White Fur

Chapter 7

Skyler’s POV

Kanto walked off to answer his phone, I really hope he doesn’t get in trouble for avoiding work. My face was still blushing about what he said. I take a deep breath and glance at the city skyline, it really is beautiful up here. My attention has been so focused on Kanto that I didn’t really get to look at the view, or my phone now that I think of it. I wonder if I missed anything. I shuffle things around in my purse until I find my phone and I can’t believe what I see.

“Is everything ok?” I guess I have a surprised look on my face or something because Kanto seems nervous as he kneeled down next to me.

“It’s already passed 1AM! It’s so late and I didn’t even notice!” I really didn’t notice the time. Kanto let out a sigh of relief. “Oh I’m sorry did I make you worry? I’m just shocked at what time it is. Did everything go alright on your phone call?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I just have to take care of a couple things. Unfortunately that means I need to call it a night.” Kanto didn’t look fine but I decided not to pry, I just hope he didn’t get yelled at because of me.

“That’s probably best since it’s so late. I’m supposed to help with the festival tomorrow, can’t be too tired.” That and I don’t want to give Mr. Rodriguez more reasons to fire me.

“May I drive you home?”

“Oh no, it’s fine. I only live a couple blocks away from here.” I wonder if I packed my pepper spray with me for my walk home.

At my response, Kanto’s face went serious. I would hate to be one of his employees and see that face. “Skyler, it’s passed 1AM, I’m going to drive you home.”

“No really it’s fine-“

“I’m not asking. I’m driving you home.”

“Alright if you insist.” Kanto smiled a victory smile. I usually would put up more of a fight when being asked to ride in the car with a stranger I’ve only know for 7 hours, but it is late and I’d really rather not walk. Also I believe I can trust Kanto, that weird gut feeling again.

Kanto put his hand out for me to help me up. I gladly took it, seeing my small hand perfectly fit into his much bigger one makes me feel happy and warm. After I stood up, I patted down my dress to make sure it still looked alright. I then went to grab my bag, my phone shimmering on top. Which made me realize something, so I took my phone out.

“Kanto?” He looked at me with a calming smile but still why did I suddenly feel so nervous about what I was going to ask. “I was wondering if I could get your number? That’s is if you want to. You don’t have to if you don’t want to. But I would like to see you again. So I’d like you to, but you don’t—“

Before I could continue my nervous rambling, he grabbed my phone and put in his phone number. Then he kept fiddling with my phone some more, I didn’t know what he was doing until I heard the vibration from his pocket. Weird I didn’t hear the vibrations earlier, maybe I was too distracted.

“There, now I have your number too.” He grinned, I smiled back as I felt my cheeks turn red. Never in all my years have I blushed so much in one day, yet with this man I might as well always look like a tomato.

“Ready to go?” He asked.

“Wait, don’t we have to clean up?” It was very clear that Kanto did not have a clean up plan in place. But then a smirk replaced his blank expression.

“My security guard can handle it.”

“I don’t believe that is in his job description and I won’t allow you to abuse your power like that.” I put my bag back down and started walking around blowing out candles. Kanto moaned but reluctantly started to blow out candles as well. I bent down to fold the big blanket that we were sitting on, Kanto grabbed the other side. We folded it once but the second fold I needed to bring the blanket to him. As I transferred the blanket to him out hands briefly skimmed each other. For a moment, I thought I saw Kanto’s eyes go dark hazel again, probably from my shadow. I moved down the blanket to fold it again. The last fold I had to go back to Kanto, this time when I did he held onto my hands and didn’t let go. I looked up to his eyes, this time I couldn’t tell what color they were.

Kanto took a step closer and let go of the blanket which fell on our feet. But I didn’t care I was mesmerized by the man in front of me. He moved one of his hands to around my waist and pulled me closer, while the other hand went up to cup my face then to the back of my neck. My body was pressed against his, I could feel the abs underneath his shirt. This made the butterflies in my stomach fly like crazy, I parted my lips out of instinct. I wanted this man’s lips on mine, I needed it. I got on my tip toes hoping he would understand my sign of consent and desire for his kiss.

But of course, as fate would have it right as I did that a harsh cold window blew across the rooftop. It made me shiver for a second and I could feel goosebumps raising on my arms. And since Kanto seems to be such a gentleman he’s going to pull away.

“I should probably get you home, it’s getting cold up here.” Uhhh I hate it when I’m right. Come on universe you could have waited 3 more minutes so I could have kissed this man. Figures.

“Yeah, I guess so.” My response sounded defeated, stupid wind, but Kanto was already pulling back and removed his hands from my body. We picked up all the blankets and pillows, I grabbed my bag and we headed back into the building. I told him we needed to get the candles too but he said they’d be fine outside for the night. When we stepped back into his office, I caught a glimpse at his desk which made me chuckle a little. But then I saw the mini fridge.

“What about the ice cream?” I didn’t want it to melt in his fridge, that would be a nightmare to clean up.

“All the more reason we should go on another date.” His playful smirk was back. “We can leave the blankets and pillows here. I’ll figure out what to do with them later.”

I just smiled in response. Now that our hands were free, Kanto had no issue with sliding one of his hands into mine. His smirk still on his face, he led me to where the garage was. There oddly were still a lot of cars here, we kept passing all these fancy sports cars and with each one I thought it would be his. But we finally got to the car he was looking for. It was a black pickup truck, not what I was expecting for a CEO but it was a pleasant surprise. He walked over to the passenger side and opened the door for me. He also let me use his hand to hoist myself up into his car. I’m only 5’6”, I’m not a giant like Kanto so it was nice not to have to leap into his car. I did laugh at the image in my head of me full on launching myself into his truck though.

“What’s so funny?” Kanto was buckling his seat belt on the driver side. He had a smile on his face but still looked confused at my laughter.

“Nothing, just didn’t expect you to drive a truck but I think it suits you.” My attempt at not seeming like a psycho who launches into cars.

“Haha yeah, I like that I can use it for a lot of different things. It’s hard to drive in the wilderness with a sports car.” He put my address into the navigation system and we started to drive.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, how long do you think it will take to resolve your urgent business?” I hope he doesn’t think I’m being too nosy.

“Probably a day, maybe 2 at the most.” He had that serious face on again but it was a bit more thoughtful this time.

“That’s good.” I was looking straightforward out the windshield but I could see from the corner of my eye Kanto give me a quick glance of confusion before looking back at the road. “Well then you won’t miss me too much.”

I let the silence soak in for about 10 seconds before laughing and explaining further. “I’m working at the festival all weekend. Friday and Saturday we open early and close late so I won’t be able to go out. But Sunday we close early in the evening so I should be free after that.”

“You’re not free on Sunday.” Kanto’s voice was firm and serious, if I didn’t know what he was probably going to say next I would have been scared. “We are going on another date on Sunday. If you recall, I wanted you to take all of my time, so Sunday.”

“I mean, I guess. If someone does have to take up some of your time it might as well be me.” I tried my best to keep a serious face but after a couple seconds I started laughing. Kanto started laughing too.

“Good, I’ll pick you up here then.” I didn’t even realize but we made it to my apartment already. Kanto pulled up to the curb and hopped out of the car to my door before I even got my seat belt off. He opened the door and instantly offer me his hand. I accepted and jumped out of the truck, then I slung my bag onto my shoulder.

“You’re such a gentleman.” I teased. He straightened out his back and lifted his chin into the air as he walked me to the door. We walked up the three steps to the first door which he pulled open for me. For a split second, I saw his face flinch as if someone yelled at him. Unfortunately for me it would be extremely awkward to move in for a goodnight kiss with him holding the door.

“Thank you for everything tonight. I really did have a great time.” I truly did. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this way on a date or about another person, it’s nice.

“Thank you for agreeing to go. I had a great time too.” He had a smile on his face but his eyes were sad. Maybe he was thinking what I was thinking, I didn’t want this night to end.

“Well, good night, get home safely.”

“Good night.” And with that I headed into the apartment building. I heard the door close behind me when I got to the second door. I don’t know what got into me but I dropped my bag near the second door and ran back towards the front door.

“Kanto!” I shouted as I opened to door. He was at the edge of the curb when he turned around to face me. He looked worried at me shouting for him and he ran to the bottom of the steps.

Before he could say anything, I used the top step to my advantage. I put both of my hands on his shoulders, got on my tip toes and placed a kiss on his cheek.

“See you on Sunday.” I whispered then turned to run back to my bag.

But I was stopped, Kanto managed to grab hold of my hand. He pull me back up to him while walking up two of the stairs, he placed his free arm around my waist. Then he released the other hand to gently put it behind my head. The next thing I knew his lips were crashing down on mine. His lips were gentle but firmly pressing on mine as if he was trying to keep me there forever. That’s when I closed my eyes and started to kiss him back, which he liked enough to let out what sounded like a low growl that vibrated his chest. As I moved my arms around his neck, I parted my lips to let his tongue in. Kanto didn’t hesitate to explore my mouth, and I didn’t hesitate to explore his. My mind was running wild with naughty thoughts and trying to savor every moment of this kiss. I wanted more, I needed more of him. I let out a small moan of pleasure which rewarded me another one of those low growls and Kanto tightening his grip as now both of his arms were around my waist. I would 100% be ok if we stayed like this for forever, it sounds like a good plan to me.

But unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Kanto put his hands on my hips and gently pulled away. When I opened my eyes, dark hazel eyes were staring back at me. This time I’m certain they changed color, I’ll have to ask him about it next time. We stood there silently for another couple minutes catching our breaths. Kanto closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, when he opened them again his eyes were his original hazel color. Yeah I’m definitely asking about that on Sunday.

He gave me the same sad smile as he had before. “See you on Sunday.”

He released his grip on my hips, which was tragic. I turned and walked back inside the apartment building, now depressed that we had to end that amazing kiss. I picked up my bag and started rummaging around for my keys. I unlock the second door and headed to the elevator, but I also start reminiscing about the kiss. I get on the elevator and click the button for my floor. My lips started to tingle with desire as I thought about Kanto. I ran a finger across my bottom lip as if in disbelief that those 3 minutes of pure joy just happened. Then another thought came to mind, I can do this again on Sunday. I’m so excited that I squeal like a school girl in the elevator.

“Must have been a good night.” I was in my own world that I didn’t notice Mrs. O’Hara on the elevator with me. Mrs. O’Hara lives a couple doors down from me. She is probably about 70 or 80 years old, is very short and small with silver hair that was always tied in a bun. When I first moved here Mrs. O’Hara was extremely kind to me, and as time passed our bond grew. I never met my grandmother so I just assumed Mrs. O’Hara is what she’d be like.

“Yes it was.” We smiled at each other for a moment before I continued. “Insomnia again?”

“Ah my girl, you know me too well. But I wouldn’t call it insomnia, more just a weird sleep or nap schedule. But after a couple laps around the building I’m starting to feel sleepy again.” She let out a big yawn. But an all knowing grin appeared on her face. “Are you going to see him again?”

“Him? Who Him? What him?…Did you see him?” How did she know? I instantly got embarrassed thinking about Mrs. O’Hara watching my makeout session on the stairs.

“No, but to be in the mood your in, it must be a boy.”

I softly chuckled. “Yes, I am going to see him again. And hopefully, I’ll continue to see him.”

The slow elevator dinged as we got to our floor. I offered my arm to Mrs. O’Hara which she accepted and I walked her to her door.

“Well dear just be careful. Don’t let the dog pull you on the leash.”

“What?” I swear her metaphors never really made sense to me, she usually has to explain them to me which always makes me feel childishly dumb.

“You’ll find out eventually.” We got to her door, she unlocked it and released my arm. “Come over for tea sometime soon dear, I’ll even make your favorite cookies.”

“I will, goodnight Mrs. O’Hara.” I turn to continue walking down the hall until I make it to my door.

As I unlock and push the door open, I take a look around the studio apartment. I never really needed much space since it was just me and I tried to never be home, so my apartment was a little bare. The kitchen was on the left in its own carved out corner with a four person dining table on the border of kitchen and living space. A small sofa is facing a tiny tv that is on top of a bookshelf filled with math and education textbooks. Further back in the apartment was my standard sized bed with a night stand on one side and my dresser on the other with a big painting of flowers over the bed. I put my bag on the sofa and walk toward the back of the apartment towards the dresser that’s crammed between the bed and the other wall. I grab a pair of pjs, which is really just an old t-shirt and shorts, and walk to the door on the other side of the bed that leads to the bathroom.

I take a quick shower, put my pjs on, brush my hair and my teeth then slug off to bed. I grab my phone charger to plug in my phone. That’s when I see a message pop up.

-Good night, Skyler. It was from Kanto.

I smiled to myself and wiggled with joy.

-Good night, Kanto. I typed back.

I was on such a high from my kiss earlier that I didn’t know how I was going to fall asleep. But somehow, I slowly dozed off imagining Kanto’s warmth and thinking about how I get to see him again on Sunday.