Page 10 of The Moments You Miss
We sit in the bar for a couple hours, laughing and smiling without a care in the world. She takes a sip of her drink and giggles; her eyes piercing a hole into my psyche.
“You’re incredible!” Leyla beams up at me after I tell some really cheesy joke. I watch as she fights some internal battle in the matter of milliseconds, but then she says something that utterly shocks me.
“Did you want to come over? To my place? Now?” The look in her eyes as she watches for my reaction sinks into me and I don’t know if this is some sort of test or not. Honestly, I don’t even care if it is, I am not going to miss out on this opportunity.
Because of my shock, I apparently took too long to answer. She stammers out again, “You don’t have to— I mean— Oh my god, I’m sorry I totally read the vibe— I—”
“Let’s go,” I reply hastily, interrupting her panicked exclamation before quickly closing out our tab. I smile like a kid on their way to a candy shop. It seems tonight, something sweet is indeed in my future. Tonight, I am the luckiest man in the world.
“Lead the way.” I hold out my arm as we step out of the bar, and we are running off towards her apartment.
Chapter 7
More Please.
Leyla
Honestly, I have no clue what I was even thinking. I never take men home; and I certainly never invite men back to my place after the first date. I mean we were acquaintances at best when I knew him, but I’m going to be bold tonight. Let’s see where this goes. Plus, I’m feeling a little bit tipsy, and Hazel has been more than blunt about the fact that I need to loosen up a bit.
I fumble around in my purse trying to find my keys, my traitorous body betraying me as the blush creeps up my neck to my cheeks. I truly don’t understand what is happening, but the look on Cameron’s face makes goosebumps cover my arms.
“S-Sorry, stupid key,” I say as I finally find the damn thing and get the door open. All I can think about is quickly ushering this gorgeous man into my apartment andreallynot wanting Mrs. Fitz in 2A screaming about impropriety happening inherhallway. “It’s nothing to write home about, but it’s mine, you know?”
I look around, realizing that I definitely should spend more time cleaning my apartment, but at this point, it’s too late. I glance up at him, a touch embarrassed, but he doesn’t seem to care, and if he doesn’t then neither do I.
“Nice place. I didn’t realize how close we live to each other. I’m two blocks over on Easton,” Cameron smiles at me. I watch as he takes in the eclectic furniture that I have acquired over the years. Why nerves are hitting me right now, I have no idea, but I look at Cameron and grin sheepishly. His eyes flash something hidden and unknown to me.
I hear Hazel’s voice in my head– she’s squealing with excitement, telling me that I should get laid. Why not with someone who I definitely know is safe?
“Keep the night going? I think I have some whiskey here somewhere.” I open all my cabinets and search for the whiskey, peering back briefly to gauge his response. Cameron, looking suave, leaning up against my counter, simply nods.
“Sure, sounds good to me. That is, if you’re going to be joining me.”
I smile— that damn blush is blooming once again on my cheeks,justas I calmed my overactive heart from nearly jumping out of my chest. I pour us both a glass of whiskey and then invite him to sit down on the couch; though I rush ahead to pick up the books that litter it, placing them neatly on my coffee table. I sit down next to him, I crane my head then turn my body to give him my full attention.
“So…”
“So…”
I bite my lip and look away. This unknown shyness hitting me is what an out of body experience feels like I bet. I’m not the least bit shy, at least not anymore, but there is something about him that makes me feel like this could be something fun. It isn’t like me, but something is feeling right and I’m never one to give into these urges so early on.
How could I possibly be into the man whose father –Don’t go there Leyla, the little voice in my head screams at me. Our eyes meet and I know that he is feeling the same way I am. This doesn’t have to be anything more than a girl just needing sex. It doesn’t have to be more than that— Ican’twant more than that.
We talk for what seems like hours, telling stories from the years that had separated us and joking about the days we had shared. The more moments that pass, the closer I inch.Who said this has to be more than a one time thing? I ask myself again.
Slowly, he leans in, and I meet him halfway. Our lips touch softly at first, almost like they are posing a question. I can feel the warmth coming off his body, his lips gentle against mine. There is nothing rushed about it. He is taking his time and I want to savor it too. Every second. Every breath. This is unexpected to say the least, but I’m over second guessing everything.
He pulls back and we sit in silence for a few moments, as I try to keep my breathing even. I keep stealing glances at him, his emerald eyes are focused on some point ahead, his jaw clenched like he’s trying to keep himself in check. I can’t blame him. My own heart is racing, my body still unsure of what to do next.
There had been moments when we were growing up when there were glances that lingered a little too long, and touches that felt almost too intimate for just friends. But this? This was different.When I finally meet his gaze, everythingshifts. His eyes soften a little, as if he can read the uncertainty in mine. He leans in slightly, just enough to close the space between us, and my pulse quickens.
“I never thought we’d end up here,” I whisper, my voice sounding smaller than I want it to.
Cameron exhales, the air between us thickening. Then, his lips part, his voice lowers to almost a murmur. “Trust me, it’s something I’ve thought of before.”
I nod, more to myself than to him, feeling a mixture of nerves and something else— something warm, something I no longer want to ignore. I can feel my body leaning toward him without even thinking about it. Everything inside me is telling me this isthemoment. I’m ready.
I hadn’t realized how much I wanted this until I was here, this close to him. But I am still holding back, unsure at my core. Cameron doesn’t push. Instead, his hand finds mine, his fingers brushing against it gently, almost hesitantly. It’s a soft touch, a question in the way he holds my hand. Am I ready? Is he?
