Darkest Desires [Joel Miller]

18

Joel

It was a warm autumn evening and the backyard was filled with laughter and conversation. I watched Daisy and Sarah talking to some of Sarah's friends from college. She wanted to have a little barbeque evening with her college friends and I didn't have anything against it.

What I was against was Alex and his flirting undertone towards Daisy. I tried to maintain a composed exterior, watching over the last burgers on the grill and taking a few sips of beer. Alex seemed like a decent guy and I didn't like the fact how Daisy responded to his jokes with a laughter. It all resonated uncomfortably in my chest.

I took another sip of my beer, trying to control the jealous feeling that grew inside me every time Daisy laughed over his jokes or when she leaned too close to him. I tried to remind myself that Alex was a better fit for her than I could ever be. Alex was her age and seemed to treat her well. No matter how much I tried to convince myself, I still couldn't stop these feelings inside me.

"Dad, are the last burgers ready?"Sarah asked, bringing me back to reality.

"In a minute,"I answered, smiling at her. I concentrated on the burgers and once they were ready, I served them to Sarah's friends. I concentrated on the burgers and once they were ready, I served them to Sarah's friends.

"Thanks, dad,"Sarah said, smiling at me. "You're the best."

"Anything for my girl."

Daisy glanced at me and I tried to force a smile. Alex's arm was resting over her shoulders and I tried to hold myself back. I didn't want to make a scene but the jealousy and possessiveness took over all of my emotions.

I took my beer and entered the house, sighing heavily. I couldn't ignore the feelings I felt towards her. I leaned against the kitchen counter, taking a sip of my beer when Daisy came to the kitchen to refill her wine glass.

"You okay?"she asked, refilling her wine glass.

"Yeah,"I answered, noticing she was a little bit tipsy.

She put the wine bottle back to the counter but she didn't go back outside. She stayed inside, smiling at me.

"Joel... were you a little bit jealous?"she asked, taking a sip of her wine.

"Me? Jealous over what exactly?"I asked, trying to play it cool.

Daisy laughed. "I saw you. You did not like it one bit how Alex tried to flirt with me. Am I wrong?"

She wasn't wrong but I couldn't admit it.

"I have no idea what you're talking about,"I said, trying to calm my nerves.

"C'mon Joel..."she came closer to me, a little playful smile on her face. "I saw your face when Alex's arms were around me."

"You're imagining things, Daisy,"I chuckled.

Daisy's eyebrow arched, her playful smile unwavering. "You don't have to pretend or hide your feelings with me."

Daisy leaned against the kitchen counter, taking a sip of her wine, her eyes glued to mine. I wanted nothing more than to kiss her but it was too risky. But what's life without a little risk? Haven't we been risking all the time when we were together? I threw away the beer bottle and rushed over to Daisy. Our lips collided in a heated kiss, the taste of wine lingering on my lips. For a moment I forgot about the outside world, her soft lips against mine the only thing I could concentrate on. 

As the kiss finally broke, we stared at each other, breathless yet connected by the unspoken feelings between us. Daisy smiled, a softness in her eyes reflecting her feelings. The laughter outside reminded us of our reality and we pulled away, luckily in time. One of Sarah's friends came inside, asking where the toilet was.

 It was all too risky but was she worth it? Yes.