relocated here. Knowing it would come in handy sooner or later, I stored it in the basement.
Now, how am I going to get this monstrosity outside to the curb by myself? With hands on my hips, I stare at the rolled-up bundle like it’s a bomb on the verge of detonating and I must figure out how to diffuse it. Deciding the best plan of action is to drag it out of my apartment, then I can figure out the next step.
I prop my door open with a Princess Peach doorstop Christopher bought me for my twenty-first birthday. He found it in a second-hand store in San Francisco when he spent two weeks there for Techdeck. He said I had to have it because I was his princess. I fell in love as soon as I saw it, and I remember thinking who else would know me well enough to buy me that?
Almost three years later, the answer has always been the same - No one. Until now. Placing my fingers on the necklace Zack gave me I feel hopeful he might be someone I can have a future with. I’m just not sure I’m brave enough to give him a chance. I always thought Christopher was it for me and we were a perfect fit. I guess he’d still be here, if that was the case. Now I’m not sure I should trust my instincts when it comes to men.
Bending over, I wrap my arms around the narrowest part of the tree and drag it with me while I back toward the open door. Unladylike grunts pass between my lips as I wrestle the large bundle inch by inch toward the doorway. With only five more feet to go, I drop the mass to the floor, wiping the sweat from my eyes and forehead. It’s January and freezing cold out, but I’d never know it by the amount I’m perspiring.
I tuck my bangs behind my ear, glancing down at my faded black sweatpants and stained Zelda sweatshirt. I couldn’t look much worse, if I tried. Wiping my palms on my pants, I step toward my nemesis, prepared to wrestle it out the door or die trying.
“Do you need some help?” Zack’s deep voice has me freezing in place. My heart feels like it stops then kick starts again. I spin around, and when my eyes raise to meet his the tempo of the beats increases tenfold. Is it possible for your heart to beat to death?
“Hi.” My voice is husky. I didn’t answer his question, but it’s the best I can do right now.
He smiles, his feet already moving in my direction. With every step, he takes, I get warmer until I’m convinced I’ll burst into flames. Death by spontaneous combustion also known as Zack.
“Let me get this for you,” he says, ignoring my awkward reaction to his nearness. He bends down, picking the bundle up like it’s a Charlie Brown Christmas tree and not the oversized one I’d chosen. His biceps bulge and I can see his tattoos peeking out between the bottom of the short sleeves and the bend of each of his elbows.
My mind flashes back to the night before, remembering how my eyes traced over those tattoos and watched his muscles ripple under them when he thrust his cock inside me. He quickly moves into the hallway and starts toward the stairs.
I run after him, my embarrassment over my reckless behavior from last night temporarily forgotten. “Where are, you going?” I yell, leaning over the balustrade.
“I’m taking this out to the curb for you.” His voice echoes up to me.
When Zack comes back inside, I’m in my kitchen making myself a cup of coffee. I peer over my shoulder at him. “Would you like some?”
He remains silent, shuffling closer and closer until he cages me in at the sink. Reaching around me, he turns on the faucet, before soaping up his hands. I bite my lip as I watch, remembering what his hands did to my body last night. When he’s done rinsing he grabs the towel from the counter and wipes them dry like he has all the time in the world. Time does seem to stand still with him so close to me. Releasing the towel, his hands grip the lip of the granite on either side of me.
When his lips touch my ear I shiver. “Are you ready to talk about what happened last night?”
I chew on my bottom lip. I was