Cold Feet

VIOLA

He offers his arm and I link my arm through his. We wander away from the party into the gardens. There is still some time before the reception begins. I’m sure whatever he wishes to discuss will be over by then.

“It’s a lovely evening,” he says sounding as if he is observing something working exactly the way it should.

“I think it’s perfect,” I reply.

“Nearly perfect.” His remark tells me that he thinks something is missing.

“And what would make it perfect if I may ask?” I say looking up at him as we walk towards the beach.

“Getting to know you better,” he replies confidently.

I blush, thankful that it is night and there is little light for him to see how red my face is. My skin is a golden brown but despite its color, I’m sure he could see me blushing if there was enough light. Despite the cool breeze, I feel warmer than expected and I know it’s Rick’s remark and his closeness that is having this effect on me. What is wrong with you? No man has ever had this effect on me this quickly. I know I’m feeling like a little girl who has just been spoken to by her first high school crush. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I haven’t had someone in my life for a long time.

“Do you gatecrash weddings looking for women that you can charm and flirt with? Is that your strategy to find a girlfriend?” I tease.

He chuckles. “Not at all. I just happened to be invited to this wedding as a friend of a friend.”

“I had no idea that people were in the habit of inviting friends of friends to wedding receptions these days.”

Rick laughs. “Well, I’m glad I was invited otherwise I would never have met you.”

“Oh really?” I smile. “Tell me, does the hard sell really work with women for you?” I’m guessing it does. He’s so damn gorgeous. And while he’s straightforward and confident, he doesn’t come across as being arrogant.

“Is that what you call it?”

“Mm-hmm,” I reply.

admit I don’t usually do the hard sell but tonight when I saw you, I thought I probably don’t have much time. You’re very busy with coordinating the wedding and, I might add, you’re doing an

to know me well,”

am amazed at how he does not seem to think it might be considered creepy or think

from his. His hands are soft, and his touch gentle. His touch is setting my skin on fire and I don’t think a fire extinguisher can put out the fire between my thighs. His eyes, his voice, his smile are all so perfect and are all having an effect

I just felt … something. When our eyes met, I was drawn

You might get burned,” I

smiles. “I’m grateful you’re giving me this time and I don’t know how long we have so I’ll just come right

“Say what?”

Will you give me your number?” As he asks, he releases my hand and he places his hand on my cheek. I lean into his touch.

simply look into his eyes. He leans into me bringing his face to my level. Our noses touch. He is asking permission without saying a word. I

to dance with our passion. Our breathing quickens as he

his waist and then to his ass and pull him closer increasing the pressure of him against

follows and his hands settle on my ass. They squeeze my

if anyone has seen us. I am beginning to feel guilty at being gone so long. He looks

let out a surprised squeal and he quickly hushes me with

bigger tree stands behind the trees lining the path and he sets me down behind it out of sight of the path.

well. My inner voice is talking non-stop, taken aback by my sudden recklessness. I don’t normally do this. No, wait. I never do this, have never done this. I’m living a little, I answer my inner

the hem of my skirt. I feel his hands as they settle between my thighs. He ends our kiss and looks

little tart,” he whispers. “You’re

cannot… tell a lie,” I whisper with

lifts my skirt over my ass and I feel the tree’s bark press against my ass briefly. His fingers find the elastic of my panties and

now. I have never been this hot for anyone in my life. There are so many elements right here that make me want this here and

outside, we could be discovered, he is a handsome, confident, sexy stranger who could have anyone he wants but he wants me. This is so passionate. We hardly know each other but we want each other.

his back. He straightens and holds up my white lace thong. It’s my favorite.