Free Stranger by N.M. Catalano

antique with the same wood refinishing and matching cream velvet covering on the chairs.  The kitchen has stainless steel appliances with the breakfast bar and kitchen countertops in black granite.  The cabinets are also white with brushed silver pulls. It’s feels like a refuge more than an apartment to me.
    I rush in at 5:15 frantic trying to decide on what I’m going to wear.  I wore my hair pulled back in a tight ponytail today, great day to pick that hairstyle, so there isn’t much else I can do with it now.  The ponytail will have to stay but I can pull up a little on the top of my head for height and to dress it up a little bit more.  I decide on a brown jersey-knit body hugging dress that’s scooped low in the front with brown leather stiletto boots and a thin brown leather belt around the waist.  Perfect, not too dressy but sexy.  I jump in the shower hoping I don’t have to shave.  At 6:00 on the dot as I’m putting on the last touches of makeup the doorbell rings and I jump. 
    “Get a grip.”  I repeat the mantra over and over as I go to answer the door.
    He takes my breath away the instant I open the door, I’d almost forgotten how beautiful his chiseled face is. He’s dressed in perfectly fitted jeans and a snug black cotton T with black Italian driving shoes on his long feet. His dark hair is combed back and still damp from a shower. And he smells divine.  This man definitely has a natural sexy sophistication and confidence that would seduce any man or woman, straight or gay.
    “Well, well, if it isn’t Mr. James Bond, man of mystery,” I smirk.
    He laughs deeply and takes a step through the door closing it behind him then pulls me close.
    “Well, Elizabeth, I couldn’t give up all of my little secrets now, could I?  You would get bored with me so quickly then.”
    “Marco, I don’t think there’s a boring bone in your body.”
    “And certainly not in yours.  You look absolutely beautiful.  And thanks for meeting me on such short notice.”
    I roll my eyes playfully.  “Well, I had to move some things around so I could fit you in but I forgive you this time.”
    “And I completely intend to show you how much I appreciate it but right now we have reservations.  Are you ready to go?”
    “Yes, just let me grab my bag.”
    I turn to go but he pulls me back to him.
    “Wait, baby.  I’ve been dying to kiss you since you walked away from me the other day.”  And just that little bit sends a wave of heat through my body.  Both of his arms wrap all the way around me holding me tightly to him as mine reach up around his neck.  The kiss is long and deep and full of hunger.  We finally come up for air and he rests his forehead against mine still holding me to him.
    “Hi,” he breathes smiling deliciously at me.
    “Hi,” and I melt at his look.
    “I missed you, Elizabeth.” His arms tighten around me and my heart jumps.
    I hesitate.  What do I say?  I can’t tell him what I really feel.  ‘I missed you too, you’ve been the only thing on my mind.  I can’t wait to feel your body against mine again.’  I can see he notices my hesitation as different emotions passing quickly through his eyes.
    “We’re going to be late for the reservation,” I say quietly.   It’s all I can manage.
    “Yes, you’re right.  Let’s go, I want to show you off.”
    A slight ripple of alarm goes through me.  ‘There’s nothing to worry about it,’ I tell myself and push it aside.
    “So, tell me Mr. Bond, why didn’t you ask me for my number?”
    He cocks an eyebrow pausing.  “I wasn’t sure if you’d give it to me and I don’t take no for an answer.  I wanted to see you again, Elizabeth.”  He looks at me as if to challenge his reply.  I don’t and just let it go.  There is no reason for us to get any further than this and I think there could be so much in his answer, I can’t help but feel happy about it and I force myself not to overanalyze things.  
    He