Lulu's Loves by Barbara S Stewart Page A

taste the kick?” I nodded. “It’s South Carolina Hot Sauce. It’s so powerful that we only add just a drop. You couldn’t handle as hot as it gets.”
    “Are you sure?” I teased.
    He cocked his head to look at me. “Don’t play, Lulu.”
    Ike kept an eye on the bar as we ate. We talked, actually Thom talked. I liked it. I was comfortable just listening. I learned that his parents were divorced and he was an only child. His mother lived in Atlanta and his dad had passed away a few years ago.
    As we finished eating, Danno came in.
    “You’re early,” Thom said.
    “Thought you might want to get out of here,” he said with a grin.
    Thom grabbed another bottle of wine and reached for my hand.
    “Let’s go.”
     

     
    When we got to the villa, Thom poured more wine and joined me on the sofa.
    “Thanks for a great day.”
    “I don’t think it’s over yet, Lulu.”
    Moving closer, he pulled me into his arms. They felt strong around me. I felt myself fall into his embrace. He pulled my legs over his lap, turning me into him so he could get closer. His eyes met mine and never strayed. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. His lips found mine. It was a kiss like I’d never tasted. It was sensual. It spoke to me, and what it said left me nervous.
    Then he pulled away.
    “I don’t want to go too fast, Lulu. I’m having a hard time stopping myself, because I want you to be sure.”
    “Be sure of what?” I asked, breathlessly.
    “Of what you want.”
    If you only knew …
    Suddenly, words from my head and heart bubbled out before I could stop them.
    “I’m twenty-three, almost twenty-four,” I said. “I’ve had one boyfriend, one lover, but now I’m not even sure that I know what a lover is. I’m not experienced, Thom. I’m not innocent, but I’m not experienced. I don’t want to disappoint you.”
    “Lulu, stop.”
    “No.” I grabbed his shoulders and turned him toward me. “Look at me.” His eyes met mine. Eyes that seemed to reflect knowing, but I also saw desire.
    “I’d like nothing more,” he replied. “Looking at you makes me happy. Thinking of you fills me with so many emotions. I know how old you are. I’m sure you have thoughts much like my own. I want to make love to you, Lulu, but I’m afraid.”
    “Afraid?”
    “Yes. Afraid that you’ll be my drug. I know when we do, I’ll just want more and more of you. And I know we will, but it won’t be tonight.”
    WHY NOT?
    The question screamed in my head.
    “I’ve never felt instant attraction like this,” he continued. “Everything about you intrigues me. I notice things that others overlook. You’ve told me about your college research job and the teaching position that waits when you return, so I know you’re intelligent. Your eyes, warm and inviting, are filled with questions that you’re afraid to ask. There are stories that you hesitate sharing, but I see that they’re important to you. You have the body of a goddess.”
    I squirmed with discomfort at his comment.
    “But you don’t see it through other’s eyes. Something, or someone, has made you self-conscious about the way you look and deprives others from seeing the beautiful you that I see. Don’t shy away when someone tells you you’re beautiful. I heard you say, ‘thank you,’ but I think there’s hesitation at the idea of it. You should flaunt what you have.”
    I felt myself blush. He leaned closer and kissed my cheek to whisper in my ear. “I don’t mean in a promiscuous way; I mean you should stand tall and be proud of your body. It’s the gift that God gave you. Appreciating yourself is the sexiest thing I can imagine.”
    “Sexy,” I repeated the word.
    “I see it, but you don’t. See what others see, Lulu, and you won’t be so surprised when someone compliments you.” He seemed to admire what he saw.
    “Lulu, don’t be nervous or anxious. I’m sorry if my words make you uncomfortable. I just speak my mind, and that’s what it