by Alexis Angel
This used to just be a hobby until Mom and Dad died. Now I work each flower arrangement with a desperate calm.
Like if I bring order to these flowers, I can somehow bring order to my life. If I see beauty, beauty will know me.
Since my parents’ death, nothing seems to really affect me anymore.
I did my crying and screaming. I told the world it wasn’t fair. It didn’t care.
While in my shop, I have some sense of peace. At home, in the big empty apartment, there’s only silence and my own whispering thoughts.
It’s almost 8 a.m. so I open my doors. Just up the street, I see that guy Andy who lives in The Bradford.
I think he’s friends with Evan, who has been going out with my friend Emilia…well, kind of going out.
I linger by the door, fussing with some small, dried flower arrangements. Andy runs his hand through his hair, eyes focused on a newspaper. His black hair curls around his neck and the line of his collar.
He’s wearing grey slacks and a white business shirt that’s open at the neck.
His pale green eyes flick up from the paper and look right at me. I freeze. We’re only about ten feet apart, him on the street near the trash can, and me safe behind my window glass.
It’s like the world falls away, and the silence that usually rings in my ears takes over the noise of the busy street.
It’s as if Andy and I are the only two people on earth.
I feel a sweet tingle between my legs, and I start blushing furiously, looking back down at my flowers. I used to be a party girl, but not anymore.
I can’t disturb the silence inside my mind too much. I can’t connect with people. I just think they can’t possibly understand what I’ve been through.
I want the kind of love that makes me feel secure. Like I can trust the world. Like I can let myself be happy.
I can feel hot tears brimming in my eyes. I look away quickly, trying to distract myself. Andy isn’t at the edge of the street anymore.
He’s walking towards me.
I pause in the doorway, a smile springing on my lips. I wish I was wearing something a bit sexier—not just a floral t-shirt dress and comfy flats.
My heart is hammering as he approaches.
I don’t really know why I feel this way toward him, but…there’s something about Andy that’s familiar.
Even if he’s a hot, crackling flame, and I’m a still, quiet pond, I sense something of the same urgency in him.
For all his efforts, I feel that, like me, he just wants to be loved.
That he needs security and comfort he thinks the world can’t provide.
He stops at the door and gives me a grin.
“Morning, Minette. How’re the flowers?”
“Floral,” I say with a giggle. “What are you up to today?”
“Got places to go. I’ll see you around, though, yeah?”
“Hope so, yeah.”
I watch him walk away, striding down the street. His tight ass looks amazing in his snug pants. He walks with quick, snappy strides, daring anyone to get in his way.
Why would a gorgeous, intense, driven guy like him ever look at a girl like me? Plain brown hair, boring blue eyes. Works ten hours in her flower shop, then scuttles home again.
I don’t know anything about art. I’m not outgoing. I don’t engage in lively conversation.
At least, not anymore. Since the accident, I just find all that too difficult.
No doubt he has some intense and deep kind of girlfriend. Who has piercings and tattoos and makes art out of wire. Someone as interesting as him.
I’m still feeling down when my phone rings. I pull it out of my pocket. It’s Emilia.
“Hey, Emmy.”
“Hey, Min. How are you?”
“Good.” A smile spreads across my lips. “What’s up?”
“There’s a party upstairs tonight. I want you to come.”
I suppress a long sigh. “I really don’t know. Will there be many people?”
“Andy will be there. Well, I think Evan is inviting him. I don’t know. I need to talk to you about it. It’s all going to fucking hell.”
“Can’t we just share some wine at my place and talk? It will be nice and quiet—”
“Fuck’s sake, Minnie! You need to fucking get out! I’m seriously starting to worry about you. Have you gone out at all in the last few months?”
“Well, we went shopping. There were those times we went to the movies…”
“Minnie, that doesn’t count. I mean out, out. Wearing something sexy. Feeling alive. You know?”
“Maybe.” I’m thinking about Andy. He could make me feel alive.
“Well, I’m going to be at your place this afternoon. We are going to fucking get ready and go to this party. You need it, and I really fucking need it.”
I sigh deeply. There’s no stopping Emmy when she’s on a run like this. I’m starting to think I don’t mind.
Andy could be there. I might get a chance to say more than a couple of words to him.
And Emilia’s right. I do need to get out.
“Are you sure Andy’s going?” I can’t believe I’m asking this.
Already, I’m thinking of what I want to wear and exactly how I’m going to pounce on him.
“I’ll find out for sure. Just be ready, okay, Minnie?”
“Yeah, Em. I’ll be ready.”
She hangs up, and I slip my phone back into my pocket. Already, I feel kind of fluttery and weird at the idea of being so close to Andy.
I haven’t been confident in my own shoes for a while. It’s time to fix that.
Would he even look at a simple little mouse like me? He needs someone with fire, the same flame in his own heart.
I start a new flower arrangement, focusing completely on the soft, vibrant petals. This, I can control. This, I can make beautiful.
I try not to think about tonight, but I can’t stop thinking about Andy.
Armand
The party is more crowded than I expected. I’m crushed in a corner with Evan against me, looking out an open window. I haven’t even seen Minette yet.
Evan is banging on about Emilia. I’m so fucking sick of hearing it.
“Look, man,” I say, cutting into his monologue, “we all knew it was going to blow apart. There’s no way the two of you are going to make it.”
“That’s what I’m saying,” Evan says with some heavy emphasis. He’s quite drunk. “I should never have gone for her in the first place. She can’t accept me as I am. I can’t change… I mean, I’ve tried. I’ve really fucking tried, but this thing is a no-go.”
He stares into the crowd, face almost comically sad. I slap his shoulder lightly.
“Don’t sweat it, dude. There will be others.”
He shakes his head, gripping his beer tightly. “Not like this one. There’s never going to be one like this one. And I’m fucked, I’m totally fucked up. What does she want?”
“I hear you.” My voice sinks down to a whisper as soon as I see her—Minette.
She’s on the floor with Emilia, dancing.
Holy fucking shit! Dancing!
I can’t believe my eyes. She’s wearing an amazing, dark green silky dress that swishes up when she moves, showing off her long creamy thighs. Delicate straps chase across her shoulders, the straight neckline decorated with shiny beads in a growing vine.
Evan laughs at me. “Why don’t you go get her, buddy?”
“I can’t fucking wait.” My voice is stuck in my throat, and it comes out like a growl.
There are beauties all over that dance floor that my dick should be chasing. Instead, all I see is Minnie.
I stand up, throw down my bourbon in one gulp, and run a hand through my hair.
“Well, if you don’t hurry the fuck up, I’ll have to go and talk to Emilia. And I don’t want to do that. Everyone’s having a nice time. I don’t think they want to observe another screaming match.”
I’m listening, bu
t I’m not really hearing him. I walk across the room like I’m striding across the savannah towards a lioness. Cool but confident.
Emilia sees me from where she’s dancing in front of Minnie. She waves, winks, and dives into the crowd.
Minnie swings around and fixes me with those dark blue eyes. For a moment, she looks terrified. Like she might run.
Then she smiles.
“Hello, Andy…that is your name, isn’t it?”
“Yeah…well, it’s Armand actually, but everyone calls me Andy.”
It was ridiculous of my parents to give me an artsy fucking name and then expect me to do law.
She sticks out her hand, and I take it. We shake.
“I’m Minette… Minnie.”
“Like Minnie Mouse?” I grin.
She laughs, a sweet giggle. “Yeah. Kind of. I had a few drinks. Emmy made me feel better, so I decided to come tonight. I really want to let go. Would you like to dance?”
“Right here?” I reach out and grab her waist. “Right now?”
She smiles. “Sure.”
She puts her arms on my shoulders, and I pull her towards me. It’s all happening so fast. I thought I was going to have to parade around nude to get her to notice me.
It’s strange, but I can’t even hear the music. We’re swaying, looking into each other’s eyes, but I have no idea if we’re following the beat.
There’s a silence around Minette. Like the horrors of the world stand still at her feet. I’m entranced.
She’s gorgeous, and I want to get to know every inch of her. She shifts under my hands, and my cock is practically leaping up out of my pants. As we move to the music, I start stroking her sides with my palms.
She pulls back a little, the vibrant green of her dress making her eyes shine darkly blue and setting off her pale hair.
“You’re hot,” I whisper in her ear.
She looks surprised and a bit confused. “Don’t you have a girlfriend here?”
I shake my head quickly. “No. No girlfriend.”
“Really?” Her hands grip my shoulders.
She’s hopeful. Expectant. Fuck, yes!
I slide my hands around her waist, bringing her closer to me. Fuck it. I’m going for it.
She’s hot, and I’ve got her here in my hands right now. She bends against me, and I know she wants me.
She’s as hot for me as I am for her.
“Hey, Minnie,” I begin.
“Yes?” She looks into my eyes.
“I think you’re gorgeous and lovely. Your flowers are beautiful. I want to know everything about you. I want to kiss away the sadness in your eyes. I can’t take it that you seem to live in pain. Let me try. Give me a chance.”
She strokes the side of my face, then she stands on tiptoe, our lips just inches apart. I cradle her head in one hand and lean down into the kiss.
Her mouth is hot and sweet. Gently, our lips play against each other, cautiously exploring with tongues.
She starts running her hands over my shoulders, and my cock is getting harder by the second. I don’t want to scare her. I’m pretty sure it will take more than one hot kiss to get her panties off.
She grips my hand, smiling as she pulls back. She takes a few steps away, tugging me along.
“Come on,” she whispers. “Let’s get out of here!”
She heads for one of the side doors in the apartment. Bedrooms, maybe?
Play it cool, I tell myself, don’t push.
It’s all about her and how far she wants to go. My cock feels painful already. I indulge in casual sex quite a bit, but I feel an intensity for Minnie that I’ve never felt before.
I don’t just want to bang the fuck out of her. I want to really find out what she loves and give it to her until that sad look in her eyes is gone.
As much as I’m turned on, I’m also in a state of wonder and disbelief. This morning, I introduced myself. Now, I’m touching her.
I knew it from the first moment I saw her. Once I touch her, I’m never letting her go.
Minette
Emilia got to my house early with a bottle of tequila. We did a few rounds of lick, sip, suck, and by that stage, it was easy to convince me into my favorite dress.
She sulked around about Evan a bit, but if Evan can’t appreciate her, he doesn’t deserve her. There are a million other guys out there who want Emilia. He can either toe the line or get in line as far as I’m concerned.
I haven’t worn this dress since before Mom and Dad died. It’s true the tequila loosened me up. But really, it’s Andy that has made the change in me.
I thought about him all day, and I got the impression that if I did nothing, he would disappear.
I can’t let that happen. These days, I try to imagine the rest of my life without Andy, and it always brings a pain to my chest.
I need to know more about him…I need to touch him. To tell him that someone cares for him.
I’ve suffered enough. I’m not going to put myself through hell anymore. Mom and Dad wouldn’t want that.
I’m going to take the shot.
I’m another five glasses of wine in when I hit the dance floor with Emmy. When she disappears, I know it must be because Andy is behind me.
We exchange a few words. I can’t focus. He’s wearing a well-fitted black shirt and charcoal pants. I haven’t seen him looking so fine.
I’m totally distracted. For a few seconds, I give in to my fear, that maybe he’s not interested…can’t possibly be. Then, I see his eyes.
The need. The hunger. I feel it, too.
I drag him away from the dance floor and into the nearest room. It’s dark and not so quiet, but it’s empty.
He starts kissing me gently as I turn around. His gorgeous long-fingered hands stroke my sides. His mouth is deep and hot.
I can feel myself getting wet, my pussy throbbing. I run my hands along his sides tightly under the fine black shirt. I rub up against him, and he moans softly.
“I don’t think I can do this.”
My chest feels cold and empty. I knew it. I’m too boring for him. My chest feels cold and empty.
“Why?” I ask it, sure I know the answer.
He clenches his fists. “I want you too much.”
I don’t understand for a second. Then I give him a hard shove. He falls on the bed, and I follow suit, bouncing down beside him.
I snuggle against him, breathing in his deep, clean smell.
“I want you, Andy. I really do.”
He rolls on to his side, drawing my face back to his for a deep kiss. He starts slipping the straps off my shoulders, grabbing my breasts, and the hard knot inside me begins to loosen. His strong arms wrap around my waist as he moves his mouth to my nipples.
My hips are writhing now. It’s been so long, I forgot how bright the fire can burn.
He runs one hand along my thigh and slides it up into my hot wet pussy. I grab his hand, pushing the palm against my clit as his fingers search deeper.
He teases my nipples with his teeth, alternating between small, soft nips and long, lingering kisses, and I thrash between his hands and mouth.
I shudder from the inside out, orgasm breaking over me, crackling through my nervous system. I gasp, pulling his face so I can kiss him deeply as my pussy spasms around his fingers.
He grins, holding me tight.
“That good, huh?” His voice is deep and soft.
I can only nod as I start to grind against his hand again. I dive in with my lips for more kisses. We tease each other’s tongues for a while before he pulls my dress down around my waist.
He sits up to look at me and squeezes my breasts.
“I’ve shown you mine,” I say, then I gesture at him. “Show me yours.”
He laughs, unbuttoning his shirt and tossing it to the floor. He’s very pale, no tan, but his muscles are sculpted and gorgeous.
He’s strong, tall, and slender. Kneeling over me, he undoes the belt and lets his cock out.
&nbs
p; It’s huge and straining. I open my legs, thinking he’s going to put it right in. I’m aching all over my pussy, my clit, and my lower back. As he leans his head down and pulls up my skirt, I can feel tremors inside me.
His lips touch my clit, and I grab the back of his head, pushing his mouth against me.
I gasp, squirming, knees falling open as he licks my clit, kissing it and sucking on it. He takes two of those gorgeous, long fingers and gently fingers my pussy. I’m grinding with my hips now, and it’s all too much.
I can’t hold on to his head anymore, and my arms fall back against the mattress. He lifts my hips, hands on my ass, eating me out as I come, again and again. His tongue inside me moves likes it’s looking for something, darting between my pussy and my clit.
He stops and eases his hands and head out from under my skirt. I’m trembling, moaning softly.
“Are you okay?” His eyes are dark and concerned in the soft light.
I nod, touching his face. “It’s just been a while for me.”
“For me, too.”
I move closer to him, smiling. “You going to put it in or what?”
He runs a hand over my shoulder and down to my breast, caressing the nipple with his thumb.
“You want me?” he asks, voice thick and low, but I hear uncertainty on his tongue.
I grab his hands, rocking my hips against him. “I want you. I want you forever.”
He looks so sad all of a sudden. I think I must have said the wrong thing. Then, he grabs my shoulders and leans down, kissing me deep and hard, pressing me against the bed.
He looks into my eyes, stroking my face.
“I want you, too. Forever.” His voice catches.
Then, all I can see are the broken pieces of our lives that fit together to make us whole. I don’t know all that he’s suffered. He doesn’t yet know anything about me, but that doesn’t matter.
We know that we fit. There’s a sense of completion, of security, in our joined souls. A feeling of comfort I never thought I would have again.
We fit. That’s all that matters. Together, the puzzle is complete.
