We’re in an awkward position, so I pull away and recline on my side. She follows suit and lies down, facing me. It’s dark, very dark, but I can see her clearly. I can’t help but gaze at the beautiful woman next to me.
Christina smiles and asks, “What?”
“Huh? Nothing. I’m just admiring you?”
“Admiring me? What do you mean?”
“Can I be frank with you?” I ask.
“No. But you can be Joe,” she answers with a laugh.
It takes me a second to get the joke, but when I do, I chuckle too. “No, really,” I say sincerely.
“Of course, you can.”
“Well…Christina…you are absolutely the most beautiful woman I have ever met, let alone dated. And I don’t quite understand what you see in me. I mean, I’m not the kind of guy a beautiful woman like you usually hangs out with.”
“Is that all I mean to you? My physical appearance?”
“NO! No, of course not. You’re kind, sweet, considerate, loving, and boy can you kiss.” She chuckles at that. “No, it’s not just how beautiful you are. It’s all of you.”
“Can I be honest with you, now?” Christina asks.
“Always.”
“I’ve dated a lot of guys, Joe. All types…from the most popular jock to the shy guy nobody talks to. I don’t want to sound conceited, but a girl gets used to being told she’s pretty after a while. When I was younger, I let it go to my head, thinking I was better than everyone else, but then I realized something–”
“What?”
“I realized that people, generally, are wrapped up in their own lives and don’t think much about others. Especially me. I decided to start looking at others and what made them tick. I soon learned that people who only think of themselves don’t accomplish much. Sure, they may have wealth, property, a good job, whatever, but they aren’t happy. The happiest people are those that help others, so I decided that I wanted to spend more time doing that than worrying about myself. And you know what?”
“What?”
“I am truly happier now. I’ve met some awe-inspiring people I normally would have never spoken with. People are amazing, and I changed when I began to let them into my life. I’d like to think for the better.”
“I think you’re pretty amazing.”
“Thank you, Joe. When I first saw you, you piqued my interest. I mean, you’re cute, self-confident, and carry yourself like you don’t have a care in the world. So, I asked Denise to tell me about you: who you were, and what you were like. As she spoke, my interest deepened. And then, we started talking, and we went out. I really like you, Joe. I think you’re pretty amazing too.”
“Thank you,” I say as I lean in and give her a peck on the lips.
Christina snuggles in close and kisses me back. It’s a gentle kiss that makes my skin tingle. As I press into her lips, she falls onto her back, and I’m on top of her. Christina wraps her arms around my neck as our kissing becomes more intimate. Our tongues duel, and I become aware of my erection. Pulling back, I take a deep breath to compose myself.