"I don't know. Just guessing.” He couldn’t contain the wicked grin. "I was minding my own business getting ready to sketch that tree right next to you. This is my spot.”
"Really.” Her voice flat and unimpressed. Even though she was tempted, she didn’t turn in the direction that he was pointing.
His eyes narrowed as he continued, "The way I see it, you invaded my space. If you feel suicidal, you should’ve picked another spot.”
Her mouth dropped, the bright light in her eyes extinguished as they flipped open wide with shock. "I'm not suicidal.” He has no right to assume he knows what I'm thinking or planning! Now he’s invading my privacy.
But she was actually devastated by his accusation and fought to contain it, her face twitching as she looked downward.
Trying to figure out exactly where she was coming from, he stood grounded in silence, letting his eyes relish the richness of her lips.
"And it's not your space!" Pulling herself back to the present, she put on a brave face and gave him a triumphant smirk.
"This whole park is my space! But I'm willing to share…” It was starting to seem like a good time to walk away. But something was keeping him from leaving her. "Hey, I'm Jake by the way. If you ever want to pose, let me know.” With a perplexed look he called out as he made a reluctant retreat. Let's see where this goes.
Stunned, her face brightened, but her expression was puzzled. Why was he leaving? Why do I care? She certainly didn't need another problem in her already screwed up, hopeless life. Especially when she had major decisions to make.
"Cool.” With an aloof toss of her head, she turned her back on him and sat down again, glancing back to confirm it was still safe.
He didn't want to walk away. Something indefinable was drawing him back to her. It wasn't just the magnetic, sensual aura emanating from her. You could find women like that anywhere in the NYC. There was something mysterious about her that intrigued him. It was almost as if the pain that seemed to be devouring her soul was seeping into his own.
He sauntered over, bending down next to her.
"Wanna smoke?" The excitement in his face at the prospect of her agreeing was evident. He didn't need companionship, but she seemed harmless enough.
Contemplating the idea, she made an in-depth study of the strong features of his handsome face, absorbing those kind, liquid-brown eyes. Unusual, very powerful but with a certain boyish charm.
She inched back to what she perceived was a safe distance. As she regarded him, her apprehension began to dissolve, replaced by a strange feverish sensation. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden fluttering of birds overhead. She glanced up at the sky, absorbing its magic. It felt peaceful, pure.
"Okay. Why not?" A huge smile broke across her face.
He reached out his hand to help her up, expecting her to brush it away. It felt soft and fragile in his big, rough palm.
"I don't know.” Shrugging, he answered the question that she had already forgotten. He was beaming now as he led her to his spot. Shaking his head, he laughed under his breath, realizing he'd totally forgotten about his stuff being unattended the entire time. He hadn't ventured too far, but anywhere in NYC was too far. This time he was lucky. The stars must've finally been lining up for him.
"Have a seat.” He gestured to the dried brown and orange pile of leaves next to them. "You want my jacket?"
"No, that's okay.” She couldn’t help noticing the art supplies and picked up the pad with interest as she flopped to the ground. "You're an artist?"
"Trying to be. Do you sketch?" He looked away for a second to light a joint, then sank to the ground next to her. As soon as he returned his gaze, an unexpected urge to take her in his arms and smother her with kisses came over him.
"I used to all the time. Not that much anymore.” She scrutinized him, wondering if she had made a mistake. He could subdue her with one hand if he wanted to. But as she flipped through the pages, her eyes lit up. “You’re really good.”
“I try. What made you stop?”
With a quick glance at him she took a deep breath, then closed the pad.
He nodded, sensing she didn't want to get into it. "So, do you do this often?" He moved a little closer.
"What do you mean?" Frowning, she took a hit of the joint, passing it back, her eyes glued on his.
His finger began tracing the sprinkling of freckles that designed her cheeks. She flinched at his touch, but didn't object. He could feel his body throbbing.
"Hang out with strange men in isolated places?" It was meant as a joke, but at the same time he wondered about her innocence.
"No! Never! This is the first time.” She tensed, then squinted, her voice almost inaudible. “Do you?”
“Hang out with strange men?” He grinned.
“You know what I mean.” She rolled her eyes, unable to hide the amusement that was quick to turn into uncertainty.
“Nope, you are definitely the first.” At this point he held back a little, seeing the concern on her face. Stupid move Jake. It probably would be better if you don’t provoke her.
"Why, are you strange?" She persisted, feeling all the muscles in her body constricting.
He had to laugh. "Maybe, it depends how you define strange.”
Despite her apprehension, she felt her heart go wild. His eyes were sparkling now like the brightest stars in a faraway sky.
"Aren't you afraid... just a little?” His face was right next to hers as he spoke. For some strange reason, he couldn’t help teasing her, but as soon as he saw her reaction, regretted it.
Her eyes sailed to his muscular arms that were tautened on both sides of her, his hands digging into the grass. With a worried look, they travelled to the eagle tattoo embedded on his left forearm, lingering on it for a second.
"Should I be?" she responded in a half whisper, rising to her knees, ready to flee if she had to.
The question forced him to pull back and think. When he answered his voice was hushed in her ear. "No.”
His face tightened as he stared at her. He wanted to say a lot more than that, to tell her how he was dying to make love to her right there, but refrained himself.
For a few seconds she was silent, eyeing him closely. Her body then seemed to relax and a sigh escaped her lips.
He noticed it immediately and took it as an invitation. Unable to resist her any longer, his lips gently brushed hers as he looked deep into her eyes. She held her breath, her face flushed with excitement. With his hands tender as they held her face, he began kissing her. When they eventually broke apart she gasped in bewilderment.
"Hey, are you okay?" His hands slid down her neck to her shoulders. It was hard to tell if there was fear or lust in her eyes—maybe a mixture of both.
She nodded, gulping back the nervous pressure forming in her throat.
He couldn't ignore his mounting desire, but didn't want to frighten her. He brought his lips back to hers with increased passion as he held her tighter, his fingers locked in her hair. Was that a low moan of pleasure I heard?