Sumettikul's Universe

{23} Let's Talk

Crap - Is he mad? Maybe the Mr. Young comments? Or the fact that I am on my third, soon to be fourth Cosmo? My mother is glancing anxiously at the two of us.

"Won't you join us for a drink, Bible?" She waves to the waiter who is at her side in a nanosecond.

"I'll have a gin and tonic," Bible says. "Hendricks if you have it or Bombay Sap­phire. Cucumber with the Hendricks, lime with the Bombay."

Holy hell...only Bible could make a meal out of ordering a drink.

"And two more Cosmos please," I add, looking anxiously at Bible. I am drinking with my mother - no way can he be angry about that.

"Please pull up a chair, Bible."

"Thank you, Mrs. Stewart."

Bible pulls a nearby chair over and sits gracefully down beside me.

"So you just happen to be staying in the hotel where we're drinking?" I ask, trying hard to keep my tone light.

"Or, you just happen to be drinking in the hotel where I'm staying," Bible replies. "I just finished dinner, came in here, and saw you. I was distracted thinking about your most recent email, and I glance up and there you are. Quite a coincidence, eh?" He cocks his head to one side, and I see a trace of a smile. Thank heavens - we may be able to save the evening after all.

"My mother and I were shopping this morning and on the beach this afternoon. We decided on a few cocktails this evening," I mutter, feeling that I owe him some sort of explanation.

"Did you buy that top?" He nods at my brand new blue silk shirt, "The colour suits you. And you've caught some sun. You look lovely."

I flush, speechless at his compliment.

"Well, I was going to pay you a visit tomorrow. But here you are."

He reaches over, takes my hand, and squeezes it gently, running his thumb across my knuckles to and fro...and I feel the familiar pull. The electric charge beneath my skin under the gentle pressure from his thumb, firing into my blood stream and pulsing around my body, heating everything in its path. It's been over two days since I saw him. Oh my...I want him. My breath hitches. I blink at him, smiling shyly, and see a smile play on his beautiful, sculptured lips.

"I thought I'd surprise you. But as ever, Build, you surprise me by being here."

I glance quickly at Mom who is staring at Bible...yes staring! Stop it Mom. As if he's some exotic creature, never seen before. I mean, I know I've never had a boyfriend, and Bible only qualifies as such for ease of reference - but is it so unbelievable that I could attract a man? This man? Yes, frankly - look at him - my subconscious snaps. Oh, shut up! Who invited you to the party? I scowl at my mom - but she doesn't seem to notice.

"I don't want to interrupt the time you have with your mother. I'll have a quick drink and then retire. I have work to do," He states earnestly.

"Bible, it's lovely to meet you finally," Mom interjects, finally finding her voice. "Bui has spoken very fondly of you."

He smiles at her.

"Really?" He raises an eyebrow at me, an amused expression on his face, and I flush again.

The waiter arrives with our drinks.

"Hendricks, sir," He says with a triumphant flourish.

"Thank you," Bible murmurs in acknowledgement.

I sip my latest Cosmo nervously.

"How long are you in Phuket, Bible?" Mom asks.

"Until Friday, Mrs. Stewart."