Meant To Be Ch. 01

"Um, I'm going to help myself to a glass of water, if that's okay?" I said, my voice wavering. "Would you like one?"

He held my gaze as I stood and shook his head with a small smile. I drank an entire glass of water in the kitchen before refilling it and returning to the love seat, placing the glass on the side table. Nick stood as I approached and, before I could sit, wrapped his hands around my elbows. I looked at him quizzically, then my expression cleared when he ran his hands up my arms until they were cupping my cheeks. My eyes widened as he leaned his head in, pausing to search my eyes for a moment.

Then his mouth met mine and my eyelids closed, my eyes beneath them rolling to the back of my head. His lips were so soft and warm, full and tender. It was a gentle kiss, but not tentative. A small whimper came from the back of my throat. Nick pulled back a millimeter, brushing his lips against mine.

"All right?" he murmured, his lips tickling mine as they moved.

"Yes," I said in a husky voice, placing my hands on his chest.

Our mouths met again with urgency, but it somehow felt like a tender caress. He kissed the corner of my mouth and then my cheek, then I felt his lips near my ear. He murmured my name in a breathy whisper and my heart jumped into my throat. I slipped my arms around his back and his mouth found mine again, his lips parting, his tongue searching for mine. We kissed languidly, our hands stroking the other's backs, until I felt my knees beginning to give out and I shook a little. Breaking the kiss, Nick sat down and gently pulled me to sit beside him, sliding his arm under my knees and draping my legs across his lap. Smoothing my hair, he studied my face for a long moment.

"I apologize if that was forward," he said softly, running a finger across my mouth. "You just looked so - well, you're enchanting."

"It wasn't forward," I said, my voice squeaking in surprise.

I didn't know how to respond to being called enchanting. My stomach was twisting so much I felt like my whole body was shaking.

He kept watching me, his eyes holding mine. One of his hands was stroking my arm and when it made contact with my hand, I turned my wrist and grasped his fingers lightly. He nudged me until I was resting against his chest and I felt his chin on the top of my head.

"I don't want to be inappropriate," he said quietly, stroking my back.

I frowned, my eyes closing. I knew it, I thought. He sees me as a kid. He must have felt my body tense because he drew back, lifting my chin to face him. He looked concerned but also...afraid? Maybe it was all the wine or maybe it was the hesitancy of his expression; I'm not sure what gave me the courage to kiss him. But I did, and he returned the kiss heatedly.

The blood was rushing through me powerfully, making my body throb. I wanted him so badly that my fingers were itching to undress him, but I couldn't move away from those lips. I melted into him, my fingers running through his hair and along the length of his back. His arms were wrapped around me and soon I was reclined against the armrest of the loveseat, his chest pressed against mine. His lips moved to my cheek and my ear, grazing my skin and making me shiver.

Now, I thought. Now, this is actually going to happen. My breath was coming in short, excited gasps and I arched my back slightly.

The buzzer on the dryer went off and we both jumped in surprise. Nick drew back slightly, hovering over me as our eyes met and we chuckled awkwardly. He regarded me with a combination of desire and uncertainty. Brushing some hair off my face, he ran a finger down my cheek.

"I should see you home," he said somewhat regretfully.

No! my mind screamed.

But his voice was decisive, and I couldn't bring myself to disagree by asking to stay. I wasn't brave enough to risk being turned down. So I simply nodded and he sat back so I could get up. I tidied up the dishes while he retrieved my clothes, then changed in the bathroom. On our way to the elevator, I couldn't help giggling at the muddy trail on the carpet. Nick was grinning at me. He took my hand and pressed my fingers to his lips.

Despite my protests, Nick hailed a cab and insisted on accompanying me home. He asked the driver to wait while he saw me to my door, where he gave me a long hug and a soft kiss. We stared at each other for a moment before he left. My mind was racing, my body humming.

What does this mean? Are we dating? Did he regret it? What is going to happen now?

The thoughts were on the verge of spilling out of my mouth. It took all my self-control to only whisper a goodnight before he walked away.

---

"Jesus Christ, that's romantic," Gwen said dreamily.

I giggled, still feeling as if I were flying. She had been in her room when I got home and I had rapped on her door loudly to announce that Nick kissed me. Flinging the door open, she'd dragged me into her room, demanding details.

"So when are you seeing him again?" she asked excitedly.

"I don't know, he said he'd call me tomorrow," I said, feeling anxious. "I don't know what this means, really. He said he didn't want to be inappropriate," I told her. "I think he still just thinks of me as a kid."

"I don't think so," Gwen assured me. "Maybe he's uncomfortable by the age difference, but he wouldn't spend so much time with you for months on end if he thought of you as a kid."

"Maybe," I said despondently.

Then I remembered the feel of his lips and smiled widely, dropping to my back on Gwen's bed. I sighed happily and she laughed.

Nick did call me the next day as I was walking to work. I excitedly stopped in a shop doorway, knowing I wouldn't be able to concentrate on walking and talking to him at the same time.

"Hi, how are you?" he asked hesitantly when I answered.

"Great," I replied happily, knowing I was gushing. "How are you?"

He gave a low chuckle and I felt goose bumps on my arms.

"I'm great." There was a short pause. "I...I had a very nice time yesterday."

My grin widened.

"Me, too," I said quietly.

"Cassandra -"

His voice was serious and I straightened up in nervous anticipation. Is he about to say it was a mistake? I pressed my lips together in consternation.

"Cassandra, I know we had planned to see that play on Wednesday..."

I squeezed my eyes shut. Here it comes.

"But I was wondering if you were free for dinner tonight?"

My eyes flew open in shock. My mouth opened but I couldn't find any words.

"Are you there?"

"Yes, I'm here!" I said in a rush. "Sorry. Yes, I'm free tonight."

"Good." He sounded relieved. "I'll come around at 7:30?"

"Great. I'll see you then."

I know he could hear the smile in my voice. My cheeks were starting to hurt from it. After the call ended, I remained standing and grinning at my phone. It was only when a customer approached to enter the shop that I came out of my daze and resumed my walk to work.