That Mouth… and Everything That Followed
On Tuesday, everyone showed up at the pool right on time. I was surprised, though I didn’t let it show. I didn’t want them thinking they were doing me a favor. If I didn’t insist on our weekly thousand meters, none of them would do any exercise at all.
By the time I finished my first set, Adele was already sitting in the warm pool. She claimed she’d arrived a minute before me, but I doubt she’d swum more than two lengths.
“Did you see that guy?” she asked as I sat down beside her in the corner.
At the far end of the pool, a young man with ageless features and full lips ran his fingers through a classic boy-band mop of hair.
“God, that mouth…” I murmured, almost reverently.
“Right? I knew you’d like him.”
I didn’t answer. In my mind, his lips were already on mine. I had to pat my cheeks to snap out of it.
“Before you got here, he was definitely checking me out,” Adele said. “But… I let him know he didn’t stand a chance.” She continued in that tone that always made me shiver. “I adjusted my ring a little.”
“Looks like your trick worked. He’s already turned away.”
I wasn’t sure whether I regretted it or not. Part of me would have liked to keep admiring him from the front, but his well-shaped back wasn’t bad either. I don’t know what came over me, but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He must have felt me staring, because he turned around again and, unmistakably, smiled at me.
“Pfft,” Adele snorted. “Well, I’m clearly unnecessary here. I’ll go back to swimming.”
She jumped up, offended, and stepped out of the pool right beside me. Meanwhile, I simply kept exchanging glances with Mr. Full Lips. I counted to thirty, then got up too. Just before passing under the arch separating the warm and cold sections, I turned back and gave him one more smile.
Sofia and Mark were swimming slowly up and down like a retired couple. At least they were actually doing something for their health. Adele kept drifting off — first to the restroom, then to rest, then to grab a drink. I barely saw her swim more than a few lengths.
When I finished my usual distance, I sat down on the bench opposite the pool.
“Hi… you’re Emily, right?” a low male voice said beside me.
I flinched. But not just from surprise. That voice slipped under my skin, sending a tingling sensation up the back of my neck, making my eyelids heavy. I didn’t even need to turn my head. I knew it was Mr. Full Lips. I had no idea how he knew me, but I didn’t care. I slowly lifted my gaze.
“As far as I know,” I said with a smile.
That was all I had the strength for.
“I was a year below you at university. I don’t think you remember me.”
How could I have missed a mouth like that?
“Unfortunately, no,” I said, still too quietly. I cleared my throat. “But I won’t forget you now. What did you say your name was?”
“Adam.” He held out his hand.
Although I’d imagined his touch would be even more electrifying than his voice, it was just two wrinkled, water-soaked palms meeting.
“Do you live around here?” I asked suddenly.
My face instantly burst into flames. How on earth had something that stupid slipped out? Why else would he come swimming here if he didn’t live nearby?
“No. I’m only in town for a few days. I’ve got some work here. I’m staying until mid-next week.” He fell silent, staring at the floor. “Maybe…” Another pause. “If you’d like… we could meet up while I’m here.”
“Great idea,” I said quickly, before he could change his mind. “Anytime.”
I couldn’t stop myself. I don’t know what he must have thought — I hope I never find out. I was beaming like a teenager. I’ve been alone for far too long.
From that point on, I moved as if someone else were controlling my body. My brain switched to autopilot and carried me through the usual shower and hair-drying routine. I mechanically slid into the back seat of Mark’s car next to Adele. At home, I got out and only hope I said goodbye to everyone.
Luckily, Adam didn’t drag things out — we met as early as Thursday. And although I would have loved to invite him to my apartment, I had to settle for a Japanese restaurant. I barely remember most of the conversation.
I kept fantasizing about his mouth.
Sometimes I felt it on mine.
Sometimes on my thigh.
Sometimes at the nape of my neck.
I think he was telling me about his family when, in my mind, I ran my fingers through his hair and whispered into his ear, don’t stop.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly. “I’m not boring you, am I?”
For a moment, I couldn’t even breathe. I had no idea what he’d just said.
“No,” I managed. “Everything’s fine. My phone just keeps buzzing. Sorry — I really need to check it.”
I hurriedly pulled it from my bag. Of course, there were no notifications. I shook my head, muttered something under my breath, and shoved it back.
“My boss keeps calling,” I said with a small wave of my hand. “A six-month project starts in March, and she’s already stressing about it. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?” he asked gently. “I don’t mind if you answer. I don’t want you getting into trouble.”
His raised eyebrow and half-open mouth only made things worse. I dug my nails into my thigh. In the end, I had no choice but to step outside and call Thessa. Sweat trickled down the back of my neck from sheer embarrassment. I hate lying.
When he walked me to the taxi, he gently took my hand. His thumb traced soft circles on my skin. The touch pulsed deep in my lower belly. I sank weakly into the seat. Since all his evenings were booked, I called in sick today. He’s coming tomorrow at ten.
I won’t be able to sleep at all tonight.