by Anthology
I watch Evan in silence as he conquers the kitchen, glamorously making a delicious meal for me. His body is tight and hard. I knew it from the first moment I crashed into him at the train station. Even underneath his pea coat, I knew he was a strong build. I could just sense that about him. And now, his sleeves are rolled up as he handled the hot stove, sweating over it as he stirs the pot.
Sex appeal oozes from him as he cooks before me, exposing another side of him, I never knew existed. Watching him, I recognize his face from our past. He’s matured and in a very good way. Light stubble covers his face and dark wavy hair styled just right matches his eyes.
I still can’t believe it’s him. I knew I had seen him before. Should I tell that I remember? What if he doesn’t remember me?
My eyes peer at him again as he tastes the sauce. He licks his lips and god, I practically melt. All of a sudden, I’m hot. Heated to the point, I just want to rip off all my clothes. The heat in this kitchen has risen exponentially and it’s not because of the cooking. It’s all Evan.
He peeks up at me, catching my stare and winks. “Come, try this.”
I step around the counter and inch over to him, watching as he slowly moves the spoon over to my lips. I glance at him just as I lower my head toward the spoon and take a sip, soaking in the delicious taste of alfredo sauce.
I lick my lips and wipe away the excess sauce with my finger. “Mmmm, that’s good.”
His eyes beam with excitement. “Yeah? You like?”
I nod with pleasure. “How did you learn how to cook?”
He sighs as he returns to cooking. “Well, I actually have my folks to thank for that. They shipped me off to military school because well, frankly, I was turning into a little shit. I rebelled a lot and wanted to be a famous rock star. Ya know, travel the world. Anyways, they shipped me off and I had to learn to fend for myself.”
My brow arches toward him. “But, don’t they have cooks at the school?”
He chuckles. “Yeah, they did. But I got in trouble all the time, so I had kitchen duty almost every night. Eventually I learned how to make a few things and I discovered a hidden passion. By the time I was 16, I knew I wanted to be a chef. So, after I graduated, I moved to the city and got a job as an apprentice and learned the trade.”
“Wow, that’s amazing. And now, you own a restaurant.”
Evan glances around his place and smiles with adoration. “Yup, the restaurant opened a year ago and has been thriving since.”
He grabs two plates and serves me my dish. “Time to eat.”
We eat in a comfortable silence, peeking at one another throughout the course of the meal. His food is to die for and I find myself wanting seconds, but I can’t. It’s bad enough he’s already done so much for me tonight, I’m not about to ask for more free food. That will just be a little too much for my taste.
I wipe my mouth with a napkin and offer him a smile. “That was delicious. Thank you.”
He stands up to grab my empty plate. “I’m glad you liked it.”
Feeling like I need to do something, I follow him into the kitchen to help clean up. He pauses, motioning me to return but I resist. “No, please. It’s the least I can do. I don’t mind washing a few dishes.”
Fifteen minutes later, the kitchen looks immaculate, as if it’s never been used before. I’m so amazed by all he’s accomplished and he’s only twenty-four. He’s got his head on straight and I admire that about him.
I head into the hall to grab my coat just as his hands slip behind me, helping me into it. I spin to face him as I pull my hair from inside the coat, so it flows over my shoulders and down my back. He sends me a smile as he glances at the time.
“Listen, it’s almost 3:15 and I know you don’t want to miss the train. I’m not sure if you’re up for this but my apartment is just a block away. I’m sure you’d like to rest a little before the trip back.”
I send him a smirk. “Yeah, of course. I’m fine with that.”
He smiles bright as we put on our coats and head out into the cold. I walk outside waiting as he locks up and step into a blanket of snow. Apparently it’s been snowing the whole time we were in the restaurant, and the streets are beautifully decorated white.
Being playful, I bend down quickly to roll up a ball of snow. Just as Evan turns, I throw it at him, hitting him square in the chest. I bust out in laughter as he wipes away the snow from his body. I can’t help but laugh even louder as I see the look on his face.
His voice deepens. “Oh, you think this is funny?”
And with that, he bends toward the ground, grabbing a handful of snow. And I take off. Squealing like a little girl, I round the corner as Evan chases me throwing snowballs in my direction. Snow falling from the sky sprinkles the top of my head, turning my hair into a mopy mess. My feet begin to freeze as snow melts inside of my flats. But I don’t care; I’m having way too much fun.
Evan and I continue our snowball fight for a few more rounds before my body begins to shiver tremendously. Even with gloves on, my hands feel like ice and I can’t feel my toes. He notices my unease and drops a snowball.
Rushing toward me, his hands grab mine. “Are you alright?”
My teeth shatter as my body trembles. “I’m just really cold.”
“Shit, come on. Let’s get you inside.”
Evan hoists me off the ground and cradles me against him, keeping me warm with his body heat. He rushes toward his apartment building as the cold air seeps into my lungs, causing me to shiver.
His voice rocks next to my ear. “Almost there, just crossing the street now.”
I hold onto him tight as I close my eyes, allowing him to rescue me from the cruel winter air. In that moment, he twists his body, slamming his back against the front door of the building, and steps inside. Immediately the warm air heats my body, sending my limbs to burn as the blood in my body rushes back to its normal flow.
He plants my feet on the ground, steadying my stance. I breathe, shaking away the cold as I give him a smile. I mouth the words ‘thank you’ as he takes hold of my hand and leads me to his apartment door. My wet hair begins to harden into crystals as I watch him unlock the door and switches on the light.
I follow Evan inside the apartment and he immediately takes off my coat. “Come on, you need to warm up. Take off your shoes. Follow me.”
Following his orders, I kick off my flats and follow him down the hall and into the bathroom. He turns on the shower, turning the knob to scorching hot as the hot water begins to steam up the space. “You’ll warm up in the shower. I’ll try to find some dry clothes for you to wear.”
Evan rushes out of the room, leaving me alone to change out of my wet clothes. I let out a sigh and pull off my jeans and shirt. My arms reach around my back to unhook my bra and just as I’m about to slip out of my panties, Evan knocks and comes barging in.
“Hey, I brought a t--“
I screech as my hands go flying toward my chest, covering my breasts. Completely embarrassed with what just happened, I feel heat rushing toward my cheeks. Dammit! I’m sure my face is beet red right about now.
Evan catches my nakedness and immediately turns around, facing the wall. “Shit, I came to bring you a towel. I didn’t think you’d be naked already.”
I calm down from the awkwardness and smile at him. His eyes are pinched shut as his body faces the wall. I can’t help but laugh at this whole situation. “It’s fine Evan. I was just startled, that’s all. You can open your eyes and hand me the towel. It’s okay.”
He listens to my advice and slowly opens his eyes. With one arm covering my breasts, I reach the other hand out to him as I grab the towel from him. “Thank you.”
Our fingers touch ever so slightly as I take the towel in my hands. My breath hitches as chills soar all over my body. It shudders, not from the cold, but from the electrifying heat that signals between us. Glancing up at him, I know he feels it too.
His deep voice chimes throughout the room. “What is it with us and
bathrooms?”
His statement sends a confused look to spread across my face. And as I glance up at him, his smile grows wide. In an instant, he pulls my body against his and wraps his arms around me. I drop the towel on the floor, leaving my exposed breasts to press against his body.
His dark eyes stare deep into mine as he whispers to me. “You’re driving me crazy, do you know that? I can’t think when you’re around. It’s been this way since we met.”
I stammer against him. “But…we just met.”
He growls deep. “Are you so sure about that?”
My breathing surges and my heart pounds in my chest. His eyes blacken with desire as our faces are mere inches away from one another. My eyes travel to his lips, longing to feel them on mine once again. Oh god, it’s been so long since we kissed.
His lips curve as he keeps hold of me. “I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to you then...and I’m still not ready.”
At that moment, his lips crash onto mine as our bodies tangle with one another, in the limited space of the bathroom. The steamy shower heats up as our lips dance with one another, unwavering a lost and buried memory that’s dying to be reborn. His hands travel all over my body; up and down my smooth back as his mouth pushes further.
I taste his lips with a ferocious passion, eager to try more and more of what he has to offer. He steps back to lift up his shirt and my hands race toward his pants, unbuttoning as he pulls his shirt off. His lips kiss mine just as he kicks off his jeans. The erection from his boxer briefs meets my stomach as Evan presses his body into mine.
My back is pressed along the shower curtain and I almost fall in, just as he catches me. We both laugh at our clumsiness, enjoying each other’s company. He helps me stand up straight so I can slip off my panties, and step into the hot shower.
He follows me in and immediately presses his lips on mine. Our bodies mold into one another as the heated water cascades down our bodies. I can’t believe this is happening right now. And with Evan, of all people.
Evan’s voice chimes into my ear. “God, you’re still so beautiful. Just as I remember.”
His hands run up and down my body. “I could never forget. How could I?”
I whisper back to him. “So, you did recognize me?”
He pauses to stare deep into my eyes. “Holland, I recognized you the moment you slammed into me. I knew it was you all along. That’s why I never asked you your name. I didn’t’ need to.”
I pull his lips toward mine as heat ignites between us. His fingers brush all over my wet skin and I dig my nails into his back. Hi fingers trail south, teasing my inner thighs, rubbing my sweet spot. A spark of lust erupts inside me as Evan continues to twirl his fingers and rub my spot. I lift a leg and he holds it with one arm, pressing me against the wall.
He inserts a finger inside of me and I let out a gasp, full of pleasure as Evan sends me on a blissful rollercoaster ride.
“Oh god, that feels good.”
His deep voice echoes inches away from my face as he continues to work his fingers. “I’m gonna make you cum.”
Intense heat builds inside of me as my body is sent to the edge. “Shit…”
He pushes his fingers further inside of me, while his thumb rubs my clit. “Let go baby.”
And following his request, I erupt around him, crying out with intense pleasure as he thrusts his fingers inside of me. His lips press against mine as I calm down from my high, removing his fingers.
I stare at him with such immense emotion, I can’t contain myself. I laugh with such happiness and glee; I need him to know who good he makes me feel. He senses my pleasure and smiles as I giggle against him.
We share our moment for a while longer until the shower begins to turn cold. Evan winces as the cold water hits him. “Yeah, time to get out.”
Evan shuts off the water and hands me the towel that I dropped earlier. I quickly dab myself dry and hand it to him so he can dry off. He kisses my lips just as he steps out of the shower, wrapping the towel around his waist.
“I’m going to get you some dry clothes.”
I stop him just before he leaves. “I don’t need any.” I step out of the shower, hair still dripping wet, completely naked just for him. Without a second glance, he scoops me up in his arms, and races toward the bedroom.
Evan slams my body onto his bed and climbs on top of me, not even wasting a single second. It’s as if our time together is limited; rushed. Racing against the clock so to speak. He leaves kisses all over my chest and neck as his hands run up and down my legs.
His strong grasp sends butterflies to flutter in my belly as my breathing becomes staggered. I could feel my body getting ready to welcome him. His fingers return to their spot from before as he lets out a deep breath. “Shit, you’re soaking wet.
He inches closer positioning himself over me and slowly fills me. My head arches back as my body takes him, opening up, allowing him to ease inside. He seethes through his teeth as he sinks deeper. “Fuck.”
Our bodies become one as he moves inside of me, thrusting back and forth in a smooth motion, sending pleasure all over my body. Beads of sweat roll down my body as Evan kisses me with an intense passion. Pleasure builds inside, sending me closer and closer toward the edge.
He bends closer wrapping his arms around me and twists our bodies, rolling me on the topside. His voice echoes throughout the room. “I want to see you, feel you on top.”
I smile at his wantonness and ride him, moving in a fluid motion. The pleasure between us sky-rockets as I quicken my pace, reaching toward that end goal. And just as my body releases into an immense bliss, he gasps and calls out.
My body rocks on top of him as I cry out with pleasure. “Evan, oh god!”
“Yes baby.”
My chest crashes onto his as my breathing goes back to normal. He wraps his arms around me and pulls the covers over us, sliding me next to him. I glance at his face just as he fingers brush my cheek.
“What time is it?”
He turns toward his clock. “It’s 4:15.”
A hint of sadness pings through me as realization hits that I have to leave soon. I don’t want to, but I have to. I can’t just quit school and stay here. I need to finish; I have a commitment. Besides, I’m sure Evan will understand what it means to be chasing a dream.
He whispers, “I don’t want to say goodbye again.”
I respond, “So then don’t.”
His lips flatten. “I’m serious Holland, I don’t want to. I don’t think I can handle it again.”
My hand cups his cheek, reassuring him of his unease. “Relax, I’m not going anywhere. Let’s rest for a bit. It’ll be morning soon and I’m exhausted.”
I rest my head on his chest as he kisses my forehead. “Goodnight Holland. I’m glad you crashed into me today.”
I chuckle against his chest holding back the tears, knowing what I need to do. “Goodnight Evan. I’m glad you broke my shoe.”
I feel him chuckle underneath me and close my eyes. Within a couple minutes, Evan’s breathing is steady as a soft snore escapes his lips. I lift my head slowly off his chest as I see the time. 4:30.
Inching out of the bed, I quietly tip toe toward the bathroom, to wash up and grab my things. Getting dressed, I wrap my hair in a messy bun and slip on my shoes. They’re still wet from the melted snow, but there’s nothing I can do at this point.
Grabbing my bag, I pull out a pen and paper and write a little note to Evan. Leaving it on the kitchen table, a small tear escapes my eye and I wipe it away. I know what I’m doing is wrong and downright cowardly, but I can’t stay.
With one last look, I glance around the space and quietly shut the door behind me. Walking out in the streets, the city begins to wake as cabs fill the streets. In a matter of seconds, I manage to hail a cab and hop inside.
The driver looks into the rearview mirror. “Where to?”
“Uh, Penn Station.”
And just like that, the cab pulls away from
the curb and away from Evan’s building. Tears spill down my face as I resist the urge to instruct the driver to stop and turn around. I can’t. I can’t do it.
This is my choice and it’s the right choice.
* * *
One Week Later
Finishing up my exam, I handle the test to my professor and exit the class. Bundling up my coat, I see a couple of my classmates hanging out by the hall. We gather together and discuss the exam, trying to decipher if we did well or not.
After a couple minutes, I say bye to them and head outside and walk toward my dorm. The cool wind sends chills all over my body as I race across the promenade and toward Stuart Hall, the only coed dorm on campus.
Stepping inside, I head down to the common area to check my mail and grab a large parcel out of my box. Looking at the package, there’s no return address.
Hmm…I rip the parcel open and grab hold of a soft silky fabric that I’d recognize anywhere.; the pink scarf. I brush the scarf along my cheek as tears immediately begin to fill my eyes.
And then it dawns on me. He must be in my room. I wrap the scarf around my neck race out into the hallway, immediately crashing into someone and falling toward the ground.
“You know, you outta watch where you’re going if this is going to be a trend.”
The familiar voice sends chills down my spine as I glance up from the floor. Evan’s hand reaches out for me, and I take it, standing up, still holding his gaze.
“I told you, I didn’t want to say goodbye.”
My eyes fill with wonder as the vision of him standing before me, causes a flutter of happiness to seep inside my soul. “How did you find me?”
He shrugs his shoulders, “Ahh, I got my ways.”
I stare at him speechless and completely shocked.
“How could I forget the beautiful doe-eyed girl who gave me my first kiss?”
A smile spreads across my face. “It was your first kiss too?”
He nods inching closer to me. “Our first and definitely not our last.”
Our lips press together as his hands wrap around my body, pulling me closer against him. The crowd around us aww’s and ooh’s interrupting our display of affection and we step back from one another. I grab hold of Evan’s hand and lead him up the stairs to my room.
