She turns her head as I make my way down the path, closing in.
That smile she shares with the world; it renders me speechless.
It’s the smile that gives me purpose; the sense of hope, hope I can one day win her heart again. I feel my own pounding a faster rhythm as I near her, it’s thrumming in my ears and chasing away all doubt.
Not only do I think she’s beautiful, but she’s strong, alive, and I sense a freedom she’s lacked prior to now.
She stands from the bench, and I quicken my stride without it seeming too obvious I’m chasing her.
Don’t leave, Lili.
I need to make amends with her, with myself. Right this very second.
She straightens once she sees me.
“Hey, Lili.”
Her brows raise as her eyes travel the length of my body, “Alexander. What are you doing here?”
There is no time to worry over the longstanding awkwardness between us; I want no part of it today or here on out. She is to know how much she means to me, what that accent of hers does to me, and how amazed I am by her.
Not sure where my confidence comes from as I lean in, pull her close, and dust a quick kiss to her lips. At first, she freezes, and I think a slap from her might ensue. Lord knows I deserve it, but I need to take that chance. My tongue caresses her bottom lip. A soft intake of air escapes her as her body molds and melts into mine, her arms coming around my waist as she initiates deepening our kiss.
Here in front of everyone.
I barely register Tamara standing nearby; my focus on the only person that matters most to me as I pour my feelings into every ounce of our bliss.
Always will.
Lili’s lips linger and chase, sending a charge throughout my body. My wicked thoughts crash into me, picturing us hand and hand as we sprint to my bar down the road, lock the office, then I spread her out on my desk, more than eager of a feast.
Slow your roll Corporal.
I gently suck her bottom lip for a few more seconds, drawing out an airy murmur from her as I run my hands across her back.
A feminine throat clears behind Lili, and we come to our senses. Mostly.
She blinks dazedly at me several times but doesn’t let go, cheeks flushed, breath coming out in short pants. My body must be grounding her, otherwise she feels as if she would fall. No way I would let it happen.
She furrows her brow when Tamara giggles at us. What a spectacle we must make.
“Well now, if that wasn’t a proper greeting, I’m not sure what you’d call that.” Tamara stands from the bench, “should I say, get a room?”
“Umm.” Lili clears her throat, the slight blush to her cheeks now deepening its color. She’s embarrassed and more aware now of the world around us. Lili isn’t a fan of PDA. She steps back but keeps my hand in hers, the contact bringing that shiver through my body again. She turns so we both face the intruder. “Tamara- I-uh-, she stammers and it’s the cutest thing ever.
“So, this is the illustrious Alexander I’ve heard so much about. Nice to meet you, I’m Tamara, Lili’s best mate, best not forget it.” She held out a hand to shake and I shift to properly greet the mastermind who transpired this scheme. Her multicolored sun dress and small afro gives her a fun and inviting appearance.
“It’s good to finally meet you.” I shake her hand, needing to gift her something as a thank you for getting my Lili back.
I like that,my Lili.
A perfect ring to it.
Tamara leans in and places a kiss to my cheek then whispers, “everything is set to go.”
I smile then turned my gaze back to the woman who is in my clutches, finding a twinkle of mischief in those entrancing eyes.
I’m at this woman’s mercy and want it to be that way for the end of my days.