Isaac grabbed her hand in his, while she coughed into her other. “It’s an acquired taste, not unlike myself. Have I mentioned that you amuse me greatly?” he murmured.
The night went on, and was truly wondrous. Elly felt the music vibrate over her in pulses, every fiber of her body attuned to each smile and head nod that Isaac directed her way. They were so close to the stage that conversation was impossible once the music started, but it didn’t matter. There was an undeniable connection, and every time Elly turned to marvel over his incredible features, she caught him staring at her. They stayed for the opening act, Jack Shepland, and then the closing band.
It was 1:30 am when they left the club and Isaac suggested pancakes. Elly had never been more tempted to kiss him. Over mounds of dripping amber syrup and ripe blueberries, Isaac and Elly talked of Clayton and all its intricacies. Isaac seemed to know the town very well, and told her about dozens of hidden gems throughout the city. Elly was sure she had never had such a good conversation while at the same time keeping so much unsaid.
It was 3:30 am when Isaac walked her to the shop door. While Elly hoped that the night would never end, her body felt very differently and was screaming for bed. Trying to make light of what was sure to be an awkward moment, she stepped up onto the doorstep and took out her keys. Isaac reached for them, turning over her brass antique key in his hand.
“This is really cool,” he murmured. He pulled himself up to the step and breathed his warm breath on her face. He smelled like scotch and blueberries. “It fits you. You’re different. Smart.” He traced the side of his finger down her face.
“Amazing,” he growled, and then he covered her mouth with his.
CHAPTER
EIGHT
Kim swirled angel hair pasta around in its garlic sauce and slurped it into her mouth.
“So then he kissed you?”
Elly ripped off a hunk of bread and pulled it through some vinaigrette.
“Ohh...” she sighed, her mouth full of food. “And what a kiss it was.”
Kim gave her an approving look. “Yes? Go on.”
Elly put her finger to her lips. “A lady never kisses and tells.”
“But you’re not a lady. You wore flip flops to an Italian restaurant.”
Elly looked at her feet. “They’re comfortable…”
They were having a late dinner on the patio of Giovanni’s Italian Restaurant. It was a hushed, clear evening outside, with hundreds of large white light bulbs draped overhead.
“Okay...back to the kiss!” Kim demanded.
Elly’s thoughts raced. How could she explain what was probably the most magical fifteen minutes of her life? The way he gripped her face so softly, and yet clung to her so fiercely? The way he whispered things into her lips – intoxicating, secret things? How he had left her, his hand lingering in her hair, looking back and then heading across the fire escape? She had not been able to make it up the stairs at first, and getting to sleep had been impossible with the taste of him still burning on her tongue. She lay in her bed, hands clutched to her heart and Cadbury across her legs, murmuring “Isaac…Isaac…” Her uncanny resemblance to a 14 year old girl embarrassed her.
Elly put her fingers on her lips.
“It was incredible. I don’t think I have ever…ever been kissed that way. His mouth…”
Kim made a disgusted face. “Okay, okay, that’s enough. You are still my friend. I don’t want to hear about mouth details. Tell me more about him.”
Elly took a sip of wine. “He’s introspective. Smart. Artistic.” She grinned. “Passionate. I feel like he woke me up. I never want to work again. I just want to be kissed. By Isaac. All day long.”
Kim clapped excitedly.
Elly continued. “You should see the way he talks to people. He just oozes this confidence. At the jazz club, he would take my hand and count out the beats with my fingers. He ordered drinks for me. And he seemed to know everyone!” Still, Elly thought to herself, he couldn’t keep his eyes off me.
“Let’s just say, I certainly wouldn’t mind being his instrument.”
Kim grinned. “Naughty girl, you are glowing.”
“It feels…” Elly trailed off.
“Yes?” said Kim.
“It feels like falling in love. I haven’t felt this way, not since Aaron.” Her heart felt a pang at the name. She smoothed it over with the memory of Isaac’s soft lips against hers.
“I’m so happy to hear it. Just be careful.”
Elly was jerked out of her kissing daydream. “What do you mean ‘be careful?’”
“Nothing. I didn’t mean anything. He sounds amazing. I can’t wait to meet him. You look so happy.”
Elly smiled. “I am glowing. I feel alive for first time in years. He’s coming over for dinner on Wednesday.”
“Fantastic!” Kim replied. Elly hailed the waiter for another glass of wine. “You should make your red wine pot roast. That will make him want to kiss you all the more.”
Elly winked. “Oh, I’m not sure I need it…”