Page 6 of Kiss me Forever

She doesn’t seem too impressed with this. “Right this way,” she tells me. She looks at the elderly woman. “If you have any more questions, just call me back.” These words are almost a plea.

“Oh, I’m just fine, Piper. You go ahead and help this nice gentleman,” the woman says.

Piper leads me to the history section of the library. I follow behind so I can watch the nice sway of her hips, feeling a mixture of anticipation and unease. The power this woman wields over me isn’t something I enjoy.

We reach the shelves, and she begins pulling out books, her movements efficient and sure. She must know each and every one of the books in this place. I admire her confidence and her love of the written word. We have so many electronics in our lives that many people never pick up paper bound books anymore. It’s a real shame.

“You must travel a lot for business,” she says as she attempts to fill in the thick air between us.

“Yes, I travel the world,” I tell her. “I have companies in each corner. I think to truly thrive as a businessman you need to be aware of and respect the many cultures we have on this beautiful planet.”

She smiles but doesn’t look me in the eyes. “It must be wonderful to see so many places. I’ve always wanted to travel, but work and finances keep me here.” She doesn’t seem bitter about this, and my respect for her grows. “Do you stop and enjoy your travels or is it all work?”

“I work a lot,” I admit. “But work is pleasure for me so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. When I can bring a concept full circle it satisfies me in a way vacationing can’t.”

“I’ve known many people like you who don’t stop and smell the roses. All work and no play isn’t good for the soul in my opinion. Sure, I work a lot, but it’s different because I live in a world of fantasy that feels like I’m playing all of the time.”

“There’s nothing wrong with loving what you do for a living. If you pick the right career, work is never hard. It feeds the soul,” I tell her.

She pulls out a book. “I think this one will be useful,” she says as she hands it over.

I look at the old cover and smile. “Thank you.” I don’t want our conversation to end. I’ve never had a difficult time thinking of what to say, but in this moment I’m finding myself slightly tongue-tied.

“Will you work here at the library the rest of your life?” I ask.

Her smile falls away and she gives me a long look before answering. “Most likely. It’s what I love to do. My job is very fulfilling and I get to help a lot of people. Some might not think it’s exciting, but for me, it’s perfect.” There was an ounce of hesitation in her words which makes me think there’s something she isn’t saying. If I’m around for long enough maybe I’ll get to find out what it is.

“I wasn’t putting you down by asking this. I’m simply curious since you said you love to travel. Wouldn’t you like to go to the furthest corners of the world and find books you might not find on the computer?”

Her passion for books is more than clear, and a stark contrast to the calculated ambition that drives me. I don’t know if there’s anything in life I’m this passionate about. Sure, I love each project I do, but as soon as I’m done with whatever it is that I’m working on, I move on to the next task. That’s what keeps me motivated.

“It’s rare to find people so in love with their job. There’s a lot to be intrigued about when it comes to you, but this might be what draws me in the most,” I tell her, making her cheeks flush as she stares at the shelves of books in front of us.

“I always knew I’d do what I love in life. I want to always be happy. When we’re young, we think we have forever on this planet, but the more we age, the more we realize how short our time really is. I feel bad for those who are constantly unhappy. We only have so much time here, so we need to enjoy every single moment of it that we can.”

She finally looks at me, and the air is charged between us. We have a connection that can’t be denied. It’s real and it’s rare. It unnerves me, but not enough that I’m willing to turn away from it. I’m used to people wanting or needing something from me which isn’t the case with Piper. She’s happy in her life and she won’t surround herself with anyone who doesn’t add to her existence. The feeling of being with her is exhilarating.

“If you don’t need anything else, I should get back to work,” she tells me, once again looking away.

“I don’t want to keep you,” I tell her. This is a lie. I want to drag her away and keep her all to myself until I figure out what this is between us.

Instead of leaving the library, I pull a few more books from the shelves, then sit down at a central table where I can watch Piper. I feel a bit like a stalker but can’t seem to pull myself away. I watch as Piper helps patrons, as her laughter fills the otherwise quiet room. Once in a while she glances my way before quickly turning. She’s being pulled to me as much as I am to her. I don’t know how long she’ll be able to hold out before wanting to see what is happening between us. If it scares me, it’s got to terrify her.

When I realize hours have passed I decide it’s time for me to leave. I gather my books together and move to the front desk where Piper’s standing. She looks at me as I approach and I notice the color in her cheeks. She’s not so good at hiding what she’s feeling. I like this about her as well. I’m not into playing games, and though she’s got some walls up, she isn’t trying to play. She’s trying to protect herself as she doesn’t know what I want, but I don’t mind this.

We’re both in unchartered waters, and we’re trying to swim our way through it. One way or the other we’ll figure this out. Who knows how long it might take us.

“Did you find all that you need?” she asks, trying to keep her voice professional. She isn’t doing a great job of it. The woman wears her emotions on her face and in her voice.

“Yes, much more than I was expecting,” I tell her as I hand over the books. She looks at them with approval.

“Good,” she says, her smile more genuine. “Come back anytime you need more help.” She clamps her lips shut after saying this as if the words have simply slipped out and she didn’t mean to utter them. She might want me to disappear so she doesn’t have to fight her feelings. That’s not going to happen.

“I think I’ll be here a lot,” I tell her, both a warning and a promise.

She quickly checks me out and I leave the library, my mind in turmoil. Piper has gotten so far beneath my skin there’s no way to purge her now. I’ve always been a controlled man, but with this particular woman, I feel as if I’m spinning. I’m letting my emotions cloud my normally pristine judgement. It doesn’t matter though, because I will be back.

I drive home, deciding to skip the office. It’s not unusual for me to work long past midnight, but not today. I need a good workout more than I need my head stuck in a computer for hours. I need to make plans. I’m not sure what I’m going to do next, but slow and steady isn’t my speed. I’m about to crank up the level of operation, and I’ll figure out what will happen next.

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