I can't believe I'm here. In this situation. I thought I'd planned everything. I thought I knew what he was going to do.
I lay on the couch, all curled up, feeling filthy as he ran his fingers through my hair. "You really are beautiful." His voice barely above a whisper, gentle and loving. I should be shrinking from his touch but I found myself seeking it instead. His caress strays down my cheek and to my shoulders, which he grips firmly. "Such a sweet, ripe fruit. Juicy." I shudder.
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Meeting him he seemed so sweet and unassuming. Standard white guy. We'd formed a gentle, easy rapport when we'd met. He remarked how beautiful he found black women, using my features as example. The gold sheen of my brown skin in the sun. The smooth, almost velvet texture. The wet fullness of my bottom lip, the sparkle in my almond shaped eyes. "You broke my concentration the minute I glanced at you. Your innocence is almost doe eyed. I'm sorry, I probably sound like a weirdo. My name is Richard. I just had to introduce myself, but you're so beautiful all I can do is ramble."
"Hi Richard, My name is Gianna. No need to apologize, it's cute. Do you have a favorite?" I saw his eyes go blank. "The sidewalk art. The event we are at is sidewalk art..."
"I'm so sorry, yes, I know. I like this one over here" He gently but firmly took me by the arm and lead me to a scene of a sea turtle emerging from kelp, surrounded by fish. The blues really were mesmerizing. I stared for a moment, losing myself in the waves as though I'd actually dove in and while I admired the blend in the transitions between colors i felt his eye bore into me. Something about him felt predatory, but nothing about his behavior matched. He really just seemed like a starry eyed admirer. Harmless.
I took a step closer to him. Something in his eyes seemed to be calculating something, as if he were studying me and pleased that he'd been right about something. Then, suddenly as if never there at all, it melted into a soft loving gaze. He put his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into him. His cologne was mesmerizing. A faint woody scent that reminded me of campfire. I allowed myself to relax into him. Something about his breath changed, just slightly, but I couldn't place my finger on why there were tiny alarm bells going off in my head.
"May I take you to dinner?" He asked, breaking my thoughts. I know the protocol is to ask for your number and schedule and..."
"Yes, I happen to be free this evening. What are you in the mood for?" The alarm bells were slightly louder now. He squeezed my arm, just a little too tight, but it was so quick I almost doubted it had happened.
"There's a steakhouse in walking distance if you're cool with it" I followed him, thinking it was amazing he had suggested what happened to be my favorite restaurant. When we got there he ordered a bottle of my favorite red, with my favorite appetizer, then turned to me and asked what I'd like.
"Um, well i may have some of your wine, but is it ok if I-"