Losing Control

Chapter 3

They settled onto two cushions he had grabbed as they walked across his back yard. They were facing each other, sitting only a few inches away from one another. He tilted his head to one side and looked at her, in his clothing, no make-up and completely at ease with herself and her surroundings.

"What?" she questioned as he continued to stare at her.

"You're not one of those women that's mortified at the idea of a man seeing her without make-up." He smiled at her, because she laughed out loud at his comment.

She shook her head "No, why would I? If you can't handle me without make-up then I don't want to have anything to do with you. Good to know the answer to that question right away don't you think?"

"Did you think I would have a problem with it?" he asked as he leaned forward and put his elbows on his thighs, clasping his hands together and resting his chin on his hands.

She raised an eyebrow and smirked a little before she answered "Well, really, I wouldn't know would I? I only know what you choose to let the world know about you." She paused as she stared in his eyes and blinked before adding "But, no, it doesn't appear that you have any issues with my very natural self this morning."

"You're a beautiful woman, with make-up or without." Everything seemingly moved in slow motion as he reached out and stroked her cheek and then rubbed a finger gently across her bottom lip, licking his lips as he did.

She pulled back slightly, enough for him to drop his hand from her face. "Weren't we going to meditate or something?" she asked, trying to gain control of her breathing again.

He grinned and nodded "Yes we were. Do you need any help getting into your zone?"

She smiled "You're offering to guide me?" with her eyes sparkling at him.

"Always willing to help a friend in need" he winked at her with a devilish grin.

"Mmmm well I don't typically have any issue getting there myself" she laughed lightly when his eyes widened and his very expressive face showed he was thinking about something far from meditation.

"Oh but it can be so much better with a friend" he laughed as she mimicked his expression from her last comment.

"We are still talking meditation, right?" she giggled and looked down to hide how invigorated she felt from the playful conversation.

"Of course. Did you have anything else in mind?" he winked as he moved into a comfortable position.

"I'm learning that I should probably stay on my toes with you." She grinned as she also got more comfortable.

"Your toes might get a little tired in that position, but if that's what you want to do..." he grinned when she laughed out loud.

She pointed a finger at him and attempted a stern face "You need to behave. Meditation."

He raised his hands in surrender and said in a softer tone "I don't think you really want me to behave, but sure, let's meditate."

"No comment" she said and closed her eyes as she placed her hands on her knees.

He sat and watched her as she began to breathe deeply. His hands folded in his lap while he watched her body gradually relax. Her breathing was deep and rhythmic as she moved her hands into her own lap. Her head tilted slightly to the side as she continued with the only sound being her quiet breathing mixed with his. He closed his eyes and joined her, listening to the soft sounds of the wind in the trees around them. He regulated his breathing and matched it to hers.