Nothing Less

On paper, I couldn’t write her down. I could make a bullet-point list, but I couldn’t draw her in the vibrant colors she deserves. I’m learning more of the depths of her each time I’m with her, and it’s not an easy feat, breaking down wall after wall, but I will learn her soul. I will study every page of her until I can recite them from memory.

“My last relationship ended on a bad note. Worse than that, really. And I’m skipping the last question.” Nora’s hands are still fidgeting with her hair, and she shuffles her feet.

I look down at them, and she moves again. She’s restless, and so am I.

“I want to go again. Then you can go twice. Okay?” I say.

She nods, staying silent.

I step closer to her. She seems so small now, in my kitchen. With blushed cheeks and downcast eyes. She’s still the warrior I met, but she’s without her weapon.

“Do you have feelings for me, aside from attraction?” I ask her again, taking a wide step to her. She tugs on her hair but doesn’t move. She nods her head unconsciously, and I move to stand in front of her body.

She looks up at me, and I touch her chin with the tips of my index finger and thumb. She sighs into my touch.

“Next question.” I bend my neck just enough so that my face is positioned just above hers.

She waits patiently, her eyes on mine. Her eyelashes shadow the tops of her cheeks when she blinks. I keep my fingers on her chin so she can’t look away from me.

“Does it scare you, the way you feel about me?” My question is heavy, and I feel the weight of it pass to Nora.

She nods.

I cup her cheek now, gliding my hand over her skin to rest on her neck. I lean closer, so close that I can hear each breath that passes between her lips. I can see so many things from here. The worry in her eyes, the set of her mouth. I try to keep my nervous hands steady as I take her into them. I slide my free hand behind her back and grab the counter. She’s intoxicating, so sweet and addicting that I can’t look away from her. I have her cornered now, caught between me and the counter.

Fire is burning up my spine, through my chest.

“What’s your last question?” Nora whispers, and I taste her breath.

I move my hand down her arm, touching her just enough to tickle her skin. Bumps form in my wake, and a shiver moves over her body. “Do you want me to kiss you?”