Smoldering Desires

by C. E. Knipes

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to monopolize your entire afternoon.”

  “No worries, Evan. I’ve really enjoyed talking with you. Very much. So much so that I don’t want it to end. But I have soccer practice in thirty minutes. It usually lasts two hours. After that I have some homework to finish.”

  “I do as well. That was my reason for being at the library. That, and falling for you.”

  The easy, pleasing laugh sounded once again. But it was clear our time was coming to an end. Here it comes, that inner voice warned me: It’s been nice and all, but I’m not interested in seeing you again. Thanks for the chat and the coffee.

  “Truth be told, though, I don’t want this to end. What do you think about meeting me at the library when practice is done? We can finish our homework and then grab some dinner. Maybe drive to Buffalo and have a nice dinner. That is, if you’re up for it?”

  “I’d love to have dinner with you, Sebastian.”

  “I know a great Italian restaurant in Buffalo. Do you like Italian food?”

  “Very much.”

  “Okay. Give me your cell number and I’ll add it to my contacts.”

  When he was done, he gave me his.

  “I’ll call you when I’m done at soccer practice and I’ll meet you at your dorm. Which dorm are you in again?”

  “Breckenridge. Sounds good. I’ll see you then.”

  “That’s in the direction of the gym, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t you walk with me as far as there?”

  “Okay.”

  He held the door for me, and we stepped out into the cold September afternoon. I somehow felt different walking beside him. Happier. My spirits were lifted. We walked in a comfortable silence. All too soon, we had reached the gym. I didn’t want to say good-bye. He held out his hand and I heartily shook it.

  “I’ll see you soon, Evan.”

  “I’m counting the minutes, Sebastian.”

  I could have kicked myself. Nothing like chasing him away. Why don’t you just say you love him, for Christ’s sake?

  I turned and headed in the direction of my dorm. As in Perry’s, I turned to see if he was watching me. Just like in a Lifetime movie. He was, and he waved. I waved back. I wasn’t embarrassed, just simply elated. I hadn’t been on an official date in more than six months.

  When I got to my room, I called Jessica immediately. She picked up on the first ring. Before she could even say “Hello,” I launched into my meeting of Sebastian. From the chance encounter in the library to our parting a few minutes ago. She grilled me for details for a solid ten minutes.

  “Wow, Evan. He sounds wonderful. What an awesome ‘meet’ story. You can tell that one to your kids.”

  “Jess, you’re getting way ahead of yourself. I need to shower and get ready. Will you come over and help me pick out the perfect first date ensemble?”

  “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”

  I was showered and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt by the time Jessica knocked on my door. Of course, it wasn’t what I was wearing to dinner. As soon as I let her in, she gave me a big hug. I then had to retell the entire encounter again. And answer a dozen more questions.

  “We should burn one in celebration.”

  “I don’t want to be stoned on our first date, Jess. I don’t even know yet if he drinks!”

  “Okay, okay. I’m going to have a beer, though.”

  “Well, if you’re having one I will too. Just to calm my nerves.”

  The next hour was spent trying on various articles of clothing. I didn’t want to look too formal, but I didn’t want him to think I was a slob, either. We settled on my newest pair of jeans, a blue turtleneck, and a button-up casual shirt. Untucked.

  “You look ready for anything, Evan.”

  “I am.”

  “I need to see Sebastian.”

  “You can’t be here when he arrives, Jess. It’s too soon to meet my best friend. He’ll think I’m a hopeless loser.”

  “I’ll go and sit out in the main lounge as soon as he calls you.”

  “That will work.”

  We had a second beer and passed the time catching up on our classes and gossip from home. Suddenly, my phone rang.

  “Let it ring three times, Evan. You don’t want to seem too eager.”

  After the third ring, I answered.

  “This is Evan.”

  “Hi, Evan. It’s Sebastian. I’m done with soccer practice. I was thinking we’d skip the library and just head to dinner. Sound good?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay. I’ll be at your room in a few minutes.”

  I hung up and gave Jessica a big hug.

  “He’s on his way. Wish me luck. Now, you have to go to the lounge as promised.”

  “Give me a book to read so I don’t look suspicious.”

  I grabbed the first book I could from my desk and thrust it in her hands. I pushed her out the door. I had only ten minutes or so till Sebastian arrived. I thought of doing a few hits, but reason overrode my poor judgment. I wanted all my senses alert on our first date. Or was this our second? Who cared. I was nervous just wanting to see him again. I watched the clock slowly count down those ten minutes. When there was a knock on the door, I jumped. Even though I’d been expecting it. I opened the door and there was Sebastian. Christ, he sure was a fine-looking man. He flashed that sexy smile that made my heart beat faster again. He was also wearing jeans, with a black button-up dress shirt and a gray Henley. His belt and shoes were black. A bonus that those matched.

  “Come in.”

  “Thanks.”

  He paused a moment to study the posters and pictures on my walls. They were a mixture of my favorite celebrities, family photos, and a few old rock and roll posters. He commented on Dark Side of the Moon.

  “Cool room. I see you’re a Pink Floyd fan.”

  “Since I was a teenager.”

  “I like your room. I have a single as well.”

  “It was worth the extra money, believe me. I had roommate issues last year.”

  “What happened?”

  “I’ll tell you some other time. I’m ready when you are.”

  “Let’s do it.”

  I closed and locked the door, and he took the lead. I fell in behind him as we entered the main lounge. I tried not to notice Jessica, but she had positioned herself so there was no chance she would miss us. She let the book fall to her lap. The look on her face alone told me her thoughts on Sebastian. The two thumbs-up she gave me confirmed it. Thankfully, Sebastian appeared to not have noticed her.

  We exited the dorm and walked side by side to one of the communal parking lots. We stopped at a Jeep Grand Cherokee, a new model. He unlocked the doors and opened mine for me. It was spotless inside; another plus for that fact and one for the vehicle choice. Not that I was keeping a running score or anything. But so far I hadn’t seen anything I disliked. Which meant he probably chewed with his mouth open, or didn’t wear deodorant. Or farted in public.

  “Nice ride.”

  “Thanks. My parents bought it for me. It’s mine as long as I keep an A average.”

  “There’s a CD in the door pocket I think you’ll like. Why don’t you grab it for me?”

  He was old school when it came to music. Another plus.

  I reached into the pocket and fished out Dark Side of the Moon. Was karma messing with me?

  “An excellent choice.”

  Geez, who was this guy? My handpicked boyfriend from a parallel Earth?

  He popped the CD in and we were off. He drove in a relaxed manner, almost effortlessly. Many people seem like strangers in their own vehicles; he was one with the Jeep. He kept up a light chatter during the drive. But for the most part he seemed content to just listen to the music. I could also see him casting sideways glances my way every chance he got. He was definitely checking me out. I was doing the same to him.

  Traffic was light this time of day. We arrived at the outskirts
of Buffalo within thirty minutes. It was another ten to the actual restaurant.

  It was one I was not familiar with. It was warm and not too brightly lit. Not surprisingly, it smelled of bread, pasta sauce, garlic, and meatballs. The walls were covered in a light wood wainscoting. From there to the ceiling was a beautiful gold- and silver-striped print wallpaper. The ceiling was a crisscrossed beam pattern. Scenes of villas, grape fields, and ocean vistas were painted between the columns. Small, glittering chandeliers were spaced checkerboard style on the ceiling. The floor was inlaid marble, of a light yellow hue. Lush, live ferns and crawling vines of all colors and varieties were strategically, lovingly placed. Nothing artificial here. It wasn’t part of a chain either. This was an authentic mom-and-pop Italian place. Italian opera was playing softly. It was very romantic.

  After the maître d’ welcomed us, Sebastian took charge. Unbeknownst to me, he had made reservations.

  “Party of two for Tantalos. May we have a nice quiet booth?”

  “Certainly, sir. Right this way.”

  He showed us to a booth in a secluded spot near the kitchen. The tabletop was a cream-colored marble. The booth was fashioned of the same light wood as the wainscoting.

  “Do you drink wine, Evan?”

  “I’ve been known to have a glass or two. Or five.”

  This elicited another one of his easy laughs.

  “I can relate to that. Do you have a preference?”

  “Honestly, no.”

  He studied the wine list intently and threw out several names to me.

  “I’ll have to rely on your skills here, Sebastian. While I drink wine, I couldn’t tell a good bottle from a bad one.”

  “No problem.”

  When the waiter arrived, Sebastian ordered a bottle of red wine. I probably couldn’t even have pronounced the name.

  “Excellent choice, sir. I’ll be back with the wine and some bread.”

  The waiter returned with a bottle of wine and a basket of bread and a small plate of butter. He opened the bottle and handed the cork to Sebastian. He smelled the cork.

  “Very good.”

  The waiter poured some in his glass. Sebastian tasted it.

  “This will do very nicely. Thank you.”

  The young man filled our glasses half full and set the bottle on the table.

  “Are you ready to order?”

  “Give us a few more minutes. We’ll have water as well.”

  “Very good, sir.”

  “What looks good, Evan?”

  “I think I’ll have the chicken parmesan, with spaghetti and a green salad.”

  “I was looking at that as well. We’ll make it two, then. What dressing would you like?”

  “Italian, of course. On the side.”

  “I’ll have the same.”

  When the waiter returned, Sebastian ordered for both of us. The waiter soon returned with the glasses of water. Our salads arrived moments later.

  While we ate, we talked about our shared classes, soccer practice, and the upcoming game. When the main course arrived, we discussed our respective towns, Lancaster and Lockport. In addition to a run-through of our families and individual peculiarities. We never ran out of things to talk about: over our salads, during the main course, even through dessert, which was New York cheesecake with a fruity dessert wine.

  When dessert was done, I was completely stuffed. I wanted to pinch myself to make sure this was real. I’d never met anyone like Sebastian. I was completely enamored of him. In only a few hours.

  “That was the best meal I’ve had in a long time, Sebastian.”

  “Yes, this is one of my favorite places.”

  When I pulled out my wallet when the check arrived, Sebastian insisted on paying.

  “Please, Evan. Let this be my treat. I’ve had an absolutely wonderful time.”

  I thanked him again for dinner. Once he had paid, we left the restaurant. He again opened my door for me.

  I grew a little sad on the way home. This fairytale evening would soon be coming to an end. My silence didn’t go unnoticed by Sebastian.

  “You’re kind of quiet.”

  “I know. I don’t want this night to end.”

  “I feel the same. It’s been a great day.”

  All too soon, were we back in the campus parking lot. I was nervous as hell as we walked to my room. We stopped outside my door.

  “Would you like to come inside for a beer?”

  “I would, but I have an early class tomorrow. And I still have homework to finish.”

  Was this to be one and done? God, could I be clingier?

  “Okay. Thanks again for dinner. The food was great, as was the company.”

  “I agree on both counts.”

  “Good night, Sebastian.”

  “Good night.”

  He turned to go but just as suddenly turned back around. Before I knew it, he was leaning into me and kissing me firmly on the lips.

  Chapter Two

  I could taste remnants of tonight’s wine, and tomatoes. My initial reaction was to place my hands on his hips, but I didn’t want to appear too eager. Or too easy.

  I returned his kisses ardently and was soon pressed firmly against my door. His hands were on my sides. I could feel his cock, long and thick, pressing against my leg.

  He pulled away.

  “Sorry, Evan. I’m not usually this forward.”

  “Did you hear me complaining?”

  He smiled, took me in his arms, and began kissing me again. I loved the feel of his arms around me. He came up for air and took a step back.

  “I had a really good time with you today. I guess I just wanted to show you. But I’d like us to get to know each other a little better before we move to the sex stage. That is, if you feel the same way?”

  “I do, Sebastian, and I’d like that very much.”

  “Are you free for lunch tomorrow?”

  “Yes, I have a break from one to two. Let’s meet at one in the cafeteria.”

  “I will wait for you by the front doors.”

  “It’s a date, Sebastian.”

  That slipped out before I could hold it back.

  He smiled.

  “Yes, it’s a date. Our second one. I’ll see you in class at ten.”

  “Indeed.”

  “Good night again.”

  “Night.”

  I watched him walk down the short hall. Just before he entered the main lounge, he turned and gave a short wave. He had been certain I would be watching.

  I entered my room and texted Jessica.

  “I’m home. Can u come over?”

  She responded immediately.

  “Try and stop me. C u in 10.”

  I grabbed a joint and had a cold beer opened for her when she arrived. She threw her arms around me and gave me a big hug.

  “Good God, Evan. He’s gorgeous. I wanted to text you right after you left but decided to wait till I heard from you.”

  “Oh, he’s much more than that, Jess. He’s funny, intelligent, and sensitive. We share many of the same tastes, including books, music, and food. I was hard-pressed to tear myself away from him. We’re meeting for lunch tomorrow.”

  “I’m so excited for you.”

  I stuffed a towel at the bottom of the door. We smoked the joint and drank our beers as I gave her all the details of the evening. She asked numerous questions, which I relished answering. I had just gotten our third beers from the fridge when I received a text. It was Sebastian.

  “Hi Evan. Just finished my homework. Wanted 2 say thanks again 4 today. Had a wonderful time. Really enjoyed your company. I look forward 2 seeing u tomorrow in class, and then at lunch. Sweet dreams.”

  I showed Jessica and she hugged me fiercely.

  “That is awesome.”

  I quickly sent a response.

  “I had a great time as well. I can’t wait to c u tomorrow. Sweet dreams 2 u as well.”

  I walked Jessica to her dorm a little after one a
.m. When I got back to my room, I had another beer. It was close to two a.m. when I finally went to bed. However, I was unable to sleep. I was too keyed up over my day with Sebastian. I stared at the ceiling as I relived today’s events again and again in my mind. I began imagining what he looked like naked. And how it would feel to have him on top of me. I was soon sporting a whopper of a hard-on.

  I pulled off my underwear and grabbed a small tube of lube from my nightstand drawer. I quickly applied it and began long, slow strokes. After several minutes, I quickened the pace and all too soon, my orgasm overtook me. I cleaned myself up but was still awake an hour later.

  I finally fell asleep around four. I was awake ten minutes before my alarm rang. It was almost seven. I lay in bed for another thirty minutes. Jessica and I had agreed to meet for breakfast at nine in the cafeteria. I took a nice long, hot shower and dressed in jeans, a T-shirt, and a flannel shirt. I texted Jessica and she confirmed she was on her way.

  As I walked to the cafeteria to meet Jessica, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Sebastian.

  “Good morning, Sunshine. Have a good morning. C u in class soon.”

  I replied. “Same 2 u. Can’t wait.”

  Jessica was waiting for me just inside the main doors.

  “So, any word this morning from your new lover?”

  “Stop teasing, Jess. He’s not my new lover. Not yet, anyway.”

  I showed her his latest text, and she gave me another big hug.

  “Now let’s eat. I’m famished.”

  I loaded up on scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, and toast. I added orange juice and a large black coffee. Jessica’s plate almost matched mine, minus the sausage. I could always count on her to be a hearty eater.

  “He seems quite smitten with you, Evan.”

  “As I am with him. Now, don’t jinx us.”

  “Okay, okay.”

  We made short work of breakfast. I walked Jessica to her class and then headed to my Leadership and Organizational Behavior class. Sebastian was already there, sitting in the back row. He had saved me a seat. He was wearing jeans, a dark-blue turtle neck, and a black hoodie. He looked good enough to eat. He leaned over and kissed me after I sat down.