Awakenings: The Greek, The Russian and Me

Chapter 22

The rest of the night is amazing. After dinner we cuddle on the sofa and totally forget about the world as we talk and watch TV. In the late evening, we return to the bedroom, and he plays the piano. I never thought watching him play would be such a turn- on, but as he sits there in his boxers with his full concentration on the music, I feel myself getting increasingly excited and wet down there. He seems to guess my state as he motions me over to the piano bench, and I straddle him, offering myself shamelessly. We end up on the bed exploring each other and make unhurried love until we both fall asleep from exhaustion.

As the morning light creeps into the room, Erik is still sleeping, and I can't help but look at his beautiful face with perfectly symmetrical features and wonder what he sees in me. How could a guy this handsome, smart, and talented be attracted to me? I smile as I remember our lovemaking, and a feeling of happiness and contentment fills me—the way he made love to me, the feeling of him filling me completely, and the hot gush of him inside extinguishing my need as we both shattered in pleasure. I close my eyes as I relive the moment and am startled when I feel his gentle touch as he traces the side of my face. "What are you smiling so sweetly about?" he asks in a low voice.

I open my eyes and see that he is also smiling with an expression that reaches his eyes. "I was just thinking that this has been the most amazing weekend ever and the best birthday."

He smiles as he plays with a strand of my hair. "Fran, I know we just officially started dating, even though we were good friends for a short time. I had an amazing time, and I've never felt this way with anyone. I can talk to you about anything, and when I'm inside you, there are no words to explain what I feel."

I cut him off and burrow into him as I feel tears sting my eyes and threaten to escape. He wrapped his arms around me and begins kissing me. His kisses and his ca- resses ignite a deep need to have him one last time, and I slowly arch against him. Sensing my need, he comes atop me and rides me until in unison we shatter and let out a groan. We are both panting as his stomach suddenly growls, making me laugh as I caress his chest. "You're hungry again?" I ask.

He smiles as he gets off me and rolls on his back. "Shall we go out for breakfast? I have no food at home except for bagels, and I need more than that this morning," he says with a chuckle.

"Sure. I just need a shower, but I'll be quick." I head to the shower. In the bathroom I turn on the water and can't help feeling somewhat awkward. Stepping into the tub, I wet my hair and wash it; then I lather up the soap and glide it across my body. For a moment I remember showering at Conn's, and to my surprise I'm able to take a deep breath and set that memory to the side. I finish washing and rinse. Exiting the shower, I dry off and then wrap myself in the towel and head to the bedroom to get dressed. He's not in the bedroom, so I proceed to put on clean clothes, my staple jeans and a T-shirt. Then I grab all my belongings and stuff them into my tote as I also search for my brush. I can hear that he is talking in Russian; it must be on the phone, as I don't hear any re- plies. A few minutes later, he comes into the room. "How was the shower?" he asks with a grin.

"Wonderful!" I reply as I begin to brush my hair.

"I'm going to take a shower; then we can go out for breakfast," he says.

"Hey, were you talking to someone?"

"Yes, Ivan called and asked if I could help out this afternoon at the restaurant, since they have a section re- served for a private party. I told him I could be there by four p.m. You can come and stay there until eight, when we are near closing; then I'll take you home."

"That's okay; I haven't called in sick to my job, and I'm scheduled to work this Monday as well, except my shift starts at five. So I guess it works out. We can have breakfast and then head to my house. Besides, I'm sure Mona is starving," I say, smiling as my heart says stay with him and go to his job.

He walks over to me and smiles as he briefly kisses me. "That sounds like a plan. I'll be out in a few." He heads toward the shower.

Breakfast is wonderful, but we both didn't realize that it was almost twelve thirty. We start driving back to my house in relative silence, his hand firmly clasping mine. "I had a great time," I say, and he squeezes my hand.

"Me too. I have to thank Pete for inviting me to your birthday celebration," he replies as he chuckles.

I laugh. "I guess I have to thank him too. Pete's a re- ally good guy with a kind heart."

The car grows silent for a while; then he asks, "Fran, did you ever date him? You told me you've known him for a long time, but were you guys a couple?"

I can't help but laugh again. "No, we really never dated. I've known him since the sixth grade, and I think at that time he had a crush on me. His mom used to volunteer as a classroom parent and was very active in the PTA, and she was always very kind to me. I think in some way his parents thought that the friendship I had with Pete would bloom to something else. He's really a quiet guy and never really dated much."

Erik looks at me briefly and then concentrates his eyes on the road again. "If he is still holding a torch for you, why did he invite me?"

"He is not holding a torch for me. He cares deeply for me, but it's more like a sister that he can confide in, and it will never get back to his family. Pete is gay; he just hasn't come out and told his family."

"You're kidding aren't you?"

"I'm dead serious. He told me last year when he was my date to the senior high-school prom. Since we both didn't have dates, we agreed to go out with each other, and that night he confirmed what I had already known for a while. To me it makes no difference. He is still Pete, my best friend, no matter who he prefers to date," I say defensively.

"Fran, I have nothing against him, so don't feel you have to defend him. I was just surprised; that's all," he says in a soothing voice.

Before I realize it, we are at my house, and it's already two thirty. The time is flying so fast. It's an awkward moment, as neither of us really wants to part. He looks at me and leans into me as I instinctively seek his mouth. We kiss, and I breathe in the scent of his skin mixed with fresh soap. "I will be working late today and tomorrow as I help out Pete at the coffee shop, since his mom is still not able to. See you Wednesday in class. Save me a seat," I say as I give him a quick peck.

He smiles. "I'm not sure I can wait for Wednesday, but I will try." He nips my lower lip gently and then whispers, "Just to be clear, you're mine."

A thrill courses through me, and I smile back, replying in a low tone, "Yes." I open the door and get out of his car slowly, wishing desperately that I didn't have to. I walk to my front door and turn to wave good-bye as he slowly pulls out of the parking spot.

Mona greets me by the door with a very loud meow, and I rush over to feed her. I grab a cup and get some water to drink. I feel like I'm floating on air. Still holding on to my tote, I head to the bedroom to grab my uniform and notice that the answering machine is blinking. My stomach drops at the thought that it might be Conn. Then I reassure myself that it can't be, since he never calls. I walk slowly over to the machine and press the button. I hear Conn's voice: "Fran, hope you had a good birthday. Just wanted to tell you the date that I need a ride to the airport. It's a really busy time; we are going into the last week of class and finals. Give me a call to confirm the date if I don't see you on campus first." I sink to the floor with a deep feeling of nausea. He sounded so businesslike; there was nothing in his message but what he needs. How could I have been so stupid as to be attracted to him? He makes me go crazy and awakens de- sires in me that I never knew, but at the same time he leaves me feeling empty. His caresses are geared to in- flame my senses, and Erik's caresses are so different, al- most as if he is worshiping every inch of me. Oh Lord, why did I give myself to Conn? I'm sobbing while talking to myself, sitting on the floor by the answering machine, and I'm brought back to reality when Mona comes in and rubs herself on my knee. I pick her up and pet her; then I glance up at the clock and notice that if I don't get going, I will be late for work. Putting Mona down gently, I run to the bathroom and wash my face; grab my uniform, car keys, and purse; and then head toward the door.