Chapter 1.6 – If this were meant to be

Melanie stood in front of Emmanuel, rocking side to side, and biting her fingernails fiercely. She watched as his eyes ran across and down the page of her first book. She was excited, and anxious. She really wanted it to be good. Before Emmanuel could close the book, she asked, “So?”

Emmanuel looked up at her, clutching the book close in his hand. “You want my honest opinion?”

Her eyes widened. Oh shoot, it was bad. She knew she should have taken some things out, but there wasn’t much to take out in a short story. “Is is that bad?” she asked.

“A Short Book for Tall Readers, catchy title. Hmm, the story…”

Melanie put her palm to her forehead and leaned against the wall adjacent to her. “God, don’t finish the critique. I can’t take it.”

Emmanuel laughed and walked over to her. “It’s good…really good.” He pulled her arm down and stared down at her. “I like the play on words you do, and the story isn’t too heavy or too light. It’s good,” he assured her.

“Really?” Her eyes lit up at his words. “You think it could be something?”

“Absolutely.” He stared down at her, and Melanie’s breath caught in her throat. They have never been this close before, not even in the movie theater. Now, there was nothing but a layer of clothes separating them. “You’re amazing.”

“I am?” she whispered and felt his lips brush the tips of hers. She had kissed a handful of guys in high school, but those kisses never felt nearly as good as almost kissing Emmanuel felt right then.

All she had to do was push forward a little bit and they would be kissing. Yet, they stood there – touching, but barely before she felt his hand on her neck pulling him to her. Their lips collided and it was everything she had dreamed it would be and more.

She had always thought they were a little more than friends, but neither had defined what they really were. The occasional weekday dinners and weekend movies didn’t alert her to anything romantic developing between them. They had been at this for almost two months now – wouldn’t they have made a move before now? She was grateful that they hadn’t. This kiss felt more special than any rush job could have done. She basked in his scent and the feel of his skin against her face and under the palm of her hand.

After a couple of more seconds, Melanie felt the need to talk, but she didn’t want to interrupt the magic that was happening. “What are we doing?” she spoke in between short kisses.

“Kissing,” Emmanuel stop to reply before continuing the deed.

She smiled. “I know, but what does this mean? What are we?”

“People,” he said, now kissing down her chin and to the side of her neck.

“I know, but…”His kisses were driving her crazy and she could barely get any words out. She unwittingly pulled away and stared up at him. “but, what are we?” She emphasized the we and Emmanuel gave a smug smile.

“Melanie Avery, are you asking me to be your boyfriend?” He had a playful grin on his face and Melanie couldn’t help smile herself.

“Maybe…I am.”

Emmanuel smiled then, and pulled her back for another kiss. “Maybe I don’t mind being your boyfriend…has a nice ring to it.”

Melanie giggled as Emmanuel’s lips touched hers…solidifying their new relationship status with a simple and loving kiss.