A Kiss

They were holding hands during the walk home. Martin took a casual stroll and even asked Celine to appreciate the view a bit more. He had never been this observant of nature for its beauty before. But the moon was full, the sky full of stars, and all of the heavens reflected in the ocean surface. He wanted her to see all of it.

Not much was said during this stroll home. No words were necessary, he felt her warm body beside him, and that was enough.

Once they reached home and Martin closed the door, he couldn't help himself but ask, "So you are rushing to bed so early?" For some reason, the thought of her being feisty and retorting with her quip during dinner was still on his mind. He didn't want to be the man who was lost in a conversation, especially with her. It might be his pride, it might be his ego, but he didn't want to be a timid man on a date.

"Yes? You know this is usually the time I go to bed. It's late." She seemed confused about his changing behavior just now. But it was because of the night ambiance, the sound of the wind, the atmosphere of it all, the influence of wine, or most dangerously, the warmth of her gaze that drove him mad.

Martin decided to have more courage on the matter.

"Celine, you really don't know the tradition for a first date?" He asked her, looking all serious.

"…." She only smiled and shook her head. But he bet she knew. She had more dates than him. How could she not know where he was getting at?

"I should walk you to your door." And he lightly touched her hand and held it in his. He walked her to her door, his bedroom, which was only a few steps from the entrance. Celine laughed softly as the distance was ridiculously short.

She didn't say anything but observed him attentively, doubting his next moves. But she didn't have to wait for long.

Under a single neon light, in a dimly lit room, Martin closed their distance in a warm embrace. He moved his face closer to hers. His lip muttered in a low husky voice, "And I should kiss you good night."

Before his date could react, he moved in a decisive manner and touched his lips to hers. Her full lips trembled slightly to the touch. And he was excited beyond words. She was so soft and feminine, and he was afraid he might hurt her. The young woman's hands moved all over his chest and back. And she really knew how to kiss. Her lips bit his tenderly, signally his lips to part before their kiss deepened. He didn't know anymore who was the one seduced.

Refusing to be the one left dazed and baffled at the end of this, he took the lead, hugging her tight. He rested one of his hands on her back and one caressing her arm. He nibbled her lips slightly before touching his tongue to hers. Celine moaned. He could feel the heat rising, her hands getting more erratic, touching him where she could.

"Oh, Martin…Ahh…you taste so good." Her voice was low and husky.

"You too, honey." He felt the same.

There was no time for talking. She was the woman who knew what she wanted and loved to take the lead. Celine pushed him against the bedroom door and got back to the kiss.

Her tongue twirled on his, and this time he felt the heat of her desire. Too soon, he thought. We went out one time a few hours ago, and this was only our first kiss. He could sense things could get out of hand fast. And he didn't know if he could continue to be Mr. Nice Guy and keep things under control for long.

He tried to calm down her emotion. He gave a gentle caress to her back and arm, and his hand moved to the back of her head, touching her soft hair while taking the lead in the kiss. She was a fiery young thing that was burning them both alive, and he was all about control and order and all things proper. He wanted to respect his date. And to his rationale, they should keep things slow.

Martin slowed down the pace. And the woman in his arms complied. He opened his eyes slightly to see her eyes close. She was getting lost in the moment and enjoying his sweetness.

For what seemed like forever, he broke the kiss and tilted his head back slightly to look at her. Her eyes were still closed, her lips parted, and she was heaving in the same rhythm as he was. A few seconds passed, and Celine smiled.

"And I thought someone as serious as you didn't know how to kiss." She teased him. Her jest made him smile.

He gave her a peck on the lips once more.

"Good night, Celine."