Near Kisses

Three weeks later, I sat in my office reviewing the guest list and RSVPs for the wedding that was on the upcoming Saturday. I was pretty much over the bullshit. Whoever was going to be there would be there and those that chose not to, so be it.

It was almost 11:00 am, right around the time my delivery was supposed to arrive. The older guy that delivered packages in our business park was sweet and mostly punctual. I stood and walked away from my desk out to the lobby, the door opened, and a younger man stepped inside with several packages.

I had seen him before. I couldn’t remember where. He greeted me with a smile, he had a distinct accent, and sounded Puerto Rican, “I have some packages for Lelani Carter.”

“That would be me,” I replied as I signed, “Are you filling in for Nick?”

“He retired. I’m taking over this area.”

I nodded. My assistant kept looking at his nice muscular legs and tight butt in the khaki shorts he wore. Well, it’s nice to meet you, and your name?”

“I’m Enrique,” he replied smiling. He was handsome, with dark skin tone, short curly hair, clean-shaven thicker muscular build, “You want me to bring these to your office or here is fine”

“Oh sure, my office is right this way.”

He followed me inside and set the boxes in a corner near my bookshelf. He looked at my belly, “I don’t want to offend, but are you?”

I smiled, “Yeah. I’m due in June.”

“Congrats.” He said, but there was a sadness on his face.

“Do you have any kids?”

“One on the way.”

“Y’all must be happy.”

“It’s complicated. She’s with someone else.”

I nodded. I imagined maybe Mario felt that way about me marrying Richard. “Hopefully, things work out so you can see your baby.”

“That’s is the most important part, right, the baby.”

“Yeah, the baby.”

His face had a different glow like a realization hit him, “The baby, mi bebe, I like talking to you.”

“Thanks. Some say I’m a great listener. Others think I’m an asshole, either can be true at any given time.”

He laughed, “Okay senorita, I’ll see you next time.”

Later that day, after I finished work, I stopped at my favorite Caribbean spot. Since Richard was having dinner with some friends, I decided to dine in. As I sat there enjoying my meal, I heard my name, “Senorita Lelani.”

I looked up and smiled, “Enrique, hey how are you?”

“Good. So, you like Caribbean food.”

“Yeah, it’s one of my weaknesses.”

He looked at the rock on my finger, “My apologies, are you, senora?”

“Not yet. I’m getting married this weekend.”

“Congratulations. He must be one happy man.”

“Yeah. He’s happy. I’m happy. We are two happy people.”

“You decorate right?”

“Um yes. I do.”

“Would you mind doing a kid’s room? I’m having a little girl.”

I pulled a business card from my purse and handed it to him, “Just call me. I can do that.”

“Thanks,” he replied smiling. “Te veo pronto,” he said and turned to retrieve his food.

I suppose Mario had stopped in for food around the same time and saw my exchange with Enrique, which in my opinion was very innocent. He walked over and took a seat, “Hola, hola.”

I looked up into his pretty brown eyes, “Mario, hey.”

“Does your dude know you’re out here giving guys your phone number?”

I laughed, “A lot of guys have my business number. That was a potential client.”

He didn’t seem convinced, “I don’t know. He was giving you the eyes.”

I squinted, “what eyes?”

“The I want to get all up in that, eyes.”

“Shut up,” I chuckled.

He laughed. The lady behind the counter had brought his food to the table and he began to eat. “I hope you don’t mind me joining you for dinner.”

“I guess it’s okay.”

His eyes covered me with a sweetness that I remembered from our first date. He smiled, “I miss this.”

I nodded. So often some men get caught up in seeing women as an entity for cooking, cleaning, and sexing, but when they find one that ignites their soul, they soon realize it’s not just about those things.

He missed my fun side. He missed joking. He missed singing loudly to salsa songs on road trips. He missed conversations on the beach while sipping on rum. He missed having his temples rubbed at the end of a long day. He missed my nose in the crease of his neck.

I understood this as I sat across from him witnessing his admiration for me. As much as I had a glimmer of sweetness in my heart for him…it was too late for us. I was getting married on Saturday. My mind was made up. My heart belonged to Richard. He was enjoying all the perks Mario missed.

After we ate, he walked me to my car. The wind was blowing something fierce causing my hair to stir about. He moved it from my face and gazed upon me under the starlit sky.

He rubbed my cheek; his thumb touched my lip and then my chin. It seemed as if he was about to lean in, but something stopped him. He smiled, “I better let you go.”

I nodded, “yeah.” I opened my car door, got inside, started the engine, and drove off.

When I got home, I heard Richard in the shower. I got undressed and joined him. Seeing his naked flesh got me aroused. Seeing his smile warmed my heart. I knew I was doing the right thing.

His lips touched mine, “How was your day?”

“Great, especially now.”

I felt his tongue enter my mouth as his hands caressed my body. His fingers played below until I sang a sweet melody in his ears. Pressed against the wall, he pressed his way inside stroking me to perfection. He knew how to take his time, drilling slowly until my leg buckled.

After my second orgasm, he turned me and thrust rapidly. The water cascaded off our bodies. I was in heaven feeling his power. He kissed my back before nibbling on my shoulders. I knew he was close and so was I. He gripped me tighter, holding, grunting, releasing inside of me.

I turned to kiss his mouth. “I love you, baby,” I said to him.

“I love you too.”