First Date, Part 2?

So this continues immediately after the last entry. Edward and I went on our first official date on Friday, he asked to see me again on Saturday and I complied.

Saturday morning, I found myself driving to downtown Santa Ana in Orange County. Carefully following the directions Edward sent to me, I ended up in a back alley flanked by garage doors on both sides. I found him half-plunged under a hood of a silver car (I almost didn’t recognize him) looking so intent and kinda sexy, I actually thought of not letting him know I was there.

Edward took me on a quick tour of his place that consisted of a workshop at the bottom floor and a studio apartment at the top. It was uncluttered, clean, masculine yet warm. He asked if I wanted coffee so I accepted. I stationed myself at the eat-in counter and sat on a bar stool while he stood at the opposite side, leaning forward on his elbows towards me.

For a few hours, I learned so much about him and he asked a lot of questions about me. But, since we’ve been talking extensively on the phone and through e-mail the past several weeks, we already had a lot of the pedantic topics out of the way. We talked more about relationships, what it’s been like for me after I separated from my husband and what’s it been like for him since he’s been on remission from testicular/colon cancer. It was a pretty rough but enlightening start to the day.

After a while, my stomach growled (loudly). We decided to stay in and make lunch instead of going out, but because Edward is somewhat of a rabbit (he eats very little and likes vegetarian choices), there wasn’t much in his kitchen that would satisfy a carnivore like me (not counting the man himself). It was obvious a grocery stop was necessary at that point.

Being in his neighborhood, Edward seemed more at ease than he’s been the previous night. He was more relaxed, laughed easily and was a bit more physical. I mean, he didn’t hesitate to take my hand to brush a soft kiss, put his hands on my lower back to direct me, or hook my arm on the crook of his elbow. He even put his arm around my shoulder when we went to the local bake shop. The nice Hispanic old lady at the counter was obviously very familiar with Edward. When she asked him (in Spanish) when was he going to propose to her daughter, he nonchalantly staked his claim and informed the señora he was already taken. I thought my toes were going to catch on fire!

I wanted to show off my culinary skills so I took over the kitchen. I was washing strawberries at the kitchen sink to garnish the French toast. Edward stood real close behind me and put his hands on my waist. I held my breath while he nuzzled my hair, then he gently kissed my head. All throughout our meal, he sat close, kept physical contact with me albeit very gently and subtle. A finger brush along my jaw, a kiss on the shoulder, a kiss on the forehead, and so on.

He was driving me CRAZY! After we ate, we went out to his small patio deck so we can smoke. He laid down on a hammock and pulled me in with him. Laying there in his arms, I was afraid he could hear the loud thud of my heart or hear the shallow breaths I had to take. That’s when he told me that he hasn’t been with a woman for over five years. Oh crap! Is there going to be some great expectations I might not be able to fulfill? Is that why he lured me here, so he can end his dry spell?

It was getting a bit late by this time so I thought I’d use that excuse to escape. He asked me to stay for a bit longer so he can show me his portfolio. When I stood my ground, he pouted his bottom lip and pleaded with me. I was putty in his hands and he knew it. He promised he would be a gentleman so I stayed.

Before he sat next to me on the couch, he turned on some music. With wonderful sounds surrounding us, I saw a different side of Edward that was more aggressive, bolder, and passionate than my initial assessment through his artwork. I was getting really nervous at this stage because I couldn’t deny how attracted I was to him. But he kept his distance and decorum as promised so I didn’t get too spooked.

A few minutes turned to another hour. With my feet on his lap and his fingers softly massaging my calves, I was getting pretty impatient with him. Why can’t he just kiss me already?!!! Aaargh! I had to leave before I end up attacking him myself.

He reluctantly agreed but asked for one small favor before I left. He asked if I would dance with him before I go so he can remember me that way. A man who dances? I’m really screwed now – that was my kryptonite. At the end of the song, he brushed his thumb across my lips then finally leaned in slowly for a kiss. FINALLY! It only took him five hours to work up to it.

I thought I was floating on a cloud. His kiss was gentle, warm and he tasted sweet. It was a romantic but thorough kiss that had my knees wobbling. I had to hold on to him to keep from falling. When he finally released me, I was swooning. I’m surprised I made it to my car even though I don’t remember walking.

That was the day my world changed…