Chapter Seven
Mark
Itake another laparound my condo, plumping the pillows on my couch, reshuffling the pile of magazines on the end table, meticulously tidying up every spot within sight although everything is always in its proper place.
I’m a neat and orderly guy. Occupational hazard, I guess. It comes with the territory. Organization is a must to keep life simple with the least amount of complications.
Except, this thing with Eli is anything but simple. It’s just about the biggest complication I can possibly imagine.
Excluding the fact that he’s a man – and I’m still a little shocked by everything that transpired last night between us – there’s still the problem that we work together. It poses risks. Not that I’m necessarily adverse to them, but I don’t want to live my love life in secret.
Even after this weekend – when things go back to normal – it will be difficult. There is just something about Eli’s cocky, bold moves and the aggressiveness of his sensuality that frankly is a huge turn on. The way he got down on his knees and sucked me off without apology or question is something I’ve never had before.
Best blow job ever.
His dominant demeanor was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in my thirty-two years. The connection we shared was out of this world. A stronghold on not only my body, but my thoughts. He penetrated every waking and dreaming thought I’ve had since yesterday.
The candles I lit earlier on the fireplace mantle flicker and their light bounces seductively across the few picture frames that I stare at while thinking about Eli. Wondering what he’ll see when he looks at the photos of my life. What story does it tell him about my life and who I am?
A photo of my parents on their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. The three amigos – me, Sasha and Rylie - at our college graduation ceremony. A group picture of the entire small, but mighty, nursing staff in Ghana, where I’m in the middle of four others, my arms swung around my physician buddy Petro Gonzales and on the other side of me is Elise.
So much has happened in the short time I’ve been back home and now everything feels like a dream. Those memories I made in Africa were beautiful, and they shaped me. Made me realize what kind of a man I am and what type of relationship I want in my life.
I loved Elise’s ambition and her desire to serve those who were sick and dying. But that’s all she wanted. She didn’t want children of her own. Didn’t want to settle down or establish roots. She wanted to live her life exploring and going wherever the wind took her.
As for me, I want what my friends Sasha and Rylie have both found in their partners. Someone to love, to settle down with, to enjoy life with in one spot. I want someone who will be there at the end of a rough day and who will love me unconditionally. Maybe even give me the occasional back-rub and cuddle when I need it.
I chuckle to myself and wonder if that’s something Eli would do. Would he complain about it like Elise did or do it on his own accord just to show me his love for me?
It makes me wonder what Eli wants in life. For all I know, he’s just out for a good time. He’s several years younger than I am, and maybe he’s just looking for a quick fuck and some fun. Knowing that’s exactly where things should end with us, it doesn’t mean I don’t want more. One and done isn’t something I want any more at this stage in life.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I check the hallway mirror one last time to make sure everything is in place. I smile broadly to confirm there’s no spinach stuck in my teeth and then give myself the breath test, blowing in my cupped hand. Minty fresh.
I exhale a nervous laugh as the doorbell rings and my feet carry me to the door, excitement brimming in my veins like a blowtorch to my blood.
Swinging the door wide, I’m greeted by the bright, effervescent features of Eli. He grins broadly and holds up a bottle of wine.
“I brought us some vino,” he says by way of greeting, handing me the bottle. Then he holds up a brown paper bag in the other hand. “And all the goodies that will be used after the vino.”
I raise an eyebrow and play dumb. “Cheese and crackers?”
He brushes past me with a snort, stopping momentarily to place a quick peck on my cheek as he waltzes in like he owns the place.So very Eli. I watch him retreat down the hall toward the kitchen, admiring his ass as he goes.
“Nah, man. Lube and condoms. But I’m down for a little snack before we fuck.” He peers over his shoulder and waggles his tongue at me.Cocky little bastard. But Lord help me, I fucking love it.
Opening the top of the bag, I peer inside and sure enough, he’s come prepared. I like that about Eli. No nonsense. No pretense. Just good people.
And sexy as fuck.
“You’re extremely prepared. I like that. Feeling confident about yourself.”
A snort-chuckle can be heard from my kitchen. “Confident doesn’t even begin to describe me, doc. You’ll be happy to know I’m also sporting a plug.”
I nearly stumble over my feet at his confession. To know he’s been thinking about this happening between us all day, just like me, is a heady thing.
When I collect my wits, I round the corner to find him standing at the counter, his back to me, rifling through my cupboards.
“Can I help you find something?”
