Short Stories

Late Part II

The burning streams of sunlight that shone through the window were making you sweat. On top of the blinding sun, a heavy arm was resting against the curve of your hip; his body heat warming you further. Hairs sticking to the damp skin of your neck, your eyes were squinted before you turned over to open them comfortably.

His skin was warm under his new tan. The expanse of his chest was on display due to him taking his shirt off sometime the night before and the small littered designs of black ink were a pleasant sight added.

Small breaths fell from his pouty lips. He moved a bit when you touched your finger to his skin but kept sleeping. He was shielded from the sun on his side of the bed which kept him comfortable in his slumber.

After a few more minutes of admiring him, you gently moved out from under his arm to get ready for the day. Once your teeth had been brushed and your face washed, you made your way to the kitchen where you started on making a full breakfast.

The sizzle of the pan and you humming quietly were the only sounds throughout the apartment. With a fresh morning breeze blowing in from the kitchen window, your earlier irritation from the night before was barely palpable. You knew the two of you still had to talk but you were going to be calm and collected for the conversation.

Hopefully.

He had quietly snuck up behind you whilst you were plating the eggs for him and yourself. After a quick morning kiss, you told him to meet you outside after he was done washing up.

"Thought you said you didn' cook." his voice broke through the quiet air as he stepped onto the balcony barefoot. The table was set with two plates of eggs and juicy red strawberries. You had made the table full of colour with an addition of flowers you had inside and the tall glasses of sweet orange juice.

"Can't cook ya dinner but I can manage breakfast." You smiled at him as he gave you a small smirk.

The meal was quiet except for his compliments on the food and gratitude for making it.

Plates scattered with food and glasses half empty. He looked at her over the rim of his glasses before clearing his throat.

"I'm sorry about last night again. I wanted to be here with you but something came up with work a -"

"What is it?" Your voice broke through the soft air.

"What is what?"

"There's something that you're holding back so just tell me, it's ok whatever it is."

He took a deep breath before answering, "I might have to go away for a few months for work. We're trying to get everything sorted out here but it looks like that's the most likely plan for us."

You nodded at his answer understanding that every job had it's certain priorities.

"That's good though isn't it? For your job?"

He nodded, "Yeah, it could be the big breakthrough we need for this."

"Is there something else that was bothering you?"

He looked away for a second, "I know that you're wondering what's going on with us. The truth is, I care about you a lot and I would love to be in a relationship with you - a real, proper one - but I don't know how it would work with us, baby. I want to give you all of my attention but with everything going on with work, I don't know that I can."

His forehead was pulled into genuine worry lines from the train of thoughts that were swirling in his head.

"So, you're saying that we aren't going to be happening." Your tone was neutral and light despite the hurt that slowly starting to breakthrough.

The two of you didn't avoid eye contact. There was nothing to hide and there was no point in diverting from the reality in any way.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." It was a whisper.

He opened his mouth to say something but changed his mind. There wasn't much to say.

You bit your lip for the end of the breakfast when he helped you clean up and put the dishes away.

Long arms holding onto to the edge of the counter, he stared at your retreating figure before he crossed the space and pulled you into his chest. His fingers disappeared into your hair as your lips touched lightly, lightly and then a deeper hunger broke through.

"This isn't the end for us." Were his words, before he closed the door behind him.