The kiss did not take him by surprise; I knew because of the way his lips readily welcomed mine. I did not feel guilty when I recalled how often I fantasized about what it would be like to kiss him, two years ago.
The only thing that had stopped me in my tracks, then, was the knowledge of Austin and how much I loved him. I wasn’t willing to give it all up for a short affair with a man who would return to his country any moment.
It was with this same thought of Austin that I attacked Abel’s lips with fervour. He didn’t disappoint, he didn’t draw back even when I wrapped my hands around him and pressed my body to his.
‘You want to go back to my place?’ he breathed in my ear between kisses.
His question brought me back to my senses and I pulled away. We were in front of my house, making out like adolescents! What was I thinking? I looked around to be certain no one had seen us. Even though it was dark, I didn’t want anyone figuring out it was me on the verandah kissing a white man. My neighbours, especially Sally the gossip, would have my story on the streets faster than I could blink!
‘You know you can kiss anyone wherever you want, right?’ Abel spoke.
‘This is Nigeria. I’m expected to have some decency and dignity.’ Even as I said it, I chuckled. Decency? Who was I kidding?
I remembered when Austin and his friend came to my house for my introduction. Mum had put both of them in the guest room farthest from mine with strict warnings that I was prohibited from stepping foot in that room while they were there.
Even though I had spent nights in Austin’s house, a tidbit which I suspect Mum never guessed, there had been something exciting about playing romance under the same roof as my parents.
When I was sure Mum was asleep, I went to Austin’s room and we spent more than thirty minutes making out in the toilet while his friend slept. For me, that had been pure bliss especially since I thought Austin was a great kisser and he knew his onions.
I blushed now as I thought about it. Why did he have to invade my every action?
‘Kaayy…you in there?’ Abel’s voice jolted me.
‘I…yes. Uh…’
‘So what do you say we leave this party and hang out at my place?’
Sex had been difficult for me since Austin. It was like I was still clinging to him emotionally. For this reason, the last time I’d had sex was two years ago before my wedding date.
Was I ready?
I looked at Abel again, he was attractive. Not a bad option to break my no-sex curse. Perhaps he could do things to me that would reconnect me with my inner goddess.
‘Let me just tell my friend…and then we can go.’ I kissed him lightly.
With that, I headed for the house. Ronke needed to know where I’d be.
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