Page 97 of Through You
I am fire after all.
Twenty-six
You make my heart ache for you.
CLAUDIA
I play with my hands while I wait for Artemis in front of the university building. This is the first time I’ve felt nervous before going out on a date with a man. But he’s not any man—I honestly don’t know why I’m surprised by my current state. He was my first love—my only love. And this is our first official date. I’m restless so I keep adjusting the neckline and the hem of my knee-length floral dress. My hair is down and parted in the middle. I’m glad that it’s warming up so I can wear nice clothes without carrying a coat, hat, and other accessories to cover myself up.
I lick my lips, thinking of my kiss with Artemis from last night; of his heavy breathing and the pent-up tension in his body.
To be honest, I don’t think we’re capable of being alone and keeping our hands off each other. If this date wasn’t in a public place, I’m pretty sure it would lead quickly to sex.
Given the long history we share, and all the years of accumulated desire, it’s incredibly difficult to keep our hands to ourselves. Add to that the fact that Artemis is superattractive, and I get all hot and bothered just thinking of him. I take a deep breath and try to steer my mind in the direction of more innocent thoughts.
Who am I kidding, as if I could ever do that. My heart starts beating fast as soon as I notice him parking his elegant black car in front of me. I’m about to take a step toward the passenger door when he gets out. He’s wearing a black suit with a shirt and tie of the same color. It looks like the driver matches the car; both elegant and dressed in black.
His eyes fall on me and I try my best to appear calm, pretending that I’m not affected by how drop-dead gorgeous he looks.
Artemis smiles at me as he opens the door. “Hello.”
“Hello,” I reply with a smile, and get into the car.
The interior is also black with dark-blue accents. The contrast makes for a sophisticated look. The AC blows refreshing cool air in my face. The car smells like his cologne and him. I put my seat belt on while Artemis gets back into the car.
“Nice car,” I say, watching him put on his seat belt.
“And now you tell me? This isn’t the first time you’ve been inside.” He pulls the car onto the road.
He’s talking about the night at his bar when he drove me home. The same night we nearly defiled the kitchen table but didn’t because Ares interrupted us, god only knows why. Oh well, I guess I was saved from greater humiliation since not too long after Artemis got back with his girlfriend.
Don’t think about that, Claudia. Don’t ruin the night before it’seven started. Live in the moment.
Maybe I need to change the subject.
“How was work today?” I remember there’s a new project that’s taking up most of his time and focus. The marketing team kept talking about it yesterday; they said it was crucial to close the deal, and that it was a multimillion-dollar venture. If it moves forward, our department will have to dedicate a substantial amount of work formulating project-specific public relations and marketing strategies.
Artemis rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “It’s been . . . intense, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“I never imagined you would be interested in business management. You never mentioned it when we were growing up.”
“Because I wasn’t interested.”
This revelation saddens me, though I had my suspicions he chose to pursue studies in business administration out of obligation and not by choice. I thought that with time, he might have grown to like it. I watch him for a moment. He has one hand on the steering wheel and the other is rubbing his neck. His eyes look tired and so does his posture. Artemis is still young but he carries a heavy burden on his shoulders; he’s responsible for something he never wanted in the first place.
How could you stand doing something you didn’t like for thislong, Artemis? How much have you endured? Are you frustrated?
If he’s miserable, he’s done a good job of covering it up. He’s never complained or cursed his father; hell, not even his mother after what happened with that man. I have great admiration for his capacity to put up with so much, as well as his ability not to lash out.
He quickly glances back at me, feeling my gaze on him.
“What is it?”
“Nothing.” We’ll talk about it one day, but not now. I don’t want to discuss sad things and spoil this night. “Where are we going?”
“First is dinner. And after, wherever your heart desires.”
Your bed, maybe? Claudia, for god’s sake.
