Page 36 of Love and Other Mental Health Concerns
on a cheek and a couple down my neck; all so effortless.
“That makes sense. It was the hand holding that gave you away, I don’t know many friends that hold hands that much.”
“I was hoping that would give you a hint, I knew I wasn’t playing it cool.” He says, blushing. “If I remember right, you started holding my hand back though.”
“I didn’t say I didn’t like it; I’m saying it made me feel more than friendly.” He’s still playing with my rings, a completely foreign sensation. I’m adrift at the gentleness of the gesture, feeling like the sensation is keeping me grounded to this moment.
I pull away just a little. He stands too, grabbing a towel out of his gym bag. My body is still buzzing and if I stay much longer I don’t think I will be able to control myself. My senses are still overwhelmed with him. “I have to go; I’m meeting Annie for a drink.”
“Okay, do you need a ride there?”
“No, it’s so strange, my car started working again by itself overnight, a few weeks ago. Like it was magic or something.” He reddens.
“It’s definitely magic…or something.”
“How do you know so much about cars, by the way?”
“I took shop in high school, there was a robust after school program that I was accepted to. My parents hated it; why would I need that skill when I could pay someone to fix vehicles? It was a waste of time in their eyes, but I think their attitudes toward the skills only added to my drive to absorb all I couldabout cars and maintenance. Then I worked at shops for fun and extra cash during college.” He smiles to himself while he slowly curls a strand of my hair around his finger. “Pick you up at six tomorrow?”
“Can’t wait.” I’m beaming but trying not to, never having been able to hide my emotions that well.
“Can I share something with you? I know you appreciate a heads up.” He looks at me a bit wanting.
“Yes?” I guess he really was listening when I talked about my anxiety.
“After our date, I am going to try and sleep with you. No asks, just something to think about. I can be a little…forward, when I want something. I don’t want to throw you off. I will wait for as long as you want if you aren’t ready to take that step. That’s it. Just letting you know.” His intent and eye contact have me wanting to put my mouth on him again. I don’t have words, and I’m stuck where I stand. He notices, offering a lingering kiss on my cheek and whispers in my ear. “Have fun with Annie. I will be thinking about you.” He puts my bag over my shoulder and leads me to the door. “Don’t want you to be late.”
“Bye Nick.” I finally find the will to move my feet and start walking down the hall. When I turn around, starting to process everything that just took place in that office, he’s watching me walk away.
I text Annie that I had a change in plans and need to meet at Brothers. One of my favorite things about Annie is that if I ever say I need something, she doesn’t hesitate.
I am late meeting her because I had to run home and change.
“Work ended 10 minutes ago, you already went home and changed? To put on pajamas?” I had grabbed sweatpants offthe top of my laundry basket, not thinking about matching, or anything other than Nick’s hand in my pants.
“Crisis…I had a crisis.” I stammer out.
“In the past thirty minutes?”
“I think it’s been forty-five since the end of the meeting, but yes.”
“How did you manage to have a crisis already? Details. Go.”
“I just had an orgasm at work. In Nick’s office. With Nick.” I close my eyes, unwilling to meet the judgment in Annie’s face that is no doubt waiting for me.
“Oh. My. God. We need another round! This is the best news I have heard, possibly ever!” My eyes fly open.
“What!?”
“Marcy, this is amazing. You needed to get out there, and you are. I thought maybe you would get a little further away from the workplace, but beggars can’t be choosers in this scenario. How was it?”
How was it?
“It was…incredible. I have never come so hard in my life.” I’m flushed, sweating and fantasizing simultaneously. My heart is still racing, struggling to decipher my excitement from my worry. I chug water.
“Thank all the gods and goddesses, you needed that! Wait…Is that why you only changed your pants!?” I give her a mortified stare, but she just returns my look with a beaming expression. “Yes, Marcy. Congratulations, well done, I am so proud of you!”
“Damn it Annie, you choose this moment to tell me you are proud of me? You have more enthusiasm than when I told you I was able to confirm getting interns to work at the hospital.”
