Iris inspirits a carefree soul. She dares stoop down from her comfort zone on a quest. As she is on her journey in solitude, she meets a stranger she least expects.
: the attractive force exerted upon the surface of a liquid
"He stirred my soul in the most subtle way and the story between us wrote itself."
- Nikki Rowe
Iris
I woke up feelin' cold so I cuddle myself under the sheets. My eyes wander around and recognize the place isn't familiar. I check myself and finds out I'm still wearing the red checkered long-sleeve shirt the stranger gave me. Then I remember what happened last night, it was almost a close encounter with a wild animal at the lake where I was skinny dipping. If it wasn't for the guy who sneakily took me behind the rock to hide, I would have been smashed to pieces by the grizzly. I would like to express my deep gratitude to him and return his kindness.
Suddenly the door opens, I move to see who's coming in.
I can't help but break a smile looking at him shirtless on his boxer shorts again.
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"Ohh... I forgot I got company, sorry I didn't knock first." He said grabbing a towel hanging on the rack to cover himself.
"It's fine..." looking the other way trying not to blush; seeing him with all those abs and biceps come flashing in out of nowhere. It feels so darn awkward when it was only yesterday when he held me shirtless while I'm all naked on that lake.
"How's your sleep?" asking me as he moves a bit closer to the bed.
"Ohh... I slept well. I didn't even know how I came here last night. I can't remember I walked through here, your bedroom... sorry for invading your personal space and your shirt too." I feel stiff. I can't even look at him straight in the eye as I try to sit up on the bed facing him.
"Hahaha...! It's fine, don't mention it. You probably don't remember coming in here because you dozed off while I was driving. You were really exhausted last night that I don't want to wake you up so I carried you through here my bedroom." He said, scratching his forehead with a smile.
"Ohh... really? That's terrible!" I say, cupping my forehead with both hands. I can't believe what I've just heard, and the sexual tension between us only worsens.
"Ahm..." I try to ease myself. "Can I use the bathroom? I was such a mess last night, I didn't wash up properly."
"Sure, the bathroom is that way. I brought your things here last night, and if you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen," he says, heading the other way as I make my way to the shower.
Feeling the warm water against my damp skin, I feel a sense of relief. I wish the mess I'm in—both literally and figuratively—be washed away along with the inconvenience I've caused someone. I hate dragging others into my troubles. I'd rather solve them on my own, but sometimes things get out of control, and you need a helping hand. For that, I'm grateful.
