Effervescent

Chapter 12

Romeo

Five days later, I'm walking up the stairs to Athena's dorm once more, my nerves fraying impossibly more. Ever since our kiss on Friday, we've been texting daily. Mostly about the details of our date, but progressively about a bigger variety of things. For example, I learned she has an older brother, although he's only one year older and they don't seem as close as Leya and I.

She also told me she had no classes on Thursday mornings, which is why I suggested we have our date this Wednesday evening. I could have simply waited for the weekend to plan something since we both wouldn't have to worry about school the next day, but I honestly couldn't wait to see her again.

Besides, I have no intention to let this date go on for too long, namely all night, so it doesn't matter that we have school tomorrow. Technically, it's our first date, no matter that we're somewhat well acquainted already, so I don't want to take things further than we already did. I meant what I said when I told her I liked her and I want to do this right.

She's precious and while I don't know where this will lead, I like spending time with her. I sure as hell liked kissing her, but kissing leads to other things and I doubt they're things she'd want to do with just anybody. What if I made a good first impression but she'll end up thinking I'm an idiot and not her type at all and then she'll regret all the firsts she let me take? Nope, I'm not taking that chance.

I'll take her on as many dates as she'll allow and we'll see where we'll go from there. 

I mean, there's not many ways this usually goes for me... The few times I tried dating, that anxious feeling always made an appearance and I had to end it with the girls, but I haven't completely given up. I'm hoping this is the sort of issue that goes away when you find the right person and not the kind you lose the right person for unless you go to therapy or something...

But we'll cross that bridge once we get there. I don't even know what Athena wants, after all. She seemed to be into the physical aspect of this arrangement last Friday, but she also agreed to the date. Whether she's looking for a fling or a relationship hasn't been established.

I knock on her door and try to remember how to stand like a normal person. Where do I place my hands? What the hell should my fingers do? Why is it taking so long for her to open the door? We said half past... Or did I read it wrong when I checked five times before I left my place?

The door opens, but instead of coming face to face with Athena, her red-haired roommate swings the door open, beaming broadly. "She'll be right out," she tells me, looking very excited. If I didn't know any better, I'd think she was the one going on a date.

I'm about to initiate some friendly conversation when a silhouette rounds the corner behind her and steel eyes capture mine. All thought of talking leaves my mind as my eyes move over her; her eyes rimmed with a drawn out brown liner, making them appear even sharper, her smiling lips blood red and her cheeks tinted with a natural blush. My gaze lowers as she spins to show off her cute little sundress. The white fabric clings to her waist and then spans out around her upper thigh as she spins.

She's a work of art, and words suddenly fail me.

I clear my throat as she stops spinning, facing me expectantly. Her friend hasn't moved from her place by the door and is probably staring at me as well, although I don't pay her any mind. When I fail to speak for too long, Athena finally breaks the silence.

"So? What do you think?" she asks, still smiling as if she was very pleased to have rendered me speechless.

I swallow thickly and force my mind out of the gutter. "You look divine," I tell her. Good enough to eat. I add mentally. Irresistible.

Movement from the bottom of my vision catches my attention and I look down just in time to see her friend swoon. Athena smothers a laugh behind her hand while a smile tugs at my lips. I'm glad to know her friend approves of my reaction.

Pushing past her roommate, Athena says a quick goodbye over her shoulder and pulls the door close behind her, bringing us nearly chest to chest again. I smirk down at her and think back to the time I caged her in between me and her chair at the party, saying "I'm getting a déjà vu here."

"I'm taking a trick out of your book," she replies, gazing up at me. That's all it takes to make me want to kiss her again, damnit. Thinking why the hell not, I cup her cheek gently and lean down, planning on giving her a peck hello.

Those intentions go missing the second I feel her sigh against my skin and her fingers in my hair. She leans back against the door, a subtle invitation for me to step closer, and I do without missing a beat. I can't deny this woman anything.

I kiss her deeply right up until I hear footsteps drawing closer and two females holler at us. I pull away from Athena to find her staring in the direction of our passing audience with wide eyes and quickly reddening cheeks. I step closer to shield her from their view without a second thought, just like I did with Alex at the party. It's clear that any excess attention makes her uncomfortable, which is exactly why I planned the date I did, far away from prying eyes.

As soon as the women are out of sight, I take a step back and take Athena's hand. She slumps against the door and smiles at me. "I guess that escalated a little. I just can't seem to act rationally around you. If I'd known how much fun kissing could be, I would've fought harder to do it sooner," she says, and while it pleases me to know she can control herself as little as I can, I sure don't agree with her second assessment.

"It's not the kissing, it's who you're kissing," I insist, winking at her. She rolls her eyes playfully and shoves my shoulder as I start leading her out of the building, still holding her hand.

"So full of yourself. Have you ever considered that you might not be better than average?"

I just grin at her. "Oh, goddess. I know I'm much above average," I taunt suggestively. She blushes again, picking up on my innuendo. Before the silence has a chance to drag on, I ease up the tension by adding, "Come on now, the food's getting warm in the car."

"Oh, you brought food? Are you finally going to tell me what you planned for today?" she asks, referring to my refusal to reveal anything when she asked over text.

"Nope," I reply, popping the p. "You'll just have to trust my assessment of your character and hope I planned something you'll like." I sure know I am crossing my fingers that I got it right.

———
Back after a long break, I'm sorry I let you wait for so long...

I hope this chapter will remind u of what happened previously and get you ready for their date:))

Have a divine day;)