Desire in a Kiss

by Nicki Night

“I can’t wait to see him. He looks like a real cutie from the pictures you showed me.”

  “I can’t wait either.” Serenity pulled up in front of her apartment. “I’m home. I’ll call you when I’m on my way.”

  Serenity washed her face, brushed her teeth and refreshed her makeup in about ten minutes. Without much more time to spare, she changed her shoes, slipping into a pair of heels. The sleek style added height to her petite frame and gave her a more chic appeal than the flat riding boots she changed from.

  She trotted back to the car, turned the key in the ignition, but sat still for a moment before driving off.

  “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” she said to the rearview mirror. Three deep breaths calmed her breathing. She wasn’t backing out now.

  Tapping out a quick text to Rayne, she sighed. Rayne replied right away, letting her know that she had arrived. Serenity shifted the car into gear, closed her eyes briefly and swallowed hard before pulling off.

  The ten-minute drive proved nerve-racking. Serenity swore she’d caught every possible light and each stayed red a minute longer just because she was anxious. Luckily she pulled right into a spot that someone was leaving as she drove up. She turned the key, shut off the ignition and sat back another moment. Peering through the window, she tried to see if she could recognize Chris but couldn’t get a good enough view of everyone inside the dimly lit coffee bar.

  “Let’s do this, girl.” She pushed the door open and took one step at a time despite her beating heart.

  She spotted Rayne and Ethan sitting at table near the window as soon as she walked in. Rayne discreetly winked but gave no other indication that she knew Serenity.

  Then she saw him. Her breath caught. He tilted his head in a familiar way. Serenity smiled, confirming the inquiry in his expression. He stood, lifting into his full, grand height. She guessed he was over six feet, nearly a foot above her height. She assessed him as he made his way over to her—smooth skin, piercing eyes, and a tight-set jaw. His friendly grin revealed a cavernous set of dimples. In that instant, he was even better-looking. She wondered if his shirt and slacks knew how blessed they were to cover such an amazing body.

  Chris’s pictures couldn’t possibly have lived up to the task of doing him justice.

  “Serenity?” His voice flowed from his mouth and rumbled her core like the strum of a bass guitar.

  Serenity thought her knees would waver. She cleared her throat. “Pleasure to meet you—” she cleared her throat “—Chris.”

  Chris took her hand and kissed the back of it. “Likewise.” He licked those scrumptious lips and Serenity felt something flutter inside her belly. “What are you having?”

  Without releasing her hand, he walked over to the counter.

  “Chai... I’ll have a chai tea latte. That’s my favorite.”

  Chris placed their orders, and they stepped aside to wait.

  “You look even better in person.”

  Serenity felt her cheeks burn. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  Chris chuckled. “Thanks.”

  They engaged in small talk until the barista called their names. Taking her by the hand once more, Chris led her back to the spot where he’d been sitting. It was the exact spot that Rayne had suggested, with the cozy oversize chairs and a small accent table between them. Chris waited for her to sit before he did.

  “We’re finally here—together.”

  “I know.” Serenity couldn’t help her smile. “It seems strange. I feel like I’ve known you forever, yet this is the first time I’ve seen you.”

  “Yeah. I know. It does feel strange. Tell me more about Heartstrings.”

  Nothing made Serenity happier. Her last boyfriend considered her service a waste of time and never encouraged her to pursue it as a business. Serenity filled Chris in on everything she loved about the organization—the kids, the board, their supporters. She shared her earlier encounter with the twins and expressed the fact that she wished she could get more professional musicians or celebrities involved with the organization.

  Chris talked about his new venture with his friends and how much fun it was to work with them. Lost in conversation, time passed and Serenity barely noticed. She’d grown completely comfortable in his presence. They’d entered that familiar space again. The same one they’d created first on email and then by phone, cocooned by their intrigue for one another. No subject went undiscovered. They debated, laughed, flirted and drank each other in. He held her in intense gazes for moments at a time, making her blush. She got lost in those beautiful brown orbs, floating on the promise of future pleasures.

  Being in public didn’t matter. It was just the two of them in that coffeehouse until it was truly only Serenity, Chris, Rayne and Ethan. Serenity’s phone buzzed. Rayne sent a message asking if she needed them to stick around any longer. She replied yes and promised to end their rendezvous within minutes.

  “I hate to, but I really need to head home. I have some additional prep to do for my classes tomorrow.”

  Chris looked at his watch, then looked around the coffeehouse. “I guess it is time to go. We seem to be the only ones left besides that other couple.” He smiled, and Serenity thought she felt her heart melting.

  Serenity just smiled.

  “Let me walk you to your car.”

  “Okay.”

  Chris helped her to her feet. Taking her hand, he led her past Rayne and Ethan and escorted her to her car parked right out front. Serenity pressed the key fob, unlocking the doors with a chirp. Chris opened her door and stepped aside. Serenity stood by the open door, looked up at him and then down. She didn’t want this to end.

  “Good night, Chris.”

  His smile warmed her on the inside. His voice dipped. His eyes lowered to a sexy gaze. “Good night.”

  For several minutes neither of them spoke. They stood with their eyes locked on one another.

  “Good night, Chris,” she said again.

  “Good night.” Chris leaned forward and kissed her cheek.

  Serenity felt her skin tingle at the place where he’d pressed his lips against her face.

  “I hope that now you will allow me to take you to dinner.”

  “I think that could work.” Serenity pretended to ponder the idea.

  Chris shook his head, chuckling. “Call me when you get in.”

  “Will do.”

  Slowly he stepped back and closed her door. He stood for another moment before waving goodbye and heading to his car. Serenity sat in her car a few moments longer, willing her heartbeat to return to a normal pace.

  Her phone buzzed.

  Rayne sent a single word text. Whoa!

  Serenity dialed her number.

  “Girl!” Rayne sang into the phone, and the two of them laughed. “Ethan said he’s glad he didn’t have to bust out with some of his mixed martial arts moves on that guy. He seemed cool.”

  “Tell my buddy I said thanks for having my back.”

  “All right! I’ll see you tomorrow at work. We’re exhausted. You two sure can talk.”

  “I know. Thanks again. Let me know that you got home safe.”

  “Okay. Nighty-night.”

  Minutes later, Serenity was in front of her apartment complex. She barely remembered driving home. Every thought was a reflection of the time she’d just spent with Chris. She definitely wanted to see him again.

  Serenity strolled into her apartment with a smile parting her lips and dropped her bag on the table near the door. A single note alerted her to the incoming text. Serenity picked up the phone, hoping it was from Chris. It was. Her smile broadened.

  Home safe?

  Yes. She couldn’t help but chuckle. The attention Chris lavished her with had her feeling giddy.

  Good. Can I take you t
o dinner Friday?

  I’d love that.

  Without chaperones this time?

  “What?” Serenity said aloud. One hand flew to her gaping mouth before she responded.

  How’d you know?

  Ha! Their constant staring didn’t alarm you.

  Busted!! Serenity entered three laughing emojis. No chaperones this time. I promise.

  Looking forward to it.

  Me too.

  Good night.

  Good night.

  Cradling her phone in both hands, she held it to her chest and closed her eyes. Friday couldn’t come soon enough.

  Chapter 12

  “So when do we meet her, Chris?” From the tone of Jewel’s voice, Chris could picture her standing with her arms firmly folded in front of her as she tapped one foot.

  “Who knows?”

  “Pfft! You wouldn’t spend so much brainpower on planning a nice date if she was just any ole woman. This one is special, whether you want to admit it or not,” Jade summed. “What does she look like? Is she stunning?”

  “Thanks for the ideas. I’m getting off the phone now. I need to get ready for my date, remember?”

  “Chris.” Jade groaned.

  “Love y’all. Bye.” Chris ended the call before they could protest any further. He was done with their interrogation but thankful for what they had helped him plan.

  Taking special care with his preparation, he checked in with Serenity and confirmed his arrangements. Several times, he questioned his desire to put so much effort into planning this first official date. How far could they really go, when he hadn’t revealed his true identity?

  Chris decided to use this date as a gauge to determine whether or not this relationship had real potential. If not, there would be no need to tell Serenity who he was.

  “Ha!” Chris laughed at himself. Who was he fooling?

  His sisters were right. There was something about this woman. The way Serenity and he glided into easy banter, the comfort they felt in each other’s presence—all of that intrigued him. He hadn’t spent hours on the phone with a woman since his teen crush. There was never a dull moment with Serenity. No lulls in their conversation. Every bout of silence was cozy and companionable, connecting stimulating deliberations like hyphens.

  When he had finally seen her in person, he’d been taken aback. A stunning beauty packed into a petite frame made her presence grandiose. Immediately he’d wanted to run his fingers through the unruly coils in her hair, which framed a striking face, sharp cheekbones and large brown eyes that threatened to weaken his sensibilities. He’d wanted to kiss those full sweetheart lips the second he’d greeted her in the coffee shop. The pictures he’d seen on her social media profiles failed to replicate her raw beauty.

  Chris had forced himself to peel his attention away from her eyes. That’s when he’d discovered her curves. Ample mounds created perfect arcs under her cashmere sweater. His father would have said she had the shape of a Coca-Cola bottle. She was everything he’d envisioned and more. It seemed unreal, almost unfair, to house such beauty, wit, intelligence and passion in a compact existence.

  Standing before the full-length mirror in his bedroom, he tugged at his blazer, straightening it at the hem. He adjusted the collar of his stark-white shirt. The jeans and stylish shoes finished the look with a casual but refined flair.

  Assessing his attire, Chris wondered how he would explain his reason for the fake name if and when the time came. “Eh.” Waving off those concerns, he grabbed the keys to his SUV. His intentions weren’t to be deceptive. He just wanted to find someone who wasn’t driven to him by his legacy. Surely, she’d understand that.

  He rolled up to her apartment complex, which was nestled between middle-class houses, at exactly six thirty as he’d promised. Her cozy, tree-lined neighborhood felt welcoming and reminded him of his grandparents’ home. Children whizzed past on bikes. Professionals hurried home from work. Parents rushed kids into minivans, slamming doors and complaining of being late to practices. People walked mild-mannered pets that appeared unaffected by the lively buzz of the community. Her neighborhood was so different than his. There weren’t any equestrian centers or sprawling estates set widely apart from the next. Kids didn’t play in his streets. They released their recreational energies in acres of pool houses, or at country clubs, practices or lessons, and spread their cultural wings abroad.

  Immediately, Chris appreciated the simplicity that seemed to adorn the lifestyle this neighborhood exemplified. He was certain that these cool people didn’t pursue pedigrees and legacies with the same fervor as those in his circle.

  Chris felt a few eyes on him as he made it up the walkway to Serenity’s front door. She opened it after a few taps, inviting him in as she slid an earring through her ear.

  “Good evening.” Chris leaned forward, planting a kiss on her cheek. A delicate floral scent wafted into his nostrils. He breathed it in.

  “Good evening to you.” Serenity received his hug. “Can I get you anything?”

  “I’m fine. Thanks.”

  “Okay. I just need to get my shoes, and I’ll be ready.” She disappeared down the hall.

  Chris took in the eclectic composition of her home. Her decor was a direct reflection of her nature—composed, artistic and stylish. She paired antique furnishings, full of character, with sleek modern accents, and plush seating filled with colorful throws and inviting pillows. Every piece in the room was interesting and meticulously placed. An older piano sat proudly in a corner by the window. It was clear that Serenity surrounded herself with things that she loved—music, art and children. He recognized her in pictures with students and people he assumed were family members because of their shared features.

  “Ready!” Serenity appeared, startling Chris.

  “You have a beautiful home.”

  “Thanks! It’s my sanctuary. Shall we go?”

  Her home enveloped him. Chris wanted to stay a little longer but remembered his plans. “Let’s go.” Like a gentleman, Chris led her to the car and made sure she was settled in before taking the driver’s seat.

  The ride to Manhattan seemed short with the flow of conversation between them.

  “Where did you say we were going?” Serenity asked.

  “I didn’t,” he said, eyeing her. “You’ll see soon enough.”

  “I hate surprises. Ha! I’m a liar. I absolutely love them. I think it says a lot about a person when they go through the trouble of planning surprises. You can’t help but feel special that someone went through so much for you.”

  “That’s good to know.”

  “Are you taking notes on me?”

  “Uh. Yep.”

  Serenity’s head fell back as she laughed. Chris took in the lines of her neck and shoulders and wondered how smooth her skin must feel there.

  “Very interesting, Mr. Mullins.”

  Chris cleared his throat. That was the third time she’d called him that. This time it felt more foreign than before.

  “Mr. Mullins is way too formal.” He forced a chuckle.

  Serenity laughed. “We’re here already?” she asked as Chris pulled into a parking garage.

  “Ready for a good time?”

  “Yes!” Her titter sounded like music.

  Chris gave the keys to an attendant, took Serenity’s hand and led her down the bustling Manhattan Street.

  “No way!” she said and looked at Chris as they walked up to the concert hall known for hosting the nation’s most renowned jazz artists.

  “Surprise!”

  Serenity shrieked, covered her mouth and looked up at the sign. “We’re going to see Storm Kensington! Oh my goodness! I can’t believe this.” Serenity wrapped her arms around Chris. “This is an amazing surprise.”

 
Chris felt his ego swell a bit. He wanted to say, “Wait until the rest of the evening” but bit back that comment. Her response now was priceless, and he looked forward to seeing it again.

  Inside, an usher escorted them to front-row seats. Serenity sat on the edge of her seat for the entire concert, getting lost in the rhythms. Chris watched her dance and sway—eyes closed as she felt the music. It seemed to flow through her. At the end, he swore she clapped the loudest.

  “That was fantastic! Thank you so much, Chris.”

  “We need to hurry.” Chris took her hand. Serenity looked puzzled but gathered her scarf. “We’ve been invited backstage.”

  “Wait! What?” Serenity rolled her eyes upward and slumped back down into the chair, pretending to faint. Opening one eye, she looked up at Chris. “You can’t be serious.”

  “You’re a character.”

  “This is too much. I can’t believe we’re going backstage to meet Storm Kensington. I wish my students were here to see this. They’d lose their minds.”

  Hand in hand, they headed backstage. Storm was sweaty but polite as he greeted Serenity and Chris. She praised his performance and told him how much the kids she worked with at the community center loved him.

  “I’d love to come by and meet them,” Storm offered.

  Serenity’s mouth dropped. She looked at Chris and then at Storm. They looked at each other and laughed.

  “You would?” Serenity was in awe.

  Chris felt the swell of pride again.

  “For sure! Here.” Storm dug in a duffel bag, retrieved a card and handed it to her. “Shoot me an email, and we can figure out some dates when I’m back in town.”

  “Thank you so much. My kids will be amazed.” Serenity hugged Storm.

  Storm gave Chris a firm handshake. “Pleasure, my man.”

  “Thank you,” Chris replied. “The pleasure was ours.”

  “And I’ll see you soon.” He shook Serenity’s hand.

  “Looking forward to it.” She smiled.

  Chris turned to her. “Ready to eat?”

  “Oh, yes. I’m starving.”

  “Let’s go.”