Bear

Chapter 6

It took every ounce of self control I had to stop kissing her. I wanted to just let her melt in my arms until she invited me inside, but I know I need to tread carefully. As I drove home, I couldn't help but run my thumb over my lip. I could feel the lingering tingle of her lips still, and I could taste the coffee that was on her tongue.

I pulled into my driveway, and into the garage. I walked inside and into my bedroom. I took off my shoes and flung them into the corner as I unbuttoned my shirt. Images of tonight continuously ran through my head. Her perfect smile, the sound of her laugh, and her incredible dress. I put my keys and wallet in my nightstand drawer, and pulled off my shirt. I usually shower at night, but I could still smell her perfume from when she was pressed against me, and I wasn't ready to wash it away. I tossed my shirt to the laundry, took off my belt and hung it on the hook, and let my pants fall.

My bed was calling me, and I slid under the covers and took a deep breath as I stared at the ceiling. I got my phone off of my night stand and ordered flowers to be delivered to her tomorrow. I plugged my phone in to charge, and rolled onto my side. I grabbed one of my extra pillows, and pulled it into my chest. Within minutes I was engulfed in dreams of Mia.

...

The next morning, I got up early and hit the gym. I needed to blow off this energy and to be honest, I craved it. I walked through the doors of the gym at five. I was there for a few hours. I ran a few miles, then moved over to lifting. I pushed myself harder than I had in a very long time.

By the time I was done, my lungs burned from breathing hard, and I knew that I was going to be sore all over. I rolled out my neck as I walked back to the locker room. I took a shower, and just stood under the water for a while. I breathed in the steam as it rolled up my chest.

Eventually I got out, and got dressed. I threw my bag over my shoulder and walked out to my truck. As soon as I pulled out of the parking lot, my phone started to ring, and Isaac's name popped up on the dash. I pressed the answer button on the steering wheel.

"Morning pumpkin." I answered.

"So I tried the whole getting up early and hitting the gym thing..." He said, sounding miserable.

"Oh yeah, how'd that work out for ya?" I asked.

"Pretty good. I even found my favorite machine." He said.

"Which one is that?"

"The one you put money in and it gives you candy." He said as he laughed.

"You're ridiculous." I said laughing.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Driving home from the gym where I actually busted my ass and worked out."

"Show off."

"You need to move up here, man. I could get you ripped so fast." I said.

"Maybe I don't wanna be ripped. Maybe I like being fluffy." He said all sassy.

"Whatever man."

"You sound exhausted." Isaac said.

"I am, I told you I just busted my ass working out."

"Working out usually gives you energy... unless you way over did it, and that means something is on your mind and bugging you..."

"Stop it Sherlock." I said as I switched him to my phone, and hopped out of my truck at home.

"Oh, I'm right, aren't I?"

"Maybe." I mumbled.

"What is it? A client?" He asked.

"No."

"Something wrong with your truck?"

"No... I met a girl." I said as I pulled out the eggs from the fridge.

"It's a woman..." he said in a deep voice. "Tell me about her."

"She works at Therapy Massage. That's how I met her, I took a client in."

"What's her name?" He asked

"Mia." I said, and I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

"Have you taken her out yet?"

"Yeah, I took her to coffee last week, and we had dinner last night." I said as I flipped the eggs in the pan.

"Dude, is she there? I can call you back later."

"No she isn't here!" I said a little too harshly.

"Um.. sorry?" Isaac said.

I took a deep breath. "I just have to be careful with this one." I said softly.

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"She's a mom... She has a four year old little girl."

"Shit." he said.

"It's not a bad thing, Isaac."

"No, I know. It's just not what I expected. Domesticated Damien hu?" he chuckled.

"I haven't met Isabelle yet. I really want to though." I said as I put the cooked eggs on a plate, and grabbed a fork.

"Wow. So tell me about last night." he said.

I sat down at the table, "I took her to Sapore di Paradiso."

"Is that the really nice Italian place?"

"Yup." I said popping the 'p'.

"I'm not sure I want to know the damage that did on your wallet." he said.

"With wine, dinner, dessert and tip, it hit $250." I said.

"You know you have set the bar high now for every date that follows." He said.

"No. I haven't. She was just as thankful for the four dollar coffee last week as she was last night, and I know that a simple act goes a really long way with her. But even if it did set a high standard, it would be worth every single penny."

"You're a lovesick puppy aren't you?" He said laughing.

"You have no idea. And it is so hard to control myself." I said.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, it was hard to break the kiss last night, and leave, instead of putting her back to the wall and doing what I really wanted to do to her."

"Why'd you stop?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Because. This is different. It took me so long to convince her to go out with me and I don't want her to feel used." I said.

"Why'd you have to convince her to go out with you?"

"Because every guy she has tried to date after her daughter was born, ran as soon they found out she was a mom." I said shaking my head.

"Ass holes."

"Yeah."

"Well I originally called to tell you to find a good time for me to come back up. So look and see what will work for you."

"I will. I'll let you know." I said.

"I'll talk to you later man." He said as we hung up.

I took my plate to the sink and rinsed it, and put it in the dishwasher. I went into the living room and sat on the couch as I started to think of what to do for a third date.