The Beginnings of Love

She stared at her phone nervously. Was she really going to do this? It felt like a bad decision. It had been years since she's been on a date with anyone, though she's been thinking about it almost every day, just hoping for someone she could spend her time with. It wasn't like she was desperate for a man, her fingers did her just fine. It was the fact that she wanted a companion, someone she knew she could call on when she wanted to see a movie, go to a fancy restaurant. She saw her friends around her explore their own relationships, and she couldn't help but wonder what it was really like. That was why, at the age of 24, she finally mustered the courage to ask her co-worker to set her up with someone. She was incredibly wary that it might be a bad decision, but she didn't want to meet someone through an online dating site like everyone else did, and she also didn't fancy meeting anyone at a bar, either.

Her co-worker at the hospital, Sandra, went to the gym pretty regularly, and knew of a perfect guy for her. All she knew about him was that he was 35, black, pretty tall, and worked at a pretty decent job. It wasn't a lot to go by, but Sandra reassured her over and over again that they would be great together, and to just trust her. Katie didn't like that idea very much, but what was the harm? She would meet this guy, see how it goes, and then decide what she wanted to do after. She hoped he would like her, but wasn't so sure. It wasn't that she wasn't attractive. She was mixed race - Chinese and Persian, with long black wavy hair and thick rectangular glasses. She had a curvy body which she was always insecure about growing up, but learned to appreciate the more she grew up. She would rather be curvy than have small tits, anyways. She wore a black polka-dotted dress with thin strips and a heart-shaped line, showing off her greatest assets. She wore black tights to cover her legs in the autumn Canadian air, and shifted left to right as she waited outside the Tim Hortons, where they had agreed to meet.

She checked her phone once more - where was he? This was where they had agreed to meet, right? Maybe she got the wrong location. A thousand thoughts raced through her head, even though she was still around 15 minutes early. A few minutes she heard a clearing of the throat behind her, and she turned to look back. She was around 160cm, and had to look up at the man looking down at her. He had brown eyes, short-medium black curly hair, and an average body, though it was hard to see under the hoodie he wore. "Hi." He said, and waved his hand at her.

"Hi." Katie said in response, her heart pounding. Oh god, why did she agree to something like this? What was she supposed to say? She wasn't the type to be into a guy through physical characteristics alone, and needed to truly get to know someone and see how the dynamic went before feeling attracted to them. This made it difficult in the real world, and part of the reason why she hasn't been able to find anyone for her, yet. She was also a very cynical and sarcastic individual, and saw the world in a pretty dark light. She didn't like most people, finding them to be very superficial and fake at times. She preferred deep and soulful conversations rather than talks about the weather, but never wanted to force anyone into it, so spent most of her time people-watching instead, letting them do the talking at her.

"Um... you're Katie, right?" He said, scratching the back of his neck.

"Yes. And you're Joe?" She said, unable to look at his eyes from the nervousness.

"Yes! Nice to meet you." He stuck his hand out, and she shook it. It was weird to feel the warmth of his hands against hers so immediately, and her heart pounded even faster.

"Do you want to go inside and grab some coffee?" She asked, smiling gently.

"Sure." He opened the door in front of her, letting her in before him. She appreciated the notion, thinking it was sweet.

They stood in line waiting for the coffee, and Katie wondered if she should start the conversation to prevent the awkwardness. Before she could though, Joe began speaking. "So, how do you know Sandra?" He asked. Good. She thought. Someone who tried to make conversation.

"Oh, we're coworkers at the hospital." She replied, tilting her head slightly to the right.

"I didn't even know she worked at a hospital!" He exclaimed.

"I heard you two met at the gym?" She asked. She liked a guy who took care of his body.

"Yeah, I figured I'd keep up with my usual routine from Australia while I was abroad." He explained. They took a step forward as the line moved.

"You're from Australia? I had no idea." She said, bewildered. She had to admit that kind of turned her on a bit. A man with an accent and lots of culture.

He laughed out loud. "You didn't notice my accent until now?" He grinned.

"I did." She blushed, why was she so embarrassing? "I just couldn't place it. Everyone's so Canadian here, I barely hear any other accents."

He nodded. "People try to guess my accent all the time. They're usually wrong."

"That's why I didn't even try!" She laughed. She was already feeling really comfortable with him, which was a good sign. No awkwardness yet!

"Wait, so what do you do at the hospital? It must be pretty intense." He asked.

"I'm still doing my placements as a student but... basically I work as a cytotechnologist."

His eyes widened. "Um, what does that mean exactly?"

"It's hard to explain, and no one really understands me." She started.

"Try me."

"Basically I study cells, I look at them under the microscope and see whether or not they have malignant changes, like... becoming a cancer cell. We try to tell them before it gets any worse and start the treatment process. The most famous one is the pap smear." She said.

He nodded. "Okay, that does sound pretty intense. But also pretty important."

"It makes me feel like I'm actually helping people. I knew I wanted to help people and also love biology, so it was perfect." She said proudly. "What do you do, then?"

"I'm a senior manager at a major corporation, currently situated in Canada because I love to travel, so as soon as they brought up the opportunity to work here indefinitely... I snatched up the offer." He explained. She thought about it for a second. It was nice that he was placed here but... it would make it hard for them if they wanted to continue this. She didn't even know if she wanted to yet, but she was hesitant to put a lot into it if it wasn't going to lead any further than a few dates. Other than that, she loved people who loved to travel and explore other cultures, so that was a huge plus for her.

"Wow, what a coincidence that it led you here." She said.

"It's good it led me to you." He said, winking. She gasped internally. Did he just flirt with her?

They had finally reached the front of the line, and they walked up together. She looked at the server. "An earl gray double double, please. Medium." She glanced up at Joe.

"Uh." He said. "What's a double double?"

She laughed out loud, and the server did as well. "I see you haven't been to Tim Hortons yet. You have a lot to learn. It means two cream and two sugars. I like it in my tea. Trust me, it's really good."

He nodded. "Same for me then." She fished into her pocket for her wallet, and he shook his head and brought his credit card out instead. "My treat, since you're introducing me to such a new concept."

She laughed. "Okay then."

They stood aside waiting, and the two teas arrived almost immediately. He walked to a nearby empty table and she followed, and they sat across from each other, both holding their steaming cup of Tim Hortons tea. "Try it, I promise it's amazing." She said eagerly. She loved introducing people to new foods.

"I'm sure it'll be a little hot." He chuckled.

"Ah, sorry. I got too excited."

He shook his head. "Don't be sorry, I think it's really cute." She blushed again. He realized he liked making her blush. He confidently continued the conversation, "So, what made you want to go on a blind date?"

She stared at him. Getting right to the point, huh? "Well, I'm kind of picky." She started.

"Oof. I hope I'm doing a good job then." He joked.

She smiled back. "I don't know, I don't think you've won me over yet."

He placed his hand on his heart, feigning hurt. "I should just leave now then." He stood up, still grinning.

"No, no. SIt down!" She said, and pulled his shirt, dragging him down.

"See, I knew I was doing a good job!" He laughed.

"You're just making a scene." She said, rolling her eyes at him. "I haven't even begun my explanation yet."

He waved his hand forwards. "Go on."

"I'm picky and I don't ever go to clubs or bars, so there's no way to meet people. And everyone at my work is either taken or really old, so... yeah I just haven't been able to properly meet anyone for me. It sucks, being 24 and still never experiencing a serious relationship." She explained truthfully.

"So that's what you want then? A serious relationship?" He asked.

She blushed again. Did she make it sound like she wanted one with him? That she was super eager for it? She just meant that was what she was looking for in general, not some kind of one-time fling. She could easily get that just by meeting some random guy online. "Well, yeah. Isn't everyone?" She said casually. "Are you?" She tried to sound nonchalant.

He nodded. "Yes, that's what I'm looking for as well. Clearly, the girls in Australia didn't like me very much." He chuckled.

"Ah. Self-deprecating humour, one of my favourites." She said, doubting that he's never been with anyone. He was too charming and confident to not have gone on at least a few dates. "How long are you going to be here for, then?" She asked.

"Already worried you're going to miss me?" He grinned.

"No, I'm actually pretty sure I wouldn't miss you at all, actually." She replied.

"You're killing me, you know that right?" He asked.

She laughed. "Sorry, this is just how I'm like. The more I make fun of you, the more I like you actually. I always tell people to never take me seriously."

He chuckled. "I won't, then."

"Good." She thought for a second. "Wait, your tea has got to be cool enough to drink by now." He looked down at it, and took a tentative sip. His eyes widened.

"Hey, that was delicious!" He exclaimed dramatically.

She laughed. "I told you I'd never steer you wrong with food."

He watched as another customer walked out the door. "Do you want to go out and take a walk? Seems a little boring to just go to a coffee shop on a first date."

She pretended to be hurt. "Hey! That was my idea! I thought it would be nice to chat first and pretend it's just two friends meeting."

"You're already putting me in the friend zone?!" He gasped.

"I just thought because we're meeting for the first time... it's not really considered a date." She said shyly.

"Well, would you like to go on a date with me?" He asked, his head tilting left.

"Isn't it too early to tell?" She asked back.

"Well, we've talked to each other for 30 minutes now. We can read each other's body language, and I know I really like you already. So I want to go on a date with you, but I'm not sure about you." He tried to pretend he was just joking, but she could tell by his widened pupils that he was actually really worried she would decline him.

"Okay, I'll go on a date with you. But only because you're so desperate." She laughed.

"Ah! Another stab to the heart." He held his hand out, and she thought about it for a second. Touching? So soon? Ah! She placed her hand on his, and blushed furiously. What if she sweat too much and he thought it was gross?

He smiled down at her. "You're so cute when you're blushing like that."

She felt for her cheeks, and gasped out loud when she felt how hot she was. "Oh my god, have I been blushing this whole time?" She asked, worried.

"On and off." He said. "Don't worry, I really think it's adorable."

"Ah! I need to run away and never come back now."

"You can't. I'm holding onto your hands now, you can't run now." He said darkly. It would've sounded a little creepy if it didn't turn her on so much. They moved out of the coffee shop together, and she felt him shiver against the cold autumn air.

She couldn't help but laugh at him.

"What?!" He asked. "Is there foam on my lips or something?"

"No, you're just so not used to Canadian weather. It's so funny." She said. She was wearing so much less than him, and it was obvious.

He stared down at his apparel. "But it's so cold!"

"It's only 10C right now, you know it's going to get to -40C soon right? What are you going to wear then? 10 more jackets?" She giggled.

"It's okay, I'll have you to keep me warm." He said.

"Wow, where are you coming up with all these pick up lines?" She asked, though still felt flattered nonetheless.

"It comes right out when I'm around a girl I like so much." He explained truthfully, but it came out as another pick up line.

"How do you even know you like me yet?" She genuinely asked. They were walking down the street, both not knowing where they were going.

"Hmm... you have this spark in you. Your eyes seem to tell me so much about what you're thinking. I also like our back and forth. I don't know, I just have this feeling. And I've also said many times, I think you're super cute." He said truthfully.

"Ah. There's so much I can dissect from that." She said. "I have a very hard time making eye contact with people, especially guys. They make me really nervous."

He nodded. "I can tell."

"I didn't have a lot of experience around guys as a kid, and haven't been on too many dates." She said. "Also, I think I'd prefer being called pretty more than cute." She laughed.

"It's true though! And I think you're really pretty as well."

She blushed, and tried to hide it from him. He put his fingers under her chin and lifted her face towards him. "See, it's not so scary."

She stared at him in the eyes for a few seconds, and then broke eye contact, looking away again. "Yes it is!" She complained.

"We'll work on it." He concluded, still gripping onto her hand.

"Do you think our age gap is weird?" She asked. She wanted to get all of this out of the way.

"11 years right? I don't think it matters as long as we're in the same stage in life. Based on what I understand, we are." He replied.

She nodded. "I feel the same way. I was a little hesitant when Sandra told me your age, but I thought I'd go along with it and see what happened."

"I'm glad you did." He replied. They were both in their thoughts for a few minutes, though it wasn't uncomfortable at this point. They appreciated each other's company, and Katie was really enjoying the feeling of Joe's hand against hers. She hadn't felt this way in a really, really long time.

"Should we go in here?" He asked, pointing towards a trail into the woods. There were many in the area. Well, really, all of Canada.

She considered it. "What if you take me in there and kill me? What if that was your plan all along?" She joked.

"Well, I guess you're going to have to trust me." He said.

She did, and nodded as they walked into the woods together. It was beautiful with the setting sun shining in through the trees, illuminating their path in front of them. "Canada is so beautiful." He commented, looking around. He gasped out loud as a deer strode by, looking at the two of them before wandering off again. "DID YOU SEE THAT?!" He gasped.

"Shush!" She laughed. "You're scaring it!"

"Why are you so calm about the deer?" He asked.

"We see deer all the time, it's fine. I'd be more concerned if it was a bear or something."

He gripped her hand hard. "A bear?!"

"There won't be one in the city like this, calm down. Also yes, Canada is beautiful. I wouldn't give it up for anything." She said, looking up at the illuminated branches.

"Hah, I wish I loved my country the same way." He said.

"Well, Australia does sound pretty scary... with all the spiders and stuff." She shivered.

"It's okay, I'll protect you from the spiders and you can protect me from the bears." He said.

"Deal." She laughed.

They walked deeper and deeper into the forest, following the orange squares painted on the trees, indicative of their path. They passed by a few other walkers with their dogs, all wearing way less clothes than Joe was. Katie couldn't help but point that out and giggle every time. He was just happy he was entertaining her so much. After 30 minutes of walking they reached a clearing with a large lake, which seemed to appear out of nowhere.

"Wow." He said, transfixed by the reflection of the tall grasses and trees reflecting on the clear lake water. He could see little fish swimming through it. It was unbelievable.

"I told you it's beautiful here." She said smugly.

"Almost as beautiful as you." He said in a quick response, and leaned her against a tree. He stared down at her, his eyes transfixed on her face.

She stared down, blushing again. "What are you doing?" She stammered, feeling incredibly nervous.

"I thought this would be a perfect place to have our first kiss." He stated.

She stared up at him, and then down to the ground again. "Do you not want to?" He asked, now feeling shy himself.

She shook her head. That was all the indication he needed. He lifted her chin and pressed his mouth on her in one smooth motion. She reciprocated immediately, opening her mouth slightly against his as their mouths felt for each other's for the first time. It had been so long for her since she felt something like this, and she could feel her whole body on fire at once. He didn't want to push her too far, and let go of the kiss, but he couldn't help but want to taste more of her body. He kissed her chin, and then moved down to her neck, kissing further and further down. It was just little pecks, but she lifted her chin up to give him more access, which spurred him on further. When he reached the base of her neck, where her collar bone was, she let out a small moan. He looked up at her with a dark and lustful expression, realizing how sensitive she was at her neck area. It seemed he had made the right move.

He explored more, and started to suck on her neck, softly at first, and then harder. She placed her hands on his shoulders and let him explore her. "Your skin is so soft." He murmured against her skin. She nodded, but didn't say anything in response. He was about to move back up to her lips when they heard:

"Mom! Look at the water!" A little boy's voice ran out, and Joe immediately moved away from Katie, stepping back a few steps. A boy and his mother emerged from the forest, entering the clearing as well.

Katie laughed out loud, though she was kind of relieved they saved her. She didn't know what he would let her do to her if they continued. And this definitely wasn't first date behaviour for her, though she didn't have many other experiences to compare it to.

"Shall we?" He said, though his voice cracked a bit.

She laughed. "What's wrong with your voice, Joe?"

"I got a little... turned on, okay?" He said, rubbing the back of his neck. He loved how she said his name, he wished she would do it more. So much more.

"Just a little turned on? What a pity." She teased. She was feeling much more confident again when his lips weren't all over her body.

"Very turned on. Hey, I wasn't the one moaning there." He said, winking as he grinned at her. She blushed furiously.

"I didn't moan! You're making it up!" She huffed.

"Uh-huh. My word against yours." He placed his hands in hers again, feeling how much warmer she was now that her body had been heated by his.

After a while of heading back from where they came, he whispered. "I'd love to do that again."