One Night

The fire crackles and sparks. I feel intoxicated by the sound combined with the scent of the smoke. Outside the window the snow is flying, sideways, with the wind. I could feel the cold, and I snuggle a little closer to myself on the couch. 1

I look at Jonah, fumbling with the matches, trying to light some candles until the power comes back on. Finally, success, and a dim light illuminates’ the room. 2

“I wonder when this storm is going to let up,” I throw the statement out there, more to ease the awkward silence than anything. 3

“Not sure, but you aren’t leaving with it going strong like this.” He’s never been one for conversation. 4

He sits down opposite me and just stares. My heart starts acting crazy when I look in his eyes because I can see in them exactly what’s on my own mind. I keep wondering why we are here tonight, stuck, alone, together. Do the fates have something in store for us? 5

The storm is relentless. The shutters are banging outside and the old house is creaking against the force of the wind.  It starts getting colder; all I could think of is the numbness in my fingers. 6

He moves closer, “you are going to freeze to death, give me your hands.”7

His hands are large and calloused from his work. I close my eyes and he rubs them gently, creating warmth that flows through my entire being. I know this is wrong; Jonah and I could never work. There are so many reasons, but my mind is playing tricks on me. Maybe for just one night I think.8

I look at the flickers on the ceiling as the candles burn their last inches. Soon we will be here with nothing but the glow from the embers in the fire. A movement catches my eye; I realize it’s our shadows dancing with each other on the wall. More emotions stir, inside. 9

I turn to face him, to tell him to stop; he is looking at me already. I could feel the heat of his breath on my face and I am weak. He twirls a piece of my hair that has come loose from my pony tail and says to me, “All we are doing is wasting hours, hours we could be filling with so much more.”10

He leans in and we twist in an embrace. The candles go out at what seems like the exact moment. I fight this no more, our passion will win out tonight. We will be lovers for one night, but then tomorrow, it’s back to being friends. 11