by Bray, Ayr
“I love Seattle and the big city, though I am a country boy at heart.”
“That’s a little contradictory don’t you think?”
“No, not really,” he explained, “I grew up in an average sized community with all the comforts of country living. I love outdoor activities like camping, mudding in my Jeep, and hiking, but I also love the stylish lifestyle of Seattle. I love sitting in a jazz club listening to a local group. I like to take walks on the pier and feel the salt air on my face. I love the fast paced living of downtown where everything you need is within a short walk from your apartment. I like the endless activity of the big city, but I also love the tranquility of the quiet mountains and ocean.”
“I see what you mean.” Samantha pondered what he said. “I suppose I am not sure what I am yet. I’ve yet to experience anything exciting, but I can tell you that the big city is what made me choose U-Dub over all the other colleges.”
“Other colleges? Did you apply to many?”
“Yeah, quite a few. To be honest I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go, and I still don’t know what I want to major in. What are you majoring in?”
“Pre-Medicine, I want to be a Cardiologist.”
The Greek God is ambitious, she thought as she watched him while he drove.
He took the Union Street exit ramp and headed west towards the water. Turning onto First Avenue he pulled into a parking lot, and took the first parking spot he could get. Looking at her he asked, “Are you ready?”
She nodded her head yes and allowed a smile to cross her features. She was excited to be walking around the streets of Seattle with her date. None of the warnings that her father had issued when she called him earlier that evening were registering.
The fall air was cooling so Samantha slipped on her sweater and tied the belt at her waist. The colors complimented her outfit perfectly, and she was convinced that she looked every bit as amazing as he did. Darren was wearing a comfortable pair of jeans, similar to the ones he wore earlier in the day, only she could tell they were newer with a buttoned down collared shirt tucked in at his waist. His leather Doc Martens matched his belt, and his sleeves were casually rolled above his elbows, which further defined his biceps, and showed off his forearms. Opening her door and helping her out, he reached around her to shut it. Their bodies were close, only inches away from one another.
Darren looked at her, and her eyes widened, then she froze, the only movement her body made was the blinking of her beautiful eyes. Her soft lips parted, and she licked her lips. Suddenly Darren’s entire body screamed to kiss her. He could see that she wanted it as much as he did. Gripping both of her arms, just below her shoulders, he pulled her close and with the softest, most sensual touch that he could muster he captured her lips with his own and kissed her. He kissed her with every ounce of desire that he possessed. He kissed her like he had never kissed another woman. Darren could barely contain the passion he had for Samantha, letting go of her shoulders, he grabbed her around the waist and backed her against the jeep. His lips pressed solidly against her’s, his tongue teasing her’s to play with him. She tasted like peppermint.
Samantha melted into his arms, arching her breasts against his chest. He marveled how well their bodies fit together, and he pressed his hips against her’s, his erection growing in size with each sound and movement that they made. Blood coursed through him with a savage heat, he desired to ravage her, never let her go until his lusts were fully satiated, but something in him held back. Again he experienced their magnetic kiss. As much as he hated to admit it, it scared him and with that thought he took a step back, forcing his lips to leave her’s, forcing his body back under control.
Something akin to disappointment flashed across Samantha’s face, it devastated Darren, he couldn’t disappoint her. Taking one step towards her and clasping both of his hands at the nape of her neck he plunged his tongue back into her mouth, drinking in her essence while he tangled his fingers through her dark hair. Samantha wrapped her arms around him and tucked her fingertips into the back pocket of his jeans, pulling him closer. She could feel the strength of his erection, a sensation she had never felt before, but one that she was extremely pleased to discover. Their kiss was passionate but far shorter than either of them would have preferred. Darren pulled away again, leaning his forehead against her’s. Her eyes were half-closed in a daze of desire. “I was born to kiss you,” he whispered, “but if we keep on at this pace, we will not make it to dinner, and God help me, I would take you right here in this parking lot if I thought we could do it without getting taken to jail for indecent exposure.”
Samantha smiled against him. She may be a virgin, but she fully understood where their desires were leading and what he was insinuating when he said he would take her. Her stomach performed a few acrobatic flip-flops at the thought. She’d never even had a boyfriend before, and her only experimentation with kissing had been at Kari’s sixteenth birthday party when everyone played spin the bottle. Kissing Jacob Siler in front of a group of twenty wasn’t her idea of a kiss. His breath stunk and his lips were soggy. Nothing like the kiss she had just experienced with Darren. This one made her toes curl.
Reaching for her hand he intertwined his fingers through her’s, and they set off towards their destination. When they reached the corner of First Avenue and Pike Street Samantha recognized where they were. “Are we going to Pike Place Market?” she inquired.
“Yes, have you been there?”
“I’ve been once or twice, but I just walked through quickly since we were on our way to the ferry.”
“It’s my opinion that you haven’t experienced the market until you have visited at least ten times.”
Tilting her head to one side, Samantha asked, “Why do you think that?”
“Just think about it, the market is enormous; about nine acres. It’s one of the oldest markets in the country and is constantly changing. There are several levels, and even some winding alleys throughout. You can experience sights, sounds, tastes, aromas, and textures all in one place. If a person takes their time and gives the market their due respect, they will find many elements to amaze, delight, and inspire them. The problem is people don’t take the time. They only see it as a farmer's market of sorts, and don’t give it its due respect.”
Darren spoke with a passion rarely witnessed by Samantha; she looked around as they crossed Pike Street and stepped onto the sidewalk in front of the market. Her eyes were open to the possibilities.
“You’re really passionate about the market aren’t you?”
“Yes, I suppose I am.” Darren squeezed her hand as he spoke.
“It looks as if the market is closed,” Samantha said as they stepped into the market hall where most of the shop grates had been lowered and locked.
“Yeah, sorry about that. The main market closes at six, but Lowell’s is still open for dinner, that’s where we are going.”
An Asian woman was pulling down the gate on her flower stand nearby. Darren dropped Samantha’s hand and walked towards her, pulling twenty dollars out of his pocket. “If you can spare a minute, I would love to purchase any set of flowers for my girl here.” He nodded over his shoulder towards Samantha who stood off to the side embarrassed.
The woman scrutinized Samantha for a moment, then nodded yes and stepped back into her flower stand. She rummaged through a few flower wraps, apparently looking for something specific. When she had found it, she returned holding a beautiful bouquet mix of red flowers wrapped in brown parchment. She raised her hand and held out her fingers, “Five dollars, normally seven, but for you five.”
Darren handed her the twenty, flashed a grateful smile, and walked back to Samantha holding the flowers. He placed them in her hands and kissed her cheek, “Here beautiful, these are for you.”
“Boy, you forgot your change!” she bellowed at his back.
“Keep it!” he called over his shoulder.
She bowed and called after him, “Thank you, and come
back for more flowers anytime.” Darren waved to the woman and then laced his fingers through Samantha’s, and they walked to Lowell’s. Samantha could smell the sweet scent of the flowers as she carried them in her arms.
“I hope you like this place; it’s been one of my favorite places to eat since coming here with my grandfather when I was growing up.” They reached the door to the restaurant which Darren held open as Samantha walked in. He placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her forward towards the hostess.
“Dinner for two?” she asked.
“Yes,” Darren nodded, “overlooking the sound please.”
“This way please.” They followed the hostess to their seat.
She led them to a table at the back of the restaurant. It was positioned in front of a large picture window with a gorgeous view of the Puget Sound. Darren pulled out her chair, and she sat down, gently setting her flowers on the table, right next to her.
“Oh how lovely. What a sweet man you have, I think he’s a keeper.” The hostess cooed at the flowers as she set the menus in front of them. “Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Darren inquired about Samantha’s preferences and then ordered, the hostess walked away, leaving the two to look out over Elliott Bay in companionable silence.
“The view is breathtaking. I can see why you love this place so much,” Samantha said, still looking out over the piers and water below.
“My grandfather used to bring me here for breakfast, he would tell me about the days when it wasn’t a busy restaurant, but rather a coffee roaster and cafeteria that fed people that came here for their fresh produce. Oh the stories he would tell.”
Samantha smiled as she watched Darren reminisce about the memories of his grandfather. She adored the dimple on his chin that peeked through when he would give her a half-grin. It was quickly becoming one of her favorite facial features.
A waitress walked up with their drinks and introduced herself. She took their orders and then left them alone again.
“Were you close to your grandfather?” she inquired.
“About as close as any kid could be. We lived in the same town as my dad’s parents, so I was able to see them anytime I wanted. My grandfather came to Seattle a lot when I was a kid, and I tried to tag along anytime I didn’t have school. I adored my grandfather.”
“Is he still around? I heard you say adored, in the past tense. Is he …?”
“Yeah, he died about ten years ago.”
“I’m sorry,” Samantha felt guilty, she had just hit on one of the biggest first date no-no’s, according to Cosmopolitan Magazine. Never talk about ex’s, divorce’s, or death.
“Nah, don’t even think about it. My grandfather was old, he lived a wondrous life. I am proud of him, and hope I become half the man he was.”
Samantha leaned forward, her eyes focused on Darren. Her ankles were crossed under the table, and her knees pressed together when she felt his foot lightly touch her leg. She thought it was an accident at first, but then she felt it again, his leg lightly touching her’s. Just enough pressure to know he was there, but not so much to intrude upon her personal space or become threatening.
“I rode on that Ferry once.” She pointed out the window to the boat below, eager to start another conversation that would slow her heart rate.
“Oh yeah, did you enjoy it?”
“Yes, I loved it. My grandparents live on Bainbridge Island, we went for a visit.”
“Just one visit?”
“Well, perhaps a few, but I really only remember one of them well.”
“What made that particular ferry ride so special?”
Samantha sighed, she just led the conversation back to the very subject she was trying to get away from, death. “My mother had just died, and my father wasn’t in a good place. I was alone, on my way to stay with them for a while.” She didn’t say anything else.
“Now I’m the one who’s sorry.” He reached his hands across the table and held her’s, they both looked out at the pier, watching the cars load onto the ferry, and the foot passengers walk across the deck. Darren gently rubbed his thumbs across her knuckles causing electrifying bolts of desire to pulse through her. Neither of them said a word, they just enjoyed being together.
A bunch of loud and obnoxious women walked past, bringing their attention back inside the restaurant. “No way, what are you doing here?” One of the women stopped at their table, her full attention on Darren. His head snapped towards her at the sound of her voice; he was speechless.
“What’s the matter, cat got your tongue?” she teased.
“No, I mean, hello … how are you Melissa?”
“I’m well Darren, who’s the latest girl?” Darren visibly cringed at her choice of words.
“Samantha, this is Melissa, a friend of mine from U-Dub.”
Samantha held out her hand, which Melissa accepted, and they exchanged courteous greetings.
Darren sat watching them with a curious expression. “It was nice to see you Melissa, I hope you have a nice evening.” He turned his attention back to Samantha, effectively dismissing Melissa from their table where she stood.
“Bye,” she managed to say as she walked away. Samantha watched her go.
Darren regained her hands in his, and resumed his attentions, but Samantha was un-nerved, the second cardinal don’t of first dates was effectively there on the table, ex’s. Jealous women are never rational.
“So, how do you know Melissa?”
“Oh, you know, we met our freshman year and have been friends ever since.”
“Friends?” she questioned.
“Yeah, just friends.” Samantha visibly relaxed, and Darren was glad they had escaped a difficult conversation.
Their dinner arrived, and their attention was drawn to their plates. Discussion of food, drinks, and international travel became the safer topics of conversation, and the more information they shared, the more relaxed they became in each other’s company. They had so much in common. The sun was setting over the Sound as they finished eating their dinner.
Darren called for the check, paid, and then helped Samantha out of her chair and into her sweater. He picked up her flowers and handed them to her, then took her hand to leave the restaurant.
“May I have just a minute to use the ladies room?” Samantha asked before they exited.
“Of course, I’ll wait for you up front.”
“Can you hold these?” she asked, handing him her flowers. He reached out and took them from her.
Samantha hurried to the bathroom, not wanting to keep him waiting. When she stepped out of the stall, Melissa was waiting for her.
“I see he’s taking his girl’s to the same old haunts. You’d think he’d come up with some other idea as a first date location. I assume it’s a first date, isn’t it?” Melissa looked at Samantha who nodded in a hesitant agreement. “Oh, and he gave you flowers. Did he tip the woman with a twenty? He’s generous that way.” Melissa was practically sneering as she spoke to her.
Samantha’s eyes grew wide at the audacity of the woman, but still she wondered, How did she know?
“I bet he told you all about his poor, dead grandfather who used to take him to work with him, and tell him old-stories of sitting here at Lowell’s drinking coffee.”
Samantha was getting extremely nervous and fidgeted with her hands in the water, washing them an unusually long time.
Looking directly at Samantha, Melissa let one last volley fly, “It’s only your first date honey, get out while you can. I should know. I fell head over heels for him, gave him everything he wanted, and as soon as he got tired of me, he moved on to the next woman. He’s taken countless women’s virginity. He can see a virgin coming from a mile away. Am I right? You’re a virgin aren’t you? He may be easy on the eyes, but he’s a demon with your heart.” Melissa flipped her hair and walked away, not looking back. Samantha was a mess of confused emotions.
Stepping out of the bathroom S
amantha sought out Darren and the two left. He tried to take her hand, but Samantha deftly moved her flowers into the hand nearest him, effectively blocking his advances. The two walked to the piers below, this time the silence eerie rather than amiable. Both of them could feel the tension between them, but Darren was at a complete loss about why. They had enjoyed such a romantic dinner together, he didn’t know how her mood had changed so fast.
With the tension between them so thick, they didn’t last long walking along the docks and soon returned to his jeep. They climbed in and drove back to Samantha’s apartment, very little conversation took place, and what they did have was strained.
Samantha touched the velvety softness of the flower petals that lay on her lap, willing herself not to cry. Then she would think of Melissa’s words, her heart would harden, and it took every ounce of her will-power not to rant accusations at him. She had been drawn to him, almost magnetically, from the first moment that she fell into his arms. She knew she was naive to believe that she could have such an instant attraction to someone that she met only hours before, but she couldn’t deny it, the attraction was intense.
She longed to clear the air and confront him about what Melissa had insinuated, but didn’t think she had the right to, after all they had only known each other a few short hours. No, the best thing to do was to drop the relationship before it even began.
Darren drove a little more aggressively than he had on their way to dinner, feeling the strain, unsure where it had originated. The oversized tires of his jeep roared over the roadway, a sound almost calming to Samantha as it reminded her of home, of driving in her father’s pickup.
Pulling into her driveway, he threw the jeep into park and sat in place for a moment, neither initiated conversation or attempted to get out. Samantha made the first move, “Thank you for dinner. I had a nice time.”
He half-laughed at her ridiculous attempt at small-talk. “I did too.” He threw back at her.
Opening the door she stepped out, grabbing her purse and keys from the floorboard. He joined her, making sure she made it inside safely. No matter how awkward their date had turned, he was a gentleman after all. She rattled the keys in her door, then swung it open, and reached inside to flip on the light. He had moments before she would walk inside, which would effectively cut her out of his life forever. He was sure of it.
