He had moved into the apartment across the hall about six months ago. One morning they had bumped into each other, literally, outside her door. The few times after that they had stopped to say hello and inquire about each other's day. A friendship of sorts had begun to form and as the building was one that required a card key to enter, she tended to keep her door open during the day. as did most of the residents on her floor.
Lately they seemed to be getting closer, sharing popcorn and a movie now and then. He came over to have dinner with her once or twice a month. Laughing, they had teased for days. Neither of them thought it would ever bloom into more than that. At least until the day the teasing grew a little more serious. She had just spent one of those nights. You know, when you're so upset your mind seems to turn and twist, keeping you from sleeping. She seemed to be more receptive to the teasing, the taunting.
All it took was that one little kiss on the cheek, the scent of his aftershave wafting through her senses like a charging rhino. She shivered as the urge to lean in and lick his cheek overwhelmed her. Turning away was the hardest thing she had ever done. As he walked out into the hall, something funny happened and without thinking she called him back to tell him about it. That was the final straw. She watched him laughing and knew, she had to have him.
She flushed, embarrassed, at the thoughts running through her head. Noticing the puzzled look on his face she smiled and moved back a step or two. She wondered why she hadn't noticed the color of his eyes before. Or the way they crinkled at the corners when he was laughing. The deep sound of his voice seemed to grasp and pull her hand toward his cheek, it was almost impossible to control the urge to touch him.
She shivered again and turned away, softly reminding him it was time for work. She knew, if he didn't go soon, she would probably shock him and be completely mortified by her actions. When did she become so attracted to him she wondered. They hadn't even known each other that long, it amazed her that she could feel this strongly about anyone. He smiled down at her when she said goodbye yet again.
When he swatted her on the bottom, she groaned softly and gave him one more kiss on the cheek. He whispered that she was making it hard to leave. That one statement was almost her undoing. She took a deep breath and told him to go, that she had things to get done...and laughingly said that he was just in the way. Finally he closed the door behind him and left her to do the things she needed. There really wasn't much to do, but she took a deep breath and worked to get it done as quickly as possible.
Finally she stepped back to see that every task was completed. With a sigh of relief, she poured a glass of iced tea and sat down in the big soft recliner by the south window. The sun was beautiful today. so she picked up the 'zapper' and flipped though the channels until she found an old black and white movie with Gary Cooper in it.
She smiled when the thought came to mind, they didn't make men like that anymore. Well, except for, and as that thought reminded her of him again, she softly grumbled to herself. The longer she sat there, the sleepier she became. Finally unable to keep her mind on the story, she closed her eyes and wiggled around to a more comfortable position. Soon she was fast asleep.
The soft sound of his voice whispering "wake up, baby" in her ear caused her to open her eyes just a little and peer up at him.
He was bending over the back of the chair, smiling down at her. She struggled up into a sitting position with a sleepy smile, trying to smooth her hair, certain she looked a mess.
"Did you know you snore?", he asked, "'not much, it's kinda cute actually. Almost like a kitten purring."
She said indignantly ... "I do not snore!"
"Yes, you do." he replied.
Her face flushed and he laughed.
"Don't be embarrassed." he said "I told you it was kinda cute."
