One night in Manhattan

Let it Burn..

***

That afternoon until the evening, Zac explored every inch of Fatima's body until they were both too tired to do anything more than lay beside one another with their pinkies linked. "Zac. That was...." She lay beside him staring at the ceiling with a slight smile creeping across her face.

"Yea." Zac said wearing his own stupid smile. "It was."

Fatima used all the strength she had left to sit upright in the bed. "Damn. Zac." All of a sudden, her smile faded and panic set in.

Shaking her head, she tried to wrap her mind around what just happened. She pulled the white sheets up around her body as she looked around for her phone and clothes.

Zac sat up in bed confused noticing that she was moving about in a hurry. "Hey, hey. What's the matter?" The concern in his voice slowed her down.

"Zac." She said with her eyes still downcast.

He grabbed his underwear and put them on before making his way around the room to where she sat on the other side of the bed. He knelt down in front of her getting as close as possible. "T. What's the matter?" Zac searched her eyes as best he could for answers.

She finally brought her eyes to meet his. "I just need some air. I'm good."

"T. talk to me. Did I do something wrong?"

"No Zac. You were perfect. Everything was perfect."

"Ok, so then what's the matter?"

She searched her mind for the words. "I have never felt anything like that.. ever. I don't know if it's because it's been six years or if you're really that good, but I just need a second."

He studied her eyes again. "You sure that's all it is?

"I'm sure. I'm fine. I'm sorry for scaring you." She smiled softly at him. Truth be told, she felt a little embarrassed about how she reacted, but her mind, body and heart were all caught up in an internal street fight. The last thing she wanted was for Zac to feel as though he did something wrong, so she did her best to smile through her fear in hopes of him letting up and giving her the space she needed.

He kissed her hand. "Your shirt is over the headboard."

She looked over to where he said and couldn't help but laugh after looking around the rest of the room. "I'll get you something to drink while you get dressed."

"Thank you." Fatima called out as he left the room. She didn't even know why she was hiding in those sheets when just 10 minutes ago, his tongue took a tour de Fatima.

She emerged from the bedroom a few minutes later wearing Zac's T-shirt once again and a pair of shorts. Zac handed her a mason jar, half filled with water. She thanked him and took one sip before placing it down on the counter. "Ill be back. I'm not going far."

'Ok. Please be safe." He reminded her.

"Always." She made her way to the door thankful for a less awkward escape.

Before she could make her way past him fully, he reached out to her again. "Hey listen, before you go. Just hear me."

She stood quietly, giving him the green light to continue.

"I am not going to hurt you. I'm sorry if earlier confused you. But I don't think you're confused. I think you're afraid. But don't be afraid of me. Don't be afraid of us."