MISSING LINK

Chapter 6

It had been exactly a week since that fateful shower incident with Link, and my recovery was progressing steadily. Each day seemed brighter, partly due to Maria's unwavering care, but mostly because of the stomach, butterfly moments I shared with Link.

One sunny afternoon, the doorbell chimed with the familiar voices of  Mia, Pia, and Claudette. They came with treats and an eagerness to catch me up on all the gossip and stories I had missed during my quiet recuperation. As Maria prepared to leave for the day, a different vibe settled into the room.

The air quickly filled with the typical loud chatter of our girl talk. As we settled into the living room, the atmosphere took on a playful yet intimate quality. The comfort of their presence allowed me to let my guard down, and it wasn't long before I found myself spilling my guts about my feelings for Link.

I spoke openly, believing that Link was still out for the evening. My friends, with their loving jests, teased me affectionately, knowing a secret crush when they saw one. But their words carried more than just humor; they cautioned me about the complications that could arise if a romantic relationship were to blossom between Link and me while he was residing under my roof.

Mia, always the feisty one, couldn't resist adding her two cents.

"Misty, babe, you've got yourself in quite a pickle," she teased, a sly grin playing on her lips. "You've got your very own French dish sizzling right under your nose. I'll say this, you always get the fine ones."

Pia, the voice of reason, chimed in. "Not me girl, think about it. He's a 29-year-old student, and you're his 44-year-old host. Mixing business with pleasure? That can get messy."

Claudette, the eternal romantic, offered a more optimistic perspective. "But you can't deny the chemistry, Misty. Sometimes, love happens when you least expect it. It's a frequency and if you and Frenchie connect, I say go for it. YOLO!"

Their concerns hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the room. They were all right. The situation was far from ordinary, and our connection, though undeniable, had the potential to bring about unforeseen challenges. 

******

A few days later, Link suggested an evening stroll through Central Park, his thoughtful attempt to aid in the strengthening of my back. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, ethereal glow on the world around us. As we walked, our steps seemed naturally in sync, our connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

We found a quiet spot beneath a canopy of trees, near a street musician playing a soulful, romantic tune on his violin. The tension between us was palpable, an unspoken desire that had been building for days. Link laid a ten-dollar bill next to the musician and took my hand.  Without a word, he asked me to dance. It felt like the most natural thing in the world as if we were meant to be there, dancing in the warmth of each other.

As the melody of the violin filled the air, we danced beneath the moonlit sky. Our movements were fluid, our hearts beating in time with the music. In that instant, we fell in love with each other, and the world around us faded into oblivion.

As our lips finally met in a soft, tender kiss, it was as if we had taken our first step into uncharted territory. The challenges that lay ahead were unknown, but in that moment, all that mattered was right then and there. Claudette said it best - You only live once.

That evening, as I prepared for bed, memories of our walk in Central Park played in my mind. I wondered if after a good night's sleep, he might regret anything that happened between us. I poured clary sage oil into the diffuser and draped a robe around myself before heading downstairs to make a soothing cup of tea. As I ventured beyond the bedroom door, a sudden presence halted me in my tracks – Link, tall, hazel brown, and lean, stood there shirtless, chest hard and naturally flexed, as if in anticipation. His gaze bore into me with a desirous and assertive demeanor. Caught off guard by his unexpected presence, my breath hitched in my throat.

"Link...can I get you something?" I swallowed.

"You," he breathed. "I need you, now."