Page 34 of Chemistry: The Chemist

“There’s something else.”

“There is,” I confessed.

“I’m listening.”

“Why aren’t you asleep?”

“Chemistry.”

“I feel something is brewing.”

“Something good?”

“I wouldn’t have to worry you if it was something good, would I?”

“I guess not.”

“When was the last time you took a break? Stepped back and really let yourself live outside of your daily routine? When was the last time you bent the rules a little?”

I peered through the glass door, finding Eden had fallen asleep.

Today.

“I don’t know what that would help.”

“It might. I’m not saying tomorrow or next week. But, soon, leave it all behind and free yourself for a little while. Come to Berkeley or go somewhere tropical, surrounded by wat–”

“Water,” I finished with a nod.

“Yes. Water.”

I listened carefully, but I didn’t have a response. In fact, my attention had wavered and the topic of water left me craving.

“I must go now, Anna.”

“Of course,” she groaned. “Please take it into consideration at least.”

“I will.”

“We love you, Chemistry.”

“In this lifetime and the others.”

I ended the call and stared down at the black piece of matter. Anna’s words circulated until I stood and stretched my body.

On my way inside, I disabled the heating system. I pushed through my bedroom, eyes fixed on Eden. My exit obstructed my view, changing it to meet the needs of my desires. I didn’t stop moving until the chlorine from my pool raised my skin with fine bumps.

One lap after the other erased evidence that time existed. It wasn’t until my limbs grew too tired to continue and my skin threatened me with permanent wrinkling I climbed out of the water. Everything was better.

I rinsed under the shower just outside of the pool and dried my body before stepping into a fresh pair of briefs. I layered it with pants. The decrease in my body’s temperature was inevitable. Socks clung to my feet as I stalked the hallway toward my bedroom.

The sun shined from the large windows throughout, bringing light to the richly-colored decor of my home. I reached the master suite in minutes. The massiveness of my residence was easily mastered by the length of my legs. Paired with the fact I knew the layout so well, my pants were on the floor and I was climbing in bed behind Eden rather swiftly.

She repositioned, allowing her body to melt against mine. Her warmth elevated my temperature. With her ass brushing my dick, she searched me for the unknown.

When her fingers curled around my wrist and brought my hand forward, her intentions were made clearer. I tucked my hand underneath her, pulling her even closer. I buried my face in the ponytail that hung down her back, hopeful sleep wasn’t too far-fetched.

The idea of comfort with a stranger in my presence was absurd. It had always been. But, with Eden in my arms, there was a calm no storm could interrupt. Peace not even war could disrupt.

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