“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I do apologize, Ms. Violet. It’s just that you smell so divine. Surely someone has mentioned that before?”
I laugh at his words. “No, you’re the first. I would imagine in this heat, I smell more like sweat.”
“Not at all.”
“What do I smell like?” I ask, not sure I want the answer.
“Sweet, like an answer to a long-lost prayer, or a meal after weeks of starvation.”
I sniff my sleeve, unsure if I put on perfume this morning or forgot, like most days. “I’m not sure if that’s a good thing.” I laugh, hoping to lighten the mood.
“It is,” he answers as we continue walking. We move further away from the city and into the beginning of a forest.
Violet, what are you doing? You don’t know this man.Istop walking, listening to the voice of reason in my head. Turning toward my companion, I say, “Thank you, Harrison. I have enjoyed our time together, but it’s time for me to get back to my friends. Please excuse me.”
“Just a little further,” he argues. “There’s a particularly beautiful view of the river I’d love to share with you. It’s just through these trees.”
“I think it’s time to go back.” My argument isn’t convincing, even to me.
Harrison points to a clearing by the water. “Do you see the clearing? It’s just a few more steps. The view of the river is spectacular from that spot. I must insist you see it.”
“Okay,” I answer slowly. What could happen at a small clearing on the Mississippi River? I follow his lead as we snake our way through the forest. Small saplings are slowly turning into large pine trees as we continue. Entering the clearing, I take a deep breath. Why was I so nervous? I resist the urge to laugh at my foolishness.
“This is beautiful,” I lie. The river has never been beautiful. It’s polluted and deadly, providing transportation and food through the years, while being the reason for many widows and orphans.
“Yes, it is,” he says, looking over the water. “I often come here when life becomes…too much.”
“I’m sorry. I get overwhelmed, too. I understand how that feels.”
“Since…” He turns away, looking over the water and wiping his cheek. “I’m sorry. It’s not an easy subject to talk about.” He takes a deep breath. “Since she died, life hasn’t been the same.” His words hit me hard. He’s lost someone very close to him. I long to reach out to him, comfort him somehow.
“Please don’t apologize. May I ask how she died?” I realize it’s none of my business, but curiosity gets the best of me.
Harrison looks down, kicking the sandy dirt with his perfectly shined shoe. “It was a while back. I’d rather not talk about it.”
“I understand.” I place my hand on his arm, hoping to offer comfort. “I can’t imagine losing someone that you love.”
He turns, facing me completely. “Have you ever been kissed, Violet?”
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Yes,” I lie. “A few times.”
“You have the most beautiful lips.” I watch as Harrison slips a glove off his hand and rubs a soft finger across my bottom lip. The motion is raw,intimate, and makes me feel strangely uncomfortable. “Do you mind if I kiss you?” His eyes stare into mine, hypnotizing me somehow, and drawing me into his world.
“No.” My words are no louder than a whisper. The hair on the back of my neck stands at attention, responding to something it doesn’t like. Internally, I’m rebelling. Externally, I’m relenting. He lowers his headtoward mine, and I lick my lips in anticipation of my first kiss.
Soft lips touch mine, bringing chill bumps to the surface. Strong fingers wrap around my waist, pulling me closer to him, while his other hand wraps behind my neck. He gently teases my lips with his, pressing hard, then soft. I sigh, releasing the tension I was holding, and move even closer. This is better than I’ve imagined.
A few minutes pass before I feel his tongue separate my lips, forcing its way inside, teasing mine as he gently caresses my mouth. His kiss tastes of something familiar. Sweet with a hint of metallic. He presses in harder, pushing his tongue further into my mouth until it becomes uncomfortable. What started out nice is turning not nice quickly.
I pull away and step back, putting space between us. “Where are you going?” he asks, closing the distance between us once more.
“I’m sorry. I…I need to get back.” I turn and begin the walk back to the café. In the blink of an eye, he’s in front of me, blocking my way.
“You’re not going anywhere.”
Every alarm in my body goes off at the same time. What have I done? Why didn’t I trust my gut? Carol was right. “Harrison, thank you for the walk and the kiss, but I have to get back.” I focus on keeping my face neutral, not giving away the panic that fills me.
