61 Strokes

Chapter 1

He was quite handsome, a bit shorter than me and maybe a little older too but not by very much. I tried to advert my eyes before he could catch me checking him out, after all I didn't even know if he rolled like that.

As he opened his mouth his tone was sweet but had a seductive edge, a bit rough sounding even, "Don't worry, I checked you out pretty closely myself. Would you like another drink?"

I looked at him shyly reverting to my typical self as I blinked at him casually.

"I'll take that as a yes. I'm Victor by the way but everyone calls me Vic." He explained before motioning to the bartender.

This felt weird, I was extremely attracted to this man but my life would just be going downhill and I knew I shouldn't even bother trying.

"I'm Kellin, but everyone calls me Kellin", I said sounding slightly sarcastic to hide my feelings but still letting on to my current mood more than I would've liked.

"What's got you so down? Talk to me."

I desperately wanted to disappear from this moment but I slowly opened up to this stranger as we sat for a good hour or so. I went on to tell him about being fired, my rent being due in less than a week, and how I'd never find a job near here that quickly so I'm basically doomed to living in my car for a while, that is if I can afford gas.

"I'd better get going and enjoy my apartment while I still have it"

"Wait" he grabbed my arm before scribbling frantically on a napkin and handing it to me. "That's my cell number and my address. Please call me and if you end up without a phone swing by anytime."

I hesitated to speak but managed a "thank you" people were rarely this kind.

Cautiously rubbing my arm he looked in my eyes and said in the same sensual tone, "that's not just cuz I think you're gorgeous either, I'm here if you ever need anything. I mean that."

I thanked him for the drink and rushed out. I didn't know what to feel.

The mix of emotions felt terrible or amazing or both. I was pissed that I got fired and knew I'd have to figure something out but I didn't want to move and that'd be basically the only option.

I also had this weird feeling, like adrenaline was rushing all through my body, like my stomach was doing flip flops but the good kind. I knew I was falling too fast even though I had barely fallen at all and it was at the worst time too, I couldn't be even thinking about this guy, I had so many more problems.

I wanted to call him right now from this parking lot to hear his voice once more. I wanted to drive to his house and wait till he was home so I could see him again. He was perfect, I couldn't lie about that.

I wanted to make sure he knew that I wasn't so standoffish because I wasn't interested, I was just trying to resist my feelings. I knew love would complicate everything I was going through but I guess it's a force you can't fight. I'd have to see how things went, and in the meantime get my life together.

I planned to take the long way home so I could think. As long as I was in the car I could take a little time to analyze my afternoon. I lost that idea as soon as I had it, I drove to the park so I could watch the sun set, I needed to think anyways and this way I wasn't wasting gas either.

It was a nice day, chilly but not too cold, on the warmish side for late fall. Everything about him was perfect. He wore a gray and blue flannel over a plain black v-neck. The kind of outfit that is slightly mysterious. How wasn't he cold? How did he look so good in such a simplistic outfit? Why can't I stop thinking about him? He's practically a stranger but I've already opened up to him.

I think I was just in shock, he was perfect and above that he even called me gorgeous. Not cute, not hot, not even sexy,but gorgeous. I might not be single forever, or he could just feel bad for me, dammit why do I always feel like people pity me. He was worth the risk, I'm gonna do this.

I made up my mind right there. I'd go home, relax for a bit and then get to bed early. I would call Vic tomorrow afternoon if I could wait that long but would allow myself to call any time after 10. Maybe we could try and spend some time together. More privately this time.