“I told you there was a trick to it,” she chastised, bracing herself automatically for any lashing out or comments – yet there were none.
“I was just desperate…”
“Why?”
“Because I was thinking that if you kissed me after seeing me with two popsicle sticks shoved into my nose? Then maybe you might be tempted to try it again if I got rid of the other one?” he said softly – before hesitating. “Unless itwasactually the walrus look that drew you?”
She laughed nervously, sitting back on her heels as he watched her – reaching for her hand. This time she didn’t pull back or hesitate, because he was proving himself to be a gentle soul… something she needed desperately to open up.
“Mary?” he said softly, his eyes teasing and tender. “Please tell me this mask isn’t a type of wax, too. I’ve got a lot of facial hair and have to shave daily.”
“It’s not,” she replied, feeling herself smile.
“Oh thank you, Jesus…” he whispered under his breath, as she laughed nervously and caught a glimpse of his shy smile.
They sat there for a moment, before she leaned forward to softly kiss him again, without prompting. It was the barest brush of her lips against his, but enough to cross a line she never dreamed she would do.
He didn’t press for more, letting her be in control of everything… and when she sat back slowly, her eyes met his.
“That was probably the most beautiful and strangest kiss I’ve ever had,” he admitted softly, “And one for the record books.”
“Oh?”
“I can honestly say that I’ve never had my nose waxed, or kissed a girl with a facial mask on… but it was breathtakingly wonderful – and different in so many ways.”
“Thank you for giving me the freedom to do this.”
“The night isn’t over yet,” he teased. “I’m still painting those little toes.”
“Nooo…” she smiled nervously. “It’s not necessary.”
“What if I wanted to do these little things for you? Rub your feet, paint your nails, or just sit here and cuddle? Would you think I’m weird?”
“Says the man in a charcoal mask?”
“Yup,” he grinned and hesitated. “Can we take these off soon? It’s starting to itch.”
“Yes,” she smiled. “I’ll make some microwave popcorn and we can finish watching the movie – without the masks.”
“Deal!”
Mary started rubbing at the corner of her mask and saw him hesitate. She lifted a corner and started to peel slightly before looking at him with dawning comprehension. The masks weren’t wax, but they were ones you peeled, not washed, off.
“Oh…”
“They peel off?” he uttered with a knowing sigh, but his eyes were dancing, making her realize that he already had a feeling about it – and still wasn’t angry at her. “It’s going to be like a brand-new man is under here, you know? How will you ever keep your hands off of me if I’ve gotten a facial peel, a wax, and keep making you laugh?”
“Do you want some help?” she offered sheepishly.
“Maybe?”
“Come here,” she smiled nervously. “Let’s get some warm water to help it come off so I don’t yank off your skin with it.”
“I’m kinda partial to skin…” he chuckled nervously and pointed at their feet. “Is it okay if our feet are wet? I don’t want to make a mess at your place and…”
“Here,” she handed him a towel she had nearby.
They dried off their feet, and he followed her to the bathroom where she was already digging out a washcloth. Soaping it up, she started to lift carefully along his cheek and noticed his throat as he swallowed, standing there completely still.