden?" I asked, not quite sure it was her. The voice sounded the same, the height was right…but this girl had the most beautiful head of blonde curly hair trailing down her shoulders. I stood up and watched her raise her face to mine.

It is her…My God, I didn't think she could get any more beautiful.

She turned her head to glance at Steve and a look of bewilderment arose on her face. Steve stuck his hand out and introduced himself. She took his hand and gently shook it, replying, "Of course I recognize you. It's nice to meet you as well. I'm sorry for being so clumsy…I should really watch where I'm going."

Her purse slipped down her shoulder then and I saw her remove one hand from the grocery bag to pull the strap back up. The bag must have been heavy…I could see it slipping from her hands. I reached out and snatched it up before it could tumble to the ground. Her cheeks flushed pink and she stammered out a thank you. I handed her back the bag, brushing my hand against hers and enjoying the softness of her skin. I noticed in the commotion that a single curl had fallen into her face. The desire to reach out to touch it was too much so I didn't deny myself. I used my right hand to gently brush the curl back and away from her face, letting my fingertips touch her still rosy cheek as I pulled away. We stared at each other for a moment before Steve cleared his throat. She looked away, embarrassed stating she needed to get her groceries home.

I heard Steve mention something about getting together some time which made Eden grin and nod her head in agreement. Steve glanced at me and asked if I was ready. I didn't want to leave her quite yet.

"Go ahead Steve, I'll catch up with you in a sec"

Steve started jogging back down the street and said, "Yeah, you hope you can catch up with me!"

I'm going kick his ass later for that.

With a smirk I called out, "Jerk!"

Steve shouted, "Punk!" and took off.

When I turned back to Eden she was smiling at me, her eyes twinkling. I couldn't help but smile back.

Say something witty Bucky

"So, you missed me so much you had to hunt me down and throw yourself in front of me during my morning jog?" I chided. Her mouth dropped open, the look of shock making her even more adorable.

She seemed to think about it a moment before replying, "Hey now, you're the one that ran up on me buddy"

I couldn't help but laugh when she stuck her tongue out at me.

I gestured to her curls, "Your hair is….." before I could complete my sentence she chimed in "…a mess, I know"

She thinks her hair looks like a mess? She really has no idea how beautiful she is!

"I was going to say beautiful actually" I replied, watching as her face lit up with a smile.

"I really should get these things home" she said.

I really wanted to offer to walk her home but I didn't want to seem too pushy or desperate to spend time with her. I also didn't want her to tire of my company….ever.

I nodded, "I'll see you at 7 sharp."

It took all my strength to turn and jog away from her. I turned back for one more gaze at her and saw her looking back at me.

I headed in the direction that Steve and I usually took to catch up with him. I went ten blocks before I saw him. He was leaning against a bench, resting…waiting for me. He was grinning at me as I approached.

"Wow Bucky, you know how to pick them" he said appreciatively "She is stunning"

I nodded, "I told you"

"Well since you don't think you deserve her, do you mind if I give it a shot?" he said with a serious face. I looked at him menacingly for several seconds before he busted out laughing and with a wink said, "Gotcha!" With that, he turned and ran for his life. I chased him all the way home.

…...

After Michael's text message, I spent the rest of the day fuming. The more I thought about it, the more upset I got. I turned on the television to take my mind off of him. It helped a little. The longer I sat there, the more comfortable I got and before I knew it, I had drifted off. I awoke to the beep of my cell phone telling me I had a text message. I looked at the clock and groaned.

6:18

Shit, Bucky will be here in less than 45 minutes. I don't even have time to cook anything now.

I guess we were going to be having take-out again.

I got up and grabbed my cell phone. I screamed in frustration when I saw who it was.

Michael: Don't be so dramatic Eden. We can work through our problems, you just need to see me.

That cocky piece of shit! He thinks if I see him in person we will be able to just "work through our problems"

The last thing I wanted was Michael showing up with Bucky here. Michael had always been a hot head and I didn't know how he would take it when he saw another man at my apartment, even if he was the one that cheated on me. Not that I was worried he would do anything…besides, Bucky could take care of himself. So I did the only thing I could think to do. I lied.

Eden: I won't be home tonight Michael, so don't bother showing up. Leave me alone!

I rubbed the bridge of my nose and tried to calm down. I looked at the clock again.

6: 23

I texted Bucky.

Eden: Hey, you don't mind if we eat take-out again do you? I sort of fell asleep and just woke up.

Bucky: I don't mind…pick whatever you like, I'll eat anything..7 still okay?

Eden: Yes, see you then.

I went to my bedroom and pulled off my clothes, they were wrinkled from napping on the couch. I grabbed a fresh pair of jeans and a t-shirt and threw them on. I looked at myself in the mirror.

Do I have time to straighten my hair?

6:30

I still had time…I reached to turn on my straightener and then caught another glimpse of myself in the mirror. A single curly strand had slipped into my face and I remembered how Bucky had touched my face earlier, removing that same strand of hair. My heart had felt like it would burst out of my chest.

I pulled my hand back from the straightener and instead grabbed a clip sitting next to it. I pulled my hair up into the clip and artfully pulled single curls down to frame my face.

I went to the kitchen and started pulling out the take-out menus.

Italian? No. Mexican? No. Chinese? …Yes!

I saw the menu for the Chinese place down the street. I loved this place but hadn't ordered from there in such a long time. Mostly because there was one delivery guy who was a complete pervert. The last three times I had ordered, it had been the same guy. He would stare at my breasts and practically drool on the floor. It was disgusting and I didn't appreciate the attention. That had been months ago, maybe he had quit since then…or better yet, had gotten fired.

I called and placed an order for a small variety of things I thought Bucky would enjoy. After repeating my card number to the young woman on the phone, I was told it would be delivered in 45 minutes.

6:56

Bucky would be arriving any second. A sudden clap of lightning and the rumbling of thunder drew me to the window. It was pouring outside.

KNOCK KNOCK

When I opened the door, there stood a shivering Bucky. Drops of rainwater slid down his jaw…his hair hung wet in his face. His grey shirt was completely soaked through as were his jeans.

I grabbed his right arm and pulled him inside, slamming the door shut. His skin was cold to the touch.

"Stay here, I'll grab some towels."

I headed to the hall closet and pulled out two huge, fluffy towels. When I got back to Bucky he was still standing where I left him.

"Bucky, you need to get out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold."

Admit it Eden, you just want to see him out of those clothes! Bad girl! Stop!

Bucky smirked," I've been here 1 minute and you're already trying to get me out of my pants."

I giggled and felt the redness in my cheeks. Boy, he had no idea how close he came to the truth on that one.

I poked him in the ribs and stuck out my tongue.

"Strip…or I'll have to strip you down myself" I said forcefully. His eyes got serious all of a sudden and I was worried I had taken it a bit too far.

Stupid Eden….you said you were going to be his friend, nothing more…now you've made him uncomfortable. Well…he started it….didn't he?

I hesitated for a second and before the apologies could leave my mouth, Bucky sauntered forward and stopped directly in front of me…impossibly close. His lips were so close, only inches separated us…if I stood on tiptoe I could close the gap between us and kiss those pouty lips.

Stop EDEN!

I saw his hands move then, grabbing the bottom of his shirt and peeling it away from his body until he stood there shirtless in front of me. I swallowed hard. He was perfect! It was exactly as I pictured it, a muscled chest and chiseled abs.

I gasped. A look of doubt passed over his face and he stepped back a couple of steps. That's when I noticed the scars on his left shoulder from where they had attached the metal arm. It did nothing to mar the beauty of his chest and I longed to touch where metal met his skin. I think he mistook my gasp for one of disgust rather than one of pleasure from the sight of seeing him shirtless.

I don't think he expected the words that left my mouth.

"Can I touch it?" He looked shocked at first but then nodded his approval. I saw his jaw flinch and he swallowed hard.

I slowly closed the distance between us again, never letting my eyes leave his. I finally looked down at his metal hand and reached out to touch it. The metal was cold to the touch. I trailed my fingers up his arm until I came to where it ended, connecting it to the flesh. I hesitated and looked up into his eyes once again. His lips were parted slightly but he seemed to be holding his breath. I looked back at his arm and let my fingers gently touch the scars, gliding closer to his chest. He exhaled and I felt him shiver.

A sudden clap of thunder caused me to jump and I stepped back from him. I threw my hands up to my chest and giggled nervously.

Bucky was still standing there, motionless, staring at me. He looked so vulnerable…so lost.

You must have freaked him out Eden…you just couldn't help yourself could you, you just had to touch him.

He was still standing there in wet jeans and as much as I wanted to see him peel those off as well, I knew it wouldn't be appropriate to expect him to walk around my apartment in just his underwear.

Maybe his underwear are wet too….SHUT UP!

Michael! I remembered after I had caught him cheating, I had bundled all of his belongings up and shoved them into a box in the back of the closet in my spare room. I was pretty sure there were some pajama pants and an old college t-shirt of his in there.

"Don't move, I'm going to grab you something to put on. I made my way to the room and pulled the closet door open. There was the box, right where I had left it. I dug through it until I found what I was searching for. Black pajama bottoms and a grey t-shirt with our college insignia. I made my way back into the living room and Bucky still stood there waiting…in the same exact spot I left him.

I smiled at him, "I didn't really mean it when I said don't move Bucky."

That brought a small smile to his lips.

I passed him the clothes, "Here, these should fit you. The master bathroom is through my bedroom right there." I said pointing. "Just leave your wet clothes in the tub and I'll come back in and get them. They shouldn't take long to dry in the dryer."

He frowned at the clothes I handed him and looked at me questioningly.

I realized he was probably wondering why I had men's clothes in my apartment.

I sighed, "You want the short or long version of the story."

"Short version" he replied gruffly.

"We met in college, he cheated on me, it was a year and a half ago and luckily for you, I never bothered to throw that box of crap away"

I saw anger wash over his face, "He cheated on YOU?"

He is absolutely adorable!

"Yes Bucky, he cheated on me…now go put on those clothes. You can wash up in my bathroom. The food should be here…"

KNOCK KNOCK

"….now."

He turned and made his way into my bedroom. I grabbed my wallet and went to open up the front door. Oh, how I regret not looking in the peep hole before I opened it.