"So, where is the 'no' you are from?"She asks me, expecting me to be as open and forthcoming as she was.I realize if we are going to have a future together, I have to be completely honest with her about my life and hope that when the time is right, and I do confess my deception, she has fallen so deeply in love with me that she will forgive me.
I lower the facade most people see and answer."I grew up as an Army brat, and now I'm an Army aviator.I fly Apache's.I've lived in Live Oak the longest, so I call it home, but I have family in Italy too, and I bounce back and forth from here to there."
"I've always wanted to go to Italy, particularly Rome.I love architecture and the arts."She says as we reach the elevator.
At the mention of Rome, I prepare to share with her, but then her sincerity stares at me as she says, "Thank you for your service."
Her eyes pierce my hardcore.She isn't saying it because it's the accepted response to say to those who have volunteered to serve and protect our country and our freedom.She says it because she means it, and it humbles me in a new way.Staring into her sincerity with these intense feelings for her, while harsh memories from the wars and the battles I engaged in flash across my mind, gives me an appreciation for my service on a whole other level.
And as the door of my heart swings open, I tell her the truth."You're worth it."
My answer stuns her, and for a moment, we stare at each other, connecting on a spiritual level.Something I have never done with any other woman.Then she smiles softly and says, "You are also an interesting find, Mr.Moore."
I smirk, and she asks, "Did you serve in Afghanistan or Iraq?"
I reach over and push the down button as I answer, "Both."Then knowing my time today with her is coming to an end, I turn around and hold the basket out.She reaches for it, and when she pulls it toward her, I use her momentum to invade her space.Then, needing to feel her against me, I lean down to whisper in her ear."Thanks for the cookies."
Her breath pauses as I dominate her, then she whispers back, staring at me."You're welcome."
I drink in her light green eyes, framed by dark, thick lashes, and tease her."I enjoyed watching you enjoy them."
Her eyes twinkle, and I feel the thrill of them in my heart."I enjoyed watching you … enjoy watching me … enjoy them."
I chuckle.She's sharp.This one."Did you bake them yourself?"I ask, not caring, just wanting to stay in the moment.
"Ha, no!I can't cook."She laughs, easing the sexual tension building between us.Then she confesses, "Compliments of the bakery in Publix."
I hold my position and her eyes."Your honesty is refreshing, you know."
She drops her eyes from my intensity.Then she looks up from under those thick lashes."So I've been told."
The elevator arrives with a ding, and my time is up.I lean close, inhaling her scent, and whisper the truth."I will be dreaming of the way you eat cookies for the rest of my life, and I can't wait to see what you will do with the wine."
Then I back into the elevator holding her eyes captive, and she says, "I can't wait to show you."
My cock hardens with the promise, and I blindly push the lobby button.As the doors close, I state the truth."You are more than I dreamed of."
Her pleased expression sends a spark of pleasure through me, and in the last shrinking span, I show my Italian side."Ciao, Bella."
* * *
Siri
* * *
Trying notto swoon with his words, I hold my breath as the elevator doors touch.Then I sprint to my apartment, fling the basket on the counter, and rush out onto the balcony.Bracing on the rail, I lean over it, waiting for Mr.Moore to come out.
As soon as he exits the building, he turns to look at my apartment, and I wave.He grins, pleased, and throws his hand up.Then the Golden God stud walks with his perfect posture and strong gait to his truck.When he pulls the door open, he gives me another wave, then he gets in, closes the door, and cranks the engine.
As his truck backs out, I wave again.I want Moore!
Watching his truck disappear down the private drive to the highway, I know he has stirred the monster inside, and I will never be the same.
Wednesday morning, I wake from dreams of Moore in Vegas.I kept seeing his face scattered in the crowds, and I wonder how I would have reacted to his chemistry if I had met him there first.
I do my stretches and handstand ritual before going into the kitchen to wait for the coffee to finish brewing.Pouring my cup of Joe into my blue heart souvenir mug with Surreal's autograph, I salute how fortunate I am.My Vegas career has given me riches beyond what I could ever have earned as an Accountant, and I get to do what I love.
I take my coffee onto the balcony to enjoy the Dogwood trees and Azalea bushes in full bloom, and as I blow on the hot coffee before taking a long sip, I lean against the side rail of the balcony and stare over the jogging trail.
