Existence 03 - Ceaseless

me to take off my shirt , I’ll be more than happy to oblige . However, can we do it when there are no people around us?”
    I nodded and pressed my lips together to keep from laughing. I’d just asked a guy to take off his shirt. Had I ever done something like that? It was liberating.
    Dank t ook my hand and we walked into the cute little café engulfed in delicious aromas . It was a seat - yourself kind of place so Dank led us to the far corner table for two. He pulled out my chair for me ; I was positive no one had ever done that before.
    Once he was seated he leaned forward and his blue eyes were almost close to the glowing look they often got. “I don’t know how I’m going to eat now. All I can think about is the fact you want my shirt off.”
    Giggling , I covered my mouth and looked around. The place was busy , but not too crowded . We had a small amount of privacy where we were sitting . “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
    Dank’s eyes flared and he reached over and grabbed my hand, “No. If you want something , ask me. Anything.”
    Um. Okay. That was, uh, a little intense. But then I was getting used to Dank ’s intensity. He was definitely interested in me. There was no question. He liked me as much as I liked him. Jay didn’t stand a chance against this.
    “Can I get you something to drink ?” A chipper voice asked and I jerked my hand back , startled by the interruption.
    “Pagan?” Dank asked looking at me instead of the waitress. I lifted my attention from him to the girl who wasn’t looking at me at all. She was drinking in Dank. I couldn’t blame her. Not one bit.
    “Orange juice, please.” She nodded and scribbled it done then looked wistfully at Dank.
    “Milk,” he replied still watching me.
    “Here are your menus. I’ll be back in a few minutes to take your order” s he told Dank , who ignored her.
    “Thanks,” I replied.
    She left and I looked back at Dank. “You’re making me nervous,” I told him.
    He frowned and leaned back in his seat. “I’m sorry.”
    Great . N ow he looked worried. How did someone like him appear so hard and untouchable one minute , then sensitive and hurt the next ? He was one big contradiction.
    “Don’t apologize. I haven’t had a shower and I have on no makeup . I wasn’t expecting to see you this morning when Miranda kicked me out of the room with nothing but these clothes to put on.”
    Dank smirked, “You look perfect. You always do.” Then he paused and leaned forward again, “Why did Miranda kick you out?”
    “Nathan came to apologize this morning. He woke us up banging on our door. Jay was with him. Anyway, I’m not sure what he said to make it better because she kicked us out. I’m pretty sure they were getting busy which was why she threw clothes at me and told me to go away.”
    “That explains this morning. I was worried I had some competition.”
    There was a competition? For me? Oh my.
    “No , right now you’re the only one I’m interested in spending more time with.”
    The pleased grin that lit up his face was worth putting myself out there.
    Our drinks were placed in front of us and I realized I hadn’t even looked at a menu. Dank explained that we need ed a few more minutes.

Chapter Fourteen
    Pagan
    I managed to wake up with my alarm clock this morning so I had time to make the quick stop to the coffee shop. I would also be more awake during class. Miranda was still sleeping when I left. Her first class of the day wasn’t until eleven so this was her morning to sleep late . Unfortunately , I hadn’t been blessed with one of those on my schedule.
    After spending Saturday morning with Dank , I’d gone to the library and found the other books I need for my Literature class. Then I’d called it an early night. Miranda had gone out with Nathan and not returned until seven on Sunday morning. I’d once again been woken up entirely too early for a weekend. She’d insisted we spend the day shopping for new underwear and shoes.
    I’d texted back and forth with Dank some and he’d called once but I hadn’t seen him. Not that he hadn’t tried. Miranda had just consumed my entire day Sunday. Then that night when she had gone o ut with Nathan again, Dank wasn’t around. At least I got to go to bed early.

    The line at the coffee shop was not moving very quick ly . I glanced down at my phone for the time ; I had fifteen minutes. The walk from here was about five so I should be good.
    Finally , the