Only One Night

Chapter Three

He walked briskly to the other side of the car, got into the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt and adjusted the rearview mirror.

I tugged at my seatbelt, trying to fasten it, but my fingers failed, and the seatbelt slipped from my hands. I was still trying to get it back on when he leaned in, closer, his stare cut through mine.

Ceci's hands gently brushed mine aside, sending a cold shiver down my spine, and he reached for the belt himself.

He pulled the seatbelt across my lap, his hand lingered and at the same moment my cheeks flushed, I looked away. My heart was racing all this while nonstop, it felt like it would stop at any minute. The click of the buckle echoed through the silence.

“You're safe now” Ceci whispered to me, his face inches away from mine.

“T-thank you,” I stammered

“You're welcome, anytime”. His voice was low and gentle.

“I meant thanks for helping out with the seatbelt,” I added.

Was he misinterpreting the thank you wrongly?

He smiled, and his eyes crinkled at the corners, “anytime Sandy, anytime”.

That was when I realized I didn't know this dude's name.

“You know my name already”? I asked, raising my eyebrows in shock.

“Yeah, I do, heard when Chris mentioned your name”, he said.

That was the only logical explanation for this.

“Um, okay,” I said.

“Pardon my manners, I'm Ceci, Ceci Brooks”.

“Okay, Ceci. Such a cute name you've got though.”

My gaze was still fixed down. I was relieved he said his name as if I'd been waiting for him to do so all along.

“Not as cute as you are,” he said in his low voice, conveying a sense of warmth.

His voice literally had me in a chokehold. I felt like I was the only person existing whenever he spoke.

He gently pushed down on the start button of his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro, and the car roared, the dashboard lights flickered on, giving the interior a serene glow.

I felt a thrill run through my body and the engine revved, the air conditioning whispered a gentle breeze on my skin and I felt goosebumps all over.

Ceci's eyes met with mine, and he had on, a smile teasing the corners of his mouth and, with an effortless glide, he shifted the car into gear and reversed out of the parking lot like a seasoned driver.

“So where are you headed, Dee?” Ceci asked, turning to look at me.

“Um, home, it's just down the next 2 streets down the block,” I said without removing my gaze from my lap. They've been fixed there since he helped with my seatbelt.

I know a perfect spot for a midnight snack. Want to grab some with me?” Ceci asked.

This time I turned to stare at his face, his eyes sparkled like diamonds in the dim light.

I immediately agreed, and he drove to McTate’s diner, a few blocks from where we are.

He turned off the engine and said, “What'd you like?”

“A burger and soda would do.”

“Okay then”, he said and stepped out of the car, into the diner.

He got back into the car, and it was filled with the smell of the burgers and fries, and he reached into the bag and pulled out mine and handed it over to me.

I smiled and took a bite out of my burger, “Mmm, thanks Ceci, it tastes nice”.

Ceci smiled, taking out a burger for himself, “You're welcome, again Dee”.

“Dee? That's like the second time you're saying that,” I said with a mouthful.

“I think Dee sounds cute”, he chuckled.

“So, Ceci, what do you do?”

He put down his burger and turned to face me.

I didn't ask a very serious question, right?

“Well, I just do this and that.” He replied.

“What's this and that?” I asked, looking puzzled.

“I’m just a business person.”

“Um okay, cool,” I plainly said.

“Are you working or still in school?” He asked, staring deeply into my eyes.

“I go to a cooking academy, I want to be a renowned chef actually,” I said and took another bite of my burger.

“So, you're a great cook?” he smirked.

“Naa, I'm not that perfect, yet” I smiled shyly.

As we continued talking, it flowed seamlessly, we talked about everything and nothing, sharing our likes and dislikes, things we do for fun and crazy things we've done.

When we were done with the snacks, Ceci turned into the street up front, the car slowing to a café, and he turned off the engine.

We both sat awkwardly in the dark, the car filled with silence. I could only hear the crickets chirping in the distance. As we sat there, I felt the tension increase, and our connection seemed stronger.

Without thinking, Ceci reached out and took my hands and intertwined them with his. The tension even grew stronger, the air became thick with anticipation.

He ran his fingers in my hair and tucked a few behind my ears.

The gentle touch on my face made me feel alive, he pulled me closer and kissed my lips softly.

I kissed him back, gently exploring the feelings with passion.

Our lips moved perfectly in sync, the soft pressure growing into a hot, passionate embrace. My heart raced as his arms were wrapped around me and I felt overwhelmed by the sensation of his lips on mine.

Our kiss deepened, and we lost ourselves in the moment, our desires unfolding like a rose in blossom.

As we finally broke apart, gasping for air, Ceci's eyes shone in adoration, and my eyes skipped a beat.

“You’re really beautiful Sandy”, he said, kissing my forehead and nibbling on my neck softly. He moved from the driver's seat to mine and put the seat down to get comfortable.

Deep in the moment, I knew our friendship had just crossed a line, and I couldn't help but surrender to its beauty, embracing the thrill of the unknown.