Chapter4.
1244 Words
Before I could open my eyes, I was met by warmth. The rich scent of hot chocolate wafted through the air, mingling with the sounds of children’s laughter. It felt safe to slowly open my eyes. As my vision adjusted, I found myself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. Turning my head to the right, I suddenly locked eyes with a pair of big, gray orbs gazing at me intently. His lips curved into a small smile, revealing a chiseled jawline that added to his striking appearance. He sat comfortably in a chair, patiently waiting for me to wake.
He wore a white shirt that was casually left unbuttoned, and despite my best efforts to look away, my gaze briefly lingered on his defined abs. A lump formed in my throat as I swallowed hard.
“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice matching the warmth I had sensed earlier.
Startled, I shot up in bed, too shy to respond verbally. Instead, I offered him a tentative smile.
“It’s okay. I made hot chocolate,” he exclaimed, nudging the steaming cup closer to my reach.
I glanced around the room, taking in the immaculate, well-kept furniture that seemed almost new.
“Where am I?” I croaked, the weakness evident in my voice.
“You’re safe. This is my house,” he replied, gesturing around.
“When I found you, you were nearly frozen to death under a tree,” he added, concern lacing his tone.
Suddenly, two small figures burst into the room, their giggles revealing the source of the mirth I had heard earlier.
“Daddy, is the lady up?” asked a little girl with bright eyes. “Hi I am Jane.” She said touching my hands.
“Daddy, is she going to be our new mom? She’s so pretty,” chimed in the little boy, his innocent curiosity adorable.
I watched as a flush of embarrassment crept across their father’s face. He glanced at me, then shook his head, attempting to redirect their attention.
“Go play! Let the lady rest. You can talk to her later,” he insisted as he ushered them away.
“Those are my kids, Jesse and Jane,” he said with a proud smile, and I managed to smile back.
“They're both lovely ,” I remarked, feeling a warmth spreading in my chest.
“Yeah, they can be a handful,” he replied, shooting me a knowing smile.
“You’re American, right?” he asked, and I nodded.
“Why were you out in the night all alone?” he inquired, genuine concern in his eyes.
“I was supposed to meet my mom at an address she sent me about a year ago. But when I got there, it turned out to be the wrong place. I was stranded,” I explained.
“Hmm, I see.” He leaned forward slightly. “Did you try calling anyone?”
With that question then I remembered my suitcase.
“Where’s my suitcase?” Panic began to seep into my voice as I remembered that it contained important items.
“Relax. Your suitcase and your phone are in the powder room. I put your phone on charge, just in case you needed to reach out to someone,” he said in a calm, low tone.
“I’m so sorry. Thank you,” I said, hoping my words conveyed my gratitude.
“I wasn’t getting any service, so I couldn’t call anyone,” I admitted, feeling embarrassed.
“You can use the house phone if you like,” he offered.
“You’re lucky I found you when I did; that snow would have buried you alive,” he added with a serious note.
“I thought I heard growling while I was under the tree, then I think I saw a bear,” I recalled.
“A bear?” he echoed, raising an eyebrow. “How interesting. We don’t have bears in Venice.”
“Well, I saw something huge, and it moved like lightning!” I insisted.
“Hmm, the speed of lightning, huh? I think it was probably your imagination,” he suggested, a teasing glint in his eyes.
“Maybe it was. It was dark, and I was exhausted,” I admitted, my face turned pale thinking about it.
His expression shifted to concern, and he stared at me intently. As I too shot back a stare his way.
Everything about him was undeniably attractive—his voice, his eyes, and I couldn’t help but admire his physique: his firm abs, his muscular neck, and broad shoulders. He must be a fitness enthusiast, I thought.
“I could put on something more conservative if you’d like,” he suggested, clearly aware of my lingering gaze on his toned body. But his striking facial structure was just as distracting. He was a perfect ten out of ten , and I found it hard to look away.
“That won’t be necessary. I’d be distracted either ways,” I confessed, my heart racing as I swallowed hard.
Gathering my strength, I swung my feet over the edge of the bed, my toes sinking into the soft, plush carpet. I sat quietly, gathering my thoughts.
“You should rest some more,” he advised, standing up and facing me. As I glanced up, my eyes inadvertently dropped to the bulge clearly outlined in his pants. My heart raced as I realized my gaze lingered a tad too long.
“I think I might be thirsty!” I exclaimed, reaching for the hot chocolate.
In my distraction, the cup tumbled out of my hand, spilling the liquid all over his pants.
“Omg! Hot, hot!” he yelled, fumbling with his pants as he undid the button and unzipped it. Panic swept over me as I leapt to my feet, grabbing a nearby towel. I knelt down and began to help dry him off, my hands awkwardly patting at the scalding liquid that was located around his waist and on his huge bulge.
“I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!” I pleaded, desperately trying to remedy the situation.
“Stop! Stop!” He hissed, when suddenly his strong hands gripped me gently yet firmly, lifting me off my knees back into the bed. Without releasing his hold on me, he leaned in. His voice was low, almost a whisper, when he said, “I said stop!”
I could feel his breath on my skin as he locked eyes with me. I could feel the heat in the air, our faces inches apart. My heart was hanging on, on threads as he continued to search deep into my soul.
“Be careful you start something you can’t finish.” He whispered, swallowing hard.
“I’m really sorry!” I whispered biting into my lips. He looked from my eyes to my lips, and I held my breath, feeling the moment stretch.
He finally released me and swiftly wrapped the towel around his waist, the tension between us still weighing heavy in the air. I couldn’t figure out if he was upset or if something else entirely was on his mind. All I knew was that I had never felt such an intense desire for a kiss from a stranger before.
He hesitated for a moment before quietly exiting the room, leaving me breathless and hopeful that I hadn’t offended him in anyway.
- Writer
