CHAPTER FOUR
KYLE
Dinner with a friend
†
“SO, KYLE. TELL ME. What have you been doing to keep yourself busy here in Boston?”
The question was asked in a breathy, playful tone. One I used to find sexy, but it just didn’t do it for me tonight.
“You mean other than moving here, finding new offices, looking for an apartment and teaching?” I responded lightly.
She laughed as if I’d said something really funny. “Well, yes, of course. Anything. Any-one keeping you busy?”
Oh, God, I was not in the mood for this.
Sandra Malone was a beautiful woman, with silky dark hair and big, seductive brown eyes. She was tall and slender, dressed to perfection in a white form-hugging dress that showed off her tight curves, her body toned and firm. She was well educated, a good businesswoman, and the same age as me.
I used to find her quite attractive and sexy. Our paths had crossed a few times over the years, mostly ending up between silk sheets having hot and hungry sex. But we both understood the rules – no ties, no commitments, just fun. We traveled a lot, not having the time for anything serious or long-term, neither of us looking for more.
Or so I thought.
With me staying in one place for more than just a couple of days, Sandra’s interest seems to have perked, moving on to something a bit more, shall we say, focused. A little more permanent. I wasn’t interested although I did entertain the thought earlier, actually thinking about it that morning. But for some reason, the idea had lost its appeal.
She leaned over, winding her long manicured fingers around my arm as she drew her red lips into a scarlet pout. “Are you going to answer me, darling? You seem distracted tonight.”
A bit annoyed at myself for my wandering thoughts, I placed my hand on top of hers and leaned forward, lowering my mouth next to her ear. “Oh, you know. I do go out on dates with beautiful women in my spare time.” She shot me a heated look, her mouth twisting into a flirty smile.
I tried to be more attentive and engaged. I’d agreed to the date. This was exactly what I wanted, after all, connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. I wanted to share my life with someone interesting. Thought Sandra might be the obvious first choice, but I found myself strangely disinterested tonight.
Don’t get me wrong, I was no saint. I loved women and I liked fucking them just as much as they enjoyed returning the favor. The thought of falling in love and committing my heart to only one person wasn’t a card I was willing to play just yet.
I’ve always had women eager and willing to share my bed, but I was upfront with what I expected and what I was prepared to give, or rather not give, in return. I never felt the need to hover for too long or for that matter, commit to a long-term relationship.
I tried my best to get back on track and turned my attention to the conversation, but I found my thoughts quickly trailing off yet again.
What the hell was happening here? This behavior was out of character for me. By the time the main course arrived, I realized what it was.
I was bored beyond death.
Sandra was trying to keep my attention; I couldn’t fault her on that. But she was most definitely failing, rambling on about her favorite books, then her views and beliefs on certain matters, which often differed quite a bit from mine. But to be frank, I couldn’t have cared either way, not even taking the time to mention my varying views to add to the now dwindling conversation. Even so, she kept flirting, her interest never waning – she knew how to play the game all right.
Another image flashed to mind, one of strawberry blond hair and sparkling green cat-like eyes, a shy little smile playing on pink kissable lips. A sharp wit and feisty sense of humor that only revealed itself the more time we spent together. I smiled inwardly at the thought of Eris and our chance encounter this morning, which was undoubtedly more enjoyable and interesting than the dinner I was trying to have right now.
My best friend’s little sister surely had grown up in more than one way. She was still very shy, but only initially. Once she got comfortable not being so damn self-conscious, she emerged as a sassy intelligent woman. I found everything about her extremely sexy. But the fact remained - she was Alex’s little sister and still only a young college student.
She remembered all Alex’s and my quirks, all our hilarious and not-so-hilarious antics when we were still young boys who didn’t always know any better. Her shyness was still evident, although somehow very endearing. It was clear that there was much more to this beauty than met the eye. She had spunk, with no problem challenging me at times, something I’d to admit I wasn’t used to, but really liked.
Our lunch had been brief, and I regretted having to cut it short. I wanted to catch up, but I couldn’t deny that I was curious to know more about her and how she was faring here at BU. Why did she come here, so far from home? Does she have any friends here? Boyfriend?
Yes, Eris Johnson sure as hell was bothering me.
“So, you agree? You think it’s a good idea?”
My thoughts were waylaid by Sandra’s question, reminding me of where I was. I gave her an apologetic smile, attempting to conceal the fact that I’d not heard a single word she’d said for the most part of ten minutes.
“I’m sorry?” I asked, flashing her another smile.
She repeated the question and I caught on. I did my best to pay more attention and remain present. We kept the conversation light for the rest of the night, relieved as she finished the last of her after dinner coffee.
Conversation trailed off as I drove her back in silence to her apartment, my heart just not in it. Maybe I was more tired than I thought.
“Want to come up for a nightcap?” she hummed, a little breathless, a long finger slowly trailing along my jawline as she smiled seductively. I looked down at her upturned face and shook my head regretfully. “Sorry, Sandra…” I started, but sensing my hesitation, she tiptoed up and closed whatever distance there was between us. Not wanting to cause her any embarrassment, I met her kiss.
She opened her mouth instantly as she felt my lips pressing against hers. The kiss was slow, wet and long. I willed myself to feel something - some spark, some emotion that would interest me enough to follow her upstairs and have that nightcap, again reminding myself that this was exactly what I wanted that morning.
But I felt nothing. Not even the thought of making her moan was enough. Irritation started to settle in. Irritation at myself.
I pulled away, breaking off the kiss before she could slide her tongue into my mouth again. Surprise flitted over her face, followed by confusion that swiftly turned to disappointment. She drew her mouth into a pout again, trying to cover up her frustration.
“Early morning tomorrow,” I explained, keeping my tone casual, trying to let her off gently. “Thank you for a great evening. I enjoyed catching up.”
She looked as if she wanted to utter a few choice words, and I waited. Hell, I probably deserved it. But in the end, she let it go, responding to my ‘see you around soon’ with a ‘yes, definitely.’
I knew I was being a bastard, but I just didn’t feel like dragging it out any longer.
I waited until I could see the light flowing from her bedroom window before I turned to leave, making sure she was safe inside her apartment.
I drove back to my place, trying to forget the date that wasn’t a date after all.