Crazy About Curves: 10 Luscious Reads

by Adriana Hunter

  “So, did he kiss you?” Becky prodded.

  “No, but it wasn’t the kind of night where kissing felt natural. We were more just hanging out, talking and surfing through channels, commenting on stuff. It was weird. We both wanted to be there, but wasn’t sure what it was.”

  “You guys sound more like friends. Is there chemistry?”

  “That’s the weird part. Yes and no. I mean, sometimes I see him and there’s this look between us and the air is electric, and I desperately want him to lean in and kiss me. Other times there’s nothing.”

  “Hmm, nothing?”

  “Right. What if I go on this date, and there’s nothing? We’re kind of hit or miss. I’m not sure how to handle that. Like, what if he’s feeling it and I’m not, or I am and he’s not? I don’t want to look like a fool. We have to live near each other still.”

  “Maybe that’s why it’s awkward. You’re both overthinking things.”

  “Probably, but either way, I just want to get that first kiss out of the way and see if I’m imagining the attraction. Like, I totally wasn’t attracted to the guy before this, and it’s not that he’s not good looking. He is. It’s just that I never really paid attention, as odd as that sounds. Our paths didn’t cross that often, but they seem to be crossing more and more lately. Also, he’s not really my type. He’s conservative and quiet, and I’m like some wild animated cartoon character. We’re night and day.”

  “Opposites attract,” Becky reminded.

  “Sometimes opposites drive each other crazy. Did you ever think about that?”

  “You’re overthinking again. Just go on the date and see what happens.”

  Becky made it sound so simple, but to Sam, it felt much more complicated. “I know, I know. And the other weird thing is that I’d totally be more aggressive, lean in and kiss a guy, but for some reason, I’m waiting for him to make the first move. Though the rate he’s moving, it may take a year or two before he decides to kiss me. I think he wants to, but there’s something about him. I don’t want to say he’s shy, but it’s like he took a blow to his confidence. He was telling me something that happened with his ex, and I think it really got to him.”

  “He told you about his ex-girlfriend already? Oh boy. Is he still hung up on her?”

  “It’s not like that. You’re not going to believe this one. She fell in love with his sister, and they’re raising his sister’s kids together. It just happened earlier this year.”

  Becky was stunned. “Wow, you can’t make that shit up.”

  “Right?”

  “How did you not tell me this sooner?”

  “Not sure. Either way, the entire thing is just different.”

  “When do you go out?”

  Sam fidgeted before answering, “Tomorrow night.”

  “I want to hear what happens, so don’t leave me hanging! I’m dying to hear about your first kiss, assuming he kisses you.”

  “We can hope. Anyway, I’ve got to go. I told Winnie I’d meet her later.”

  “Have fun. Tell her I said ‘hi.’”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. You know, ever since that day, when she said that about you, I sort of saw her differently.”

  “Aw, that’s nice.”

  **

  Sam had an appointment at three, and then her day wrapped up. That allowed plenty of time to figure out what to wear for their date. He’d suggested a Thai place not far from where they lived. Sam flipped through her closet and pulled out her drawers, trying to decide what to wear. She plucked through outfit after outfit, unsatisfied. She hadn’t had this much trouble deciding what to wear in ages. Why did it matter? It was just dinner.

  Only it did matter. She wanted him to look at her and think she looked pretty. She wanted him to kiss her. She’d know after that first kiss. Things felt somewhat off, different. It wasn’t the kind of chemistry that left her drooling and begging to be kissed. It was more like friends becoming lovers; a slow, growing comfort. Her biggest fear was that he’d kiss her and she’d feel nothing. What if there was no spark? All this build up, and then nothing. Then what? What if they were trying too hard?

  He was over, and didn’t even make a move. Why was it so hard? Shouldn’t it be easier?

  Sam finally settled on a pair of black slacks. She liked how they fell, hugging her hips gently but swaying at her feet, with the slightest flare. She chose a sheer sleeveless blouse that she layered over a nude camisole. Picking through her shoes, she opted for low heels. She didn’t want to go over the top with sexy spiked pumps.

  Playing with her hair, she pulled it back and then let it fall. She was overthinking every single detail. Just be yourself. A little eyeliner, a dash of mascara, and a quick dash of blush finished her look.

  She was ready earlier than she needed to be, and grabbed the remote to kill time.

  Christopher watched the clock, willing it to move faster. The day was barely creeping by. He’d been waiting for this moment all day. They’d tried once before, but it didn’t go so well. Maybe this time would be different. At least he knew they both wanted to be there.

  He was taking her to Pru Thai, a little shopping strip restaurant that had a charming ambiance. It wasn’t fancy on the outside, but the food was fabulous and the atmosphere inside soothing. Low lighting, highly glossed mahogany wood, and a friendly staff awaited them. He’d eaten there plenty of times, and now he’d take Sam.

  Sam, the girl that wrapped around his head and wouldn’t let go. She wasn’t even his type, and yet he couldn’t remember looking forward to a date more than this in a long time. Of course he hadn’t dated in a long time. He’d thought about it, put it off, waited longer, and then dropped the idea.

  It’s not like he was still hung up on Rita. I mean, sure, it hurt when she chose Karen over him, but it’s not like she was his mate for life. They had a nice time together, but it wasn’t magic. He’d never really been struck by magic. All the women he’d dated in the past were pleasant enough, attractive enough, but nobody made him quiver inside – not yet.

  But he had a feeling Sam might be different. She wasn’t like anyone he’d dated before. She had a fire in her belly, was charismatic, feisty, and funny. He hoped he didn’t bore her to tears. He found her amusing, but only recently. Prior to this, she was annoying and boisterous. What changed?

  And her body was a different shape than he was usually drawn to. Most of the girls he’d dated in the past were lean and slender. Samantha easily carried two hundred pounds on her rounder frame, but she was no less sexy than any other woman he’d been attracted to. She played up her curves and was comfortable in her body. It was her confidence that struck him, the way she carried herself, like a woman who knew what she wanted.

  A lot of women thought that because they were heavier, curvier, and plump that men only saw them as fat. That wasn’t true. A lot of times it wasn’t about the shape of their bodies that turned men off, but the way some women hid them in shame, or constantly put themselves down, their confidence sitting on the floor and the eyes cast down like they were somehow less of a woman. Nothing was sexier than a confident woman wearing a smile, regardless of her size.

  Sam was special like that. She wore a smile, her shoulders were thrown back, and she stood proudly. She didn’t try to apologize for her extra padding, and in fact flaunted it by showing off her cleavage and curves with just the right clothing. Her hips flared, but all Christopher could think about was getting his hands on her soft flesh. She was brazenly sexy in a way that said she knew who she was.

  Tucking a picture into his wallet, he ran a comb through his hair and refreshed his cologne. He was ready this time. Whatever hang-ups or issues he’d had earlier, he pushed aside. He was ready to go full steam ahead. A confident girl like Sam wouldn’t be attracted to a fence sitter. It was time to man up and be the date she deserved.

  Christopher closed his door, and knocked on Sam’s.

  When she opened it, she took his breath away. He usually saw
her in scrubs or sweats, and the other night when she was dressed up, it wasn’t for him. Tonight it was for him.

  Her wavy hair framed her face like an angel. Her slacks hugged her hips and then dropped with a gentle sway. The way her sheer shirt layered over her camisole had his heart racing faster. He had it worse than he thought he did. “You look gorgeous.”

  Sam felt the warm flush filling her cheeks. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  “Before we go...I brought you a picture of the baby!” Christopher pulled it out of his wallet. “She’s so tiny,” he said, amazed.

  “She’s precious.” She pointed to the women in the photo with the infant. “Which one is your sister?”

  “That’s Karen, and that’s...that’s Rita.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine. It’s just awkward to point out my ex to you. I’m glad Karen is happy.”

  Samantha couldn’t help noticing that Rita was no more than a hundred and ten pounds soaking wet. Sam was twice her size. No, don’t do this. No comparing. He asked you out because he wants to spend time with you. She pushed the thought away, and refused to let her own demons win.

  Walking to the elevator together, Sam teased, “Do you want to meet me downstairs? Are you sure we can share an elevator together?”

  He grinned. “We’ve come a long way.”

  Sam paused a moment. “Chris, let me ask you something.”

  “Chris?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Is that okay? Christopher felt so formal.”

  “Yeah, it just sounds different. I’m used to everyone calling me Christopher.”

  “Would you prefer Christopher?”

  “I sort of like that you called me Chris.”

  “Just promise me you’re not going to trap me on the elevator again,” she ribbed.

  “You knew, huh?” he said sheepishly.

  “Maintenance gave it away.”

  “It took everything in me to push that button. I guess I just wanted to spend a little more time with you.”

  “I think it’s sweet. I know how hard it must have been for you. You don’t do elevators very well.”

  It felt natural, and the conversation flowed. The war between them had finally passed. Friendship bloomed in its place, and maybe something else.

  She expected his car to be meticulous. When it wasn’t, she knew there were more layers to him than she realized. His home was perfect, everything in place, and yet his car was chaos. Things tossed in the back with no rhyme or reason. She found the contrast amusing.

  Christopher opened the car door for her, closing it behind her. He was a gentleman to the ninth degree. The restaurant wasn’t far, just down the road, but they had to get on a main drag to get there. Walking wasn’t a great choice due to the structure of the roadways.

  Pulling into the parking lot, the couple walked into the restaurant. As the hostess seated them, Christopher pulled out Sam’s chair.

  “Thank you.” This was nice.

  “You’re welcome.” Sitting down, he wondered what she was thinking. He couldn’t look away. It was like she had an inner light and radiated with joy. How had he not seen it before? His vision had been clouded, but now it was clear.

  Samantha studied her suitor. This gentler, kinder version of Chris was sweet. They’d gone from hostile to flirting, and she much preferred it this way. The conversation rolled through hills and valleys. There was a crescendo of laughter and then quieter moments, but none of them were awkward.

  The couple lingered over coffee. “I’m not ready for our date to end,” Christopher admitted.

  Sam grinned. She didn’t expect him to be so open. Usually men guarded their thoughts – at least the men she’d dated in the past. She was usually left guessing how the date went, or she’d bring them to bed, afraid that if she didn’t invite them to sleep with her, they wouldn’t call her back. Only this time, it was different. She wanted to do things right, take her time and get to know him first. Let him get to know her, the real her.

  Christopher paid the check, and together they walked toward his car. With a tender touch, he reached for her hand. Sam couldn’t help but smile as she slipped her fingers into his hand. It was soft, warm, and strong. Chris wrapped his fingers through hers.

  Walking to the car, all he could think about was kissing Samantha. He wanted to layer her sweet, pouty lips with delicate kisses, and then nibble on her bottom lip. He wanted to run his fingers through her silky hair, and then to draw his finger down her neck.

  Chris opened her door and then walked around to the other side. Sam pictured his lips brushing against hers. Closing her eyes, she imagined how it would feel. As he got into the car, she opened her eyes and looked over. The air was electric, crackling with desire. She breathed in slowly, lingering in the hint of his cologne. She wasn’t imagining the chemistry this time.

  It was a short drive back to the apartment complex.

  “Do you want to come in for a little while?” Sam asked, hoping he’d say yes.

  “I want to kiss you.” He didn’t mean to sound so forward, but the urgency was all around, boxing him in.

  It was sincere, yet unexpected.

  Christopher’s hand slid up over her shoulder and pressed against the door. He towered over her, his chest and shoulders broad. Sam caught her breath. There was nowhere to go. Not that she wanted to be anywhere but here. It was a masculine movement, something she adored, being pinned to the door with only inches between them.

  Chris could hear his own breath and his heart beating in his ears. It was as if time stood still. Everything moved in slow motion. Lifting his other hand, he drew it through her soft, bouncy curls. Brushing her hair from her shoulder, he let his hand rest on the back of her neck. Leaning in, closing the gap between them, Christopher kissed Samantha.

  Her mouth was moist, soft, and hungry for more. Each kiss grew more heated. Sam’s heart raced in her chest. It was the kind of kiss that left her breathless. She didn’t want it to end.

  Chris pressed tighter to her, his hand at the nape of her neck. And his mouth, oh my goodness, his mouth was perfection. Another kiss, and then another. They were still in the hallway pressed to her door, because neither wanted to move, to chance the magic ending. Their chemistry sizzled. If he pulled away, it might end like it had so many times before. He didn’t want another false start getting in the way of what was happening now.

  Samantha’s head felt woozy, dizzy with lust. The tingling sensation was like pins and needles playing with her. Catching her breath, she ached for another kiss. She didn’t even know she could want him this much. It took her by surprise, like an unexpected bonus.

  Christopher’s hand slipped from her neck to her face. His fingers cupped her cheek, his flesh warm against her skin. Sam opened her eyes and looked at him. Drawn to one another, their lips met again. She was thirsty for his affections.

  The scent of his cologne warmed her. It was masculine, but you only got a tease if you were close enough. It wasn’t overpowering, but snuck up on you. Inhaling, she took a deep breath, needing to take the scent in. It would be so easy to take him to bed, to ravish his body, to give in to the hunger that was burning in her belly, but no...no...this wasn’t how she wanted to start, not with him.

  Pulling back the slightest bit, she broke the moment. “Chris,” she whispered. “We should say goodnight.”

  “You’re right. It would be so easy to follow you in there and...” he trailed off.

  “I enjoyed dinner, and your kisses even more, but I need to clear my head.”

  “Can I see you again?”

  “Most definitely,” she smiled.

  She said a polite good-bye, and pressing her back to the door after closing it, she sighed. Wow, just wow.

  Christopher let himself into his apartment. A large schoolboy smile spread across his face. He smiled like he had a secret, and a damn good secret at that.

  Sam kicked off her shoes and headed to the...Oh, oh, this isn’
t good. It came out of nowhere. Running for the bathroom, she dropped to her knees, praying to the porcelain throne. She pleaded with whoever was listening to let this feeling pass quickly. Her body betrayed her as she lost her dinner. The Pan-Thai didn’t settle so well, and the beauty of the evening came to an abrupt halt.

  Turning around, Christopher went back to her door, knocking. He forgot to get her number. Wasn’t this silly? Living so close, and he had never asked.

  There was no answer.

  “Sam?”

  Still nothing.

  That’s weird. He didn’t want to just walk in, and he didn’t hear her leaving. Maybe she was...

  When the door opened, he didn’t expect to see her like this.

  “What happened?”

  She’d taken on a pale-greenish tint, her skin transparent and papery.

  “I don’t feel so well.” She left the door open, and dropped onto the sofa.

  “Are you okay?”

  “No.” She jumped, dodged, and ran back to the bathroom. The noises that followed said it all.

  Chris stood in the hallway, behind the door, uncertain what he could do to help. “Do you need anything?”

  “I’m fine,” she sobbed.

  “Are you decent?”

  “This is as good as it gets.”

  He sat beside her on the cool bathroom tile, and ran his hand over her back.

  “Hair band,” she choked out. “It’s on the sink.”

  He knelt up, glanced around, and found a hair tie. Pulling her hair back, he awkwardly fumbled until he’d wedged most of her hair through the elastic loop. Her hands came back and expertly fixed it.

  Christopher sat quietly, his palm running tenderly over her back and shoulders again. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “For what?”

  “Maybe it was dinner, food poisoning.”

  “You’re not to blame. It’s life.” The god awful noises followed again.

  Christopher sat with her until the latest wave of hell and heaving passed. Helping her into bed, he pulled her covers up over her. “I can sit with you.”