took it to the head like a pro. You’re pretty hardcore.” I point out jokingly.
“Just a little.” She smiles and shows off her perfect white teeth.
I notice Dillon and Nina’s friends are focused on the game. I decide to test the water. I question Nina about her work, family, and hobbies, the usual line up of questions, nothing too intrusive. Her answers are extremely vague. Her guard is shielded by heavy armory that I won’t be able to get through anytime soon.
A challenge. I’m up for that.
The rest of the evening goes by at high-speed. We continue to drink, enjoy each other’s company, and get more comfortable with inquisitions. Oddly enough, the only time tension arises is when the waitress arrives.
“Josh, what do you do for a living?” Kade asks. All of a sudden, all eyes are on me and everyone except for Dillon is hanging on my every word.
“I’m a contractor and own a construction company. My focus is on ecological construction of buildings that are beneficial or non-harmful to the environment, efficiency of resources is a main priority to my business.” I manage to reply even though I’m completely side tracked. Damn. I can’t stop staring at Nina’s lips. I just wanna taste them! Man…snap the fuck out of it.
Kade seems genuinely impressed. “So, you’re in an eco-friendly trade. Cool! I never would have pegged you as a tree hugger. But it’s awesome of you to try to preserve the world some people trash on a daily basis.”
I wonder what Nina would do if I were to bite her lip and pull her hair?
“Wait. What? A tree hugger?” I laugh. “That’s a first. I’ve been called many names, but tree hugger has never been one of them. I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“I’m sure my Cheesecake can give you plenty of compliments.” Kade says under his breath as he does his best to contain a chuckle from spurting out. I choose to ignore the comment, but an evil grin plants itself on my face.
“You seem young to own a construction company. How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking? By the way, I’m 26, Cheesecake and Em are 25. Cheesecake is a Gemini who actually celebrated the fifth annual anniversary of her 21st birthday. Of course, you already know Dillon is 35.”
I turn to Nina. “The fifth annual anniversary of your 21st birthday?”
“She doesn’t want to grow up and be an old hag.” Kade smiles fondly at Nina.
If looks could kill...Nina shoots invisible daggers with her eyes at Kade. He smiles and blows her a kiss.
I decide it’s best to change the subject. “Well, I’m 27. Is everyone ready for another round before the game ends?”
I turn to watch Romo pitch on the flat screen TV mounted to my left. On my right side, I sense some sort of altercation.
“Ow! That hurt!” Kade yells.
I turn to my right and see Nina’s angelic smile. She’s absolutely breathtaking.
The Giants win the 2012 NLCS and are headed to the World Series. Everyone at the bar basks in triumph. Fans are standing up, overfilled with excitement, and reveling in the victory. Caught up in the moment, we all get up from our booth, and join the enthused fans with high fives. As our group is preparing to down shots to celebrate, Nina turns to me excitedly and throws herself at me with a big embrace. Although I’m taken by surprise, I instantly wrap my arms around her waist. Immediately, I’m overtaken by her sweet, clean, powdery scent…she smells amazing. I lower my head and place it at the side base of her neck, inhaling her delicious fragrance. As she begins to back away from me, I tighten my hold. I can’t let go. She feels perfect within my arms. At that moment, I feel as if everyone has disappeared and it’s just us left standing. She gently glides her hands from my arms to my hands. Her touch feels heavenly. As I feel her retreating, I slowly move my head and lightly rub my cheek against hers, bringing our lips to a tempting proximity.
“I’m ready for my drink.” She