The Reckless Collision

Sam.

~~~

I admit I was freaking out, I almost fucked, well dry-humped for sure, Raymond Lawrence. While I tried to be casual I can't help but think. Was this a dream?

I was still out of breath, my body buzzing from the intensity of what had just happened. The make-out session wasn't just unexpected it was everything I hadn't planned for. I didn't expect to feel this way, to let myself go like that.

It felt strange, almost foreign to me like I was a different version of myself. Maybe it was because he was someone new, or maybe it was because I had never felt this way before. I wanted to blame it on the hangover, but I knew that wasn't entirely it.

"I'm hungry. I was planning to make some lasagna today," I said, trying to pull myself together. I needed something to focus on, something that wasn't the ache I felt in my chest, the lingering sensation of his touch.

My mind kept drifting back to thoughts of him—of us and part of me was thankful he stopped us. I was so tempted to just, God, I wanted to fuck him on this couch.

To be fair, my sex life had been nonexistent for the last six months. So yeah, a make-out session like that didn't happen often for me. Cooking, though? Cooking seemed like a safe, non-sexual activity. It was the perfect excuse to keep myself occupied.

"Can I help with that?" Ray beamed at me, his eyes flashing with an enthusiasm that made my stomach flutter. "Although, I'm not very good at cooking."

I raised an eyebrow, a laugh escaping me. "So why did you offer to help?"

"It's a polite thing to do," he said, shrugging like it was no big deal.

"Well, I'll make the food, and you can tell me more about Europe," I suggested a playful glint in my eyes. Ray smiled and nodded, agreeing to my plan.

We moved to the kitchen area, and I began pulling out ingredients and setting everything up. Ray sat on a stool across from me, watching intently as I began chopping vegetables.

"So, what's your favorite country in Europe?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"It's hard to pick just one," he said, his voice thoughtful. "Every country has its perks, you know? But I'd say Netherlands and France would probably be my top picks."

"France," I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it. I wasn't sure why I said it so quietly.

"Have you ever been there?" Ray asked, his eyes on me.

"No, but I've always wanted to go," I replied, feeling a little wistful. I dropped the chopped onions into a bowl and moved on to the next ingredient. "I was supposed to go last summer, but my plans got postponed," I said, my voice trailing off. I tried to push the disappointment aside as I rinsed the cutting board. "I might go this year."

"I'm actually going to France in three weeks," Ray said casually. I froze for a moment, my heart sinking slightly. "We're starting our European tour there."

"Oh..."

I couldn't hide the disappointment in my voice. The thought of him going on tour meant I might not have the chance to get to know him better, and I was just starting to feel like I wanted to. I glanced over at him as he watched me work, his gaze soft but focused.

The music in the background filled the space between us as I finished preparing the meal, and the conversation continued to flow casually, and easily. Raymond seemed content, and I tried to keep up the small talk as I slid the lasagna into the oven. Then I joined him at the kitchen island, sitting on the stool next to him.