Wild Card

Chapter 4 | Josh

I'm replacing my dark brown hair so I don't look like a crazy person in front of her. I do want too look good. My dad calls me in. It's time to finally meet Claire in person. I have been watching her for five years. I know, it's creepy, but I needed to know if she was going to be my Wild Card. I walk in. She is only in a white bra and turquoise underwear. She looks absolutely beautiful. Her long curly and voluminous hair is mostly hanging on her back, but a few stands are on her stomach, partly hiding her bruises. Her hazelnut eyes with gold flecks are open wide, because she's probably scared of who she was going to see. When she catches my ocean eyes, her mouth opens in shock. I guess she was expecting me to look just as evil as my dad.

I come up to her and discreetly breathe in her smell. It's soft, but with a spark of fire. Not literally, just that she has an edge. I know very well that she can be moody and hot-tempered, but that's why I admire her. She isn't scared to tell you the truth, even if it will hurt you. I like her for her fire. Suddenly, I feel a wave of desire over me. I want to kiss her perfect lips, now. I walk to her. She looks scared.

"Don't worry, I won't hurt you."

She still seems tense. I rest my hands on her waist and pull her to me, so I can feel every curve of the front of her body. Claire puts her arms around my neck. I start kissing hers, being careful not to leave any hickeys, because I know that I can't mark the Wild Card in any way. If I do, she is eliminated. She tilts her head back so I can explore better. I let go of her neck so I move to her lips. She puts her forehead on mine and when I try to seal a kiss, she laughs and pulls back. What? Why did she do that?

"Did you seriously think that I was going to kiss you the first time we meet? I don't even know you."

I snap out of the crazy feeling I had. Typical Claire. Seeing where you were willing to go until she wasn't comfortable to do it.

"I know, but something just came over me."
"What? Love at first sight? All that sappy romance stuff? Really? Josh, this is real life, not a love song!"

She stops herself short.

"Listen, I'm really sorry for what I just said. I can be very moody at times. I... Something came over me, just like you. I'm so sorry."

Stereotypical Canadian. Always apologizing.

"It's fine, seriously. But don't start thinking that you're done seeing me."
"I'm competing against fourteen other girls to be your bride-to-be, so you're stuck with me too."
"I'm looking forward to the next time we meet."

I give her a kiss on the cheek and leave the room.