DreamInColour
© 2004
I woke up the Saturday after the whole party night and following morning feeling the distinct need to clean. Elijah had hardly said two words to me in that time and it pissed me off. How dare he avoid me? I didn’t do anything! I innocently went to sleep in my OWN BED and woke up with him. He was there uninvited not me! So why did I feel like I should be guilty? Stupid wanker put all these damn feelings in me and to top it all off he’s only 23! Bollocks! Cleaning seemed the perfect remedy because I could get my aggression out. I was furiously scrubbing the kitchen counter when Dom burst into the flat. It was only 9 and I couldn’t believe he was not only awake but also seemed on a mission.
“You have half an hour then you’re coming with me.” He announced putting his hands on my shoulders and guiding me to the bathroom.
“Says who?”
“Me.” It was the pleading look in his eye that made me actually agree. He does that pathetic ‘help me’ look too well. “Fine.” I agreed.
I was slightly
bitter once we got into the car, “I hate your guts, you know that, right?”
“I know. Thank god you love me more,” Dom said. If he weren’t right I’d smack him. I do love the lad, he makes it rather difficult not too.
It all of a sudden dawned on me that I had no clue where we were going. “Where are we going, anyway?”
“Leeds U.”
“What for?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
“You’re telling me you dragged me away from my cleaning frenzy to go all the way to Leeds U for something you’re not sure about? You’re fucking infuriating.” I crossed my arms in front of me and glared out the window. I could be scrubbing the kitchen floor but no I’m on my to Leeds U for no reason!
“Look, Nila told me to be there. That’s all I know.”
“Nila?” Oh wait this is starting make a lot more sense. I don’t know why she would want him to be there, but this was starting to get interesting. “I see.”
“I just – I just need to know how badly I’ve fucked this up.”
“Pretty bad, would be my guess.”
“Thanks, you’re so encouraging.”
“I do my best.” It was true. I didn’t know Nila all that well but as a woman I don’t think I would take to kindly to finding out the man I fancy is snogging some random redhead.
We drove in silence for a while before it became too much for me to take I had to ask. “So, uh, do you know where Elijah’s gone? I haven’t seen him in a week.”
“He’s avoiding you.” I had figured he was but hearing it made me a little on the pissy side. Okay a LOT on the pissy side.
“Really?”
“Yup. Feels like an arse. Can’t bring himself to be in the same room as you.”
What was his problem it’s not like I acted disgusted that he had been in me bed? Honestly men are so maddening. “Chicken shit.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“I told him it was all right.”
“Yeah, but you didn’t jump him.” Oh so it takes jumping him to make my point? I don’t think so.
“Why do I need to jump him to make it obvious that I like the guy?”
Dom shrugged. “Just the way it works.”
“You know what? That’s the last straw. I’m over my crush. Done. Finished. He’s obviously not man enough for me.” There I said it so I’m finished. I don’t have the stamina to put up with shitty stigmas like that. Have I mentioned that men are infuriating?
Dom looked at me out of the corner of his eye, which was slightly unnerving, “Don’t jump to conclusions just yet, love.”
“Jump to conclusions my arse. I’ve hung around him enough to know what I’m talking about.” I crossed my arms again. Yup I’m mighty pissed at the man. He’s obviously not at all man enough, besides he’s only 23. I guess that’s how they act at that age.
“Don’t be so sure.”
“Whatever. Let’s change the subject.” I was done, there was nothing left for me to say on the matter.
“Fine.”
“Fine.”
We didn’t talk for the rest of the trip. All I could do was sit there and run over every moment I’d spent with Elijah. There had been times when I’d been sure he was going to say something or kiss me but then he’d stop. It was bloody annoying and Dom sitting there all smug like he knew everything about our situation made me angrier.
When we got to Leeds I finally spoke, “Do you have any idea where you’re supposed to find her?”
“Nope.”
I hardly heard him because I was staring at Elijah leaning against the door of his rented car with a cigarette hanging from his lips. “Aw fuck.” I licked my own lips before I could stop myself, why is it he makes a cigarette so sexy then?
“What?” Wherever Dom was he sure wasn’t focusing.
I pointed to Elijah at the car, “He’s here.”
Dom just smiled smugly, I hate smugness, and pulled up to park next to him.
“She’s a rugby player,” I heard Elijah say once Dom opened his door. Maybe if I just stay in the car then he’ll go away.
“Rugby?” Dom sounded incredulous; they must be talking about Nila. Interesting, she plays rugby; I can actually see that, she had legs I would almost kill for.
“Yup. Got here early and bumped into her. She’s just over on that field there.” I couldn’t postpone this any longer and I knew it so I slowly pulled myself out of the car as he said that. He finally looked at me with that sheepish smile, “Hi, Sophia.”
“Hi.” Damnit if he weren’t such a chicken shit I’d have gone over and kissed the man. I slammed the door and stalked away from them. If I could just create distance between us then I could stay mad at him.
“Soph, wait!” I heard him call after me but I wasn’t about to stop for him. I can’t believe Dom dragged me out of my comfortable cleaning binge to force me into spending time with this yank that wanted me to do all the work. Well sod him and…aw damn he just grabbed my arm.
I spun around to glare at him and realised we were really close to each other. “What?” I said as I shook his hand off me and stepped back forcing distance, “After avoiding me for days you want to finally talk to me? You’re going to have to give me a schedule of when you’re comfortable to be around me Lij, because I’m not going to guess!” I turned around to get away from him again.
I heard him inhale slowly then he said softly, “I was scared.”
I stopped but didn’t turn around, “Scared about what?”
He sighed and I heard him walk around me so he was facing me. “About how fucking good it felt waking up with you.”
Damn him! He didn’t say that! He had to go and say the perfect thing! Oh sod it all; I finally looked up at him. Mercy those eyes do me in every time, “So avoiding me was your solution then?”
He ran a hand over his face then took a long drag of the cigarette. He flicked it over his shoulder as he exhaled, “Avoiding you was easier then facing you because I didn’t know what to say. Orli said…”
“It shouldn’t matter what Orlando said.” I interjected, “I’m a grown woman and make my own decisions.”
“He’s a damn good friend of mine Sophia. I didn’t know you at all, I couldn’t remember meeting you so I thought if I promised not to fall for you then he’d leave it alone. I had no idea you’d be as wonderful as you are.” He pulled a pack of gum from his pocket and slipped a piece in his mouth. Good god now he smelled like spearmint.
“You could have at least talked to me Lij.” I couldn’t let him win this; he wasn’t going to get me to go soft on him. “I guess it just proves how old you are.” I said as an afterthought then wanted to take it back. I didn’t want to insult him.
The bizarre thing is it didn’t insult him he actually chuckled, “Don’t tell me you didn’t know.” He took one of my hands and tilted my chin with his other so that I was forced to look at him again, “Our age difference isn’t that big of a deal Soph.”
“To you maybe.” I spluttered.
He just smiled, “All right fine…” I half expected him to go on this big speech about how age doesn’t matter but he didn’t. He kissed me. Oh mercy did he kiss me and I wanted to stop him I really did, but I couldn’t he just tasted so good. I actually groaned against his mouth in baited anticipation. Whatever his age the man certainly knew what to do with his mouth. I was stunned when he pulled back and disappointed that he hadn’t continued. I could have gone on like that for hours. “…I won’t kiss you again till I’m old enough.” He finished off his sentence then let go of my hand.
Oh the insufferable prig of a tosser. I had never expected him to be cocky but there he was smiling at me all proud of his handy work. “Fine.” I put my mouth in a grim line, “I’ll let you know what that happens.” Then I stalked off to find Dom. I heard Elijah chuckling behind me and it pissed me off even more.
When I found Dom he was intently watching Nila’s game. I made damn sure Dom was between Elijah and me. Even so I couldn’t help but lick my lips and groan again. It was up to me this time damnit. If I knew anything about him I knew he was stubborn enough to not touch me let alone kiss me until I got over whatever issue I’d created in me head.
I heard Dom lean over and whisper something into Elijah’s ear, which I didn’t hear. I did hear his response, “Better than you’d think” and it made me angrier. You think you know someone and then they get all sure of themselves. I don’t know if that’s what made me angry or if it was the fact that I found his assuredness damn sexy.
I heard Dom’s next comment and it made me smile. If he weren’t Dom I think I’d be in love with him. “Watch your step, man, or she’ll have your nuts for dinner before Orli gets a chance.” Lovely man that Dom.
“Ball’s in her court now, so to speak.” Oh sod it all as if the man wasn’t right. I was the one who had this ridiculous hang up about his age, so I was the one who got to decide what happened next. Oh that’s just perfect, give me control so I can fuck it up royally.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Dom said with a shake of his head I managed to maintain my gaze at the pitch so he didn’t know I’d heard them. “Do you see her?” he asked as he put an arm around me.
“Yeah. She’s fast.” The woman just kept amazing me as I watched her play. She was good.
“She’s a full-back. The other team wants to annihilate her – she’d better be fast!” He was watching her so intently I almost got the urge to giggle at how enamoured he was with her, but I didn’t. I was still mad at the yank don’t forget.
“Have you figured out what you’re gonna say to her?”
“Nope. Have you figured out what you’re gonna do with this wanker?” He pointed a thumb at Elijah who pretended he couldn’t hear us, but he’s not as deaf or dumb as people thing he is.
“Have his nuts for dinner.” I liked Dom’s idea and figured since the blue-eyed wonder was eavesdropping then he deserved a bit of fear.
“Sucks to be
him.”
“He’s a fucking cocky bastard,” I muttered under my breath before I could stop myself. He hadn’t been so damn sure of himself we’d still be having a lovely snog session, but no he had to be an idiot.
“I’d believe you, except you’re drooling.”
“Fuck off.” Okay so it was my problem with his age but that still doesn’t mean he has any right to be delectable AND a good kisser.
Oh fuck all of you of course I’m not making sense I’m talking myself out of fancying the bugger give me a minute.
“He’s not as bad as all that, you know. Just never really had to chase anyone before.” He needs to learn how to chase someone does he, well then Mr. Wood I’ll be right happy to help you with that.
I was done with the topic though; I sure wasn’t about to discuss what I planned to do after that with the wanker listening in and all. “Whatever. Shut up and watch the game.”
Although to his credit he really did seem to be paying attention to the game. When I looked over he was standing up and cheering at the top of his lungs. “Yeah! Run, Nila, run!”
Dom noticed just when I did that Nila was just about to get creamed by a girl two times her size and jumped up himself. “Watch out!” he cried.
But she veered to the right and left the girl in her wake. She tossed the ball to the girl behind her then scooted around behind her to get the ball again from the other side. She dodged two or three more brutes and was just about on the home stretch.
At this point even I couldn’t resist the excitement. “Yeah! Go! You’re almost there!” I found myself yelling.
The other team’s scrumhalf was right on her heels and seemed to be reaching out to pull Nila down by her ponytail. “Oh no, you don’t!” Dom said.
But Nila was too quick for the girl. With a fast fake and a sudden burst of speed, she was across the line and putting the ball firmly on the ground for a try. The referee blew the whistle and her team mates ran to give her a big group hug and a little victory dance.
They lined up for the conversion and nailed it. “This is awesome!” Elijah said, almost breathless. “I wish we knew about this before! She’s really good.” Blimey if he doesn’t look so damn fine right now. Stupid blighter I hate him, I really do.
After another 10 minutes of intense play, the game finally broke for half time. I was desperate for a drink so after Lij left for the loo I decided to grab some for us. I also figured that Nila had noticed us and would come over for a chat. Dom needed a bit of time with her; maybe he could figure some stuff out.
Of course this was not the case because I found Mr. Intrusion himself butting into their conversation when I returned. Someone needs to teach the American some tact and then maybe how to get a clue. I smiled over at the group and greeted her, “Hey Nila.” I passed the sodas over to each lad without looking at Elijah.
“Hi Sophia! Good to see you. Hope these plighters didn’t drag you away from anything important.” I love this woman and need to speak with her more if I can help it.
I gave Dom a sardonic smile. “Oh no, I wasn’t doing anything at all.”
Nila eyed him but didn’t comment, “I gotta run. I’ll catch up with you guys after the game.”
“Don’t get tackled!” Elijah called after her. Okay so he’s a complete geek. Who yells that to someone?
“I’ll try not to,” She smiled and winked at me when the lads weren’t looking I returned it with a shrug of my own. Who am I to know what’s going on in my love life right now? I’ve been kissed by a 23 year-old and my mind is still spinning.
“Did you talk to her?” Elijah asked Dom.
“I was about to, till you butted in.”
“Oh. Sorry.” Yeah be sorry you stupid git. That’s what I wanted to say but I didn’t because, well because we were here to support Nila and I didn’t want to get into it with him yet. Give me time in a confined space and I’ll let him have it. Now if only I could figure out what to say.
At the end of the game when all was finally said and done, Nila’s team soundly squashed the other team 37 to 25. Dom will get himself a fine woman if he can manage to beg forgiveness in the proper manor.
We decided to wait around for Nila to finish up, okay actually Dom made me and he drove so I had to stay. I wasn’t about to ask Elijah for a ride home. When she finally came over to join us, she managed to look tired and energized all at the same time. I’m envious of this woman’s spunk.
“Thanks again for coming,” she said.
“It’s weird not seeing you behind a bar,” Elijah said, brilliant words coming out of this lad today folks.
Nila laughed. “Tell me about it. Never mind when I’m all sweaty and gross. Let me walk you to your cars,” she suggested.
We walked and chatted for a while, I avoided Elijah the whole time. Serves him right.
“Hey,” Dom said when they’d stood at their cars talking for a while, “Don’t you two have somewhere to be?” He did NOT ask us that? I can’t believe this; the tosser is planning to pawn me off on the yank so he can be alone with Nila! I’ve never wanted to be cleaning a kitchen so badly in me life.
“Nope, not that I can think of,” Elijah said, not only does he say stupid shit he has the subtly of an elephant and the observatory skills of a blind rat.
“You know, I was sure you did,” Dom hinted a little harder. I was trying to give him my most lethal stare but he was flat out ignoring me. Oh he owes me BIG TIME after this.
“Oh,” Elijah said finally caught on, it’s about time mate! “Right. We do. Come, on Sophia, we, uh, we have some errands to run.”
“No we don’t,” Can’t Dom drop me off later or give me cab money or something?
“Yes,” Dom said forcefully taking my arm and literally forcing me into Elijah’s car. I can’t believe the gall of this man. “You do.”
“I am going to kill you for this,” I hissed at him.
“Please, Soph. Do this for me. I need your help on this one, please!” Oh mercy he was looking so damn desperate and my stupid romantic heart fell for it. Almost.
I was pretty desperate meself. “Don’t do this to me, Dom. I’ll walk home.”
He just looked at me sympathetically. “Avoiding it is not going to make it better.” Thank you Dr. Freud!
“Yes, it will.” I don’t care if I sounded pouty ignoring is what I WANTED to be doing right now. Why is it that I can’t be doing anything that I want today?
Dom kissed my forehead. “You’ll be fine. Nuts for dinner, remember?” Thank you for that, you are just oh so helpful you sodding idiot. Nila better realize what I’m doing for her. I didn’t answer him just groaned and leaned my head back on the headrest. Maybe I could close my eyes and ignore him all the way…my eyes flew open when it dawned on me. Sod it all we live in the same bloody house!