First kiss and Jumpscare

My mom had gone to her shop and my dad had decided to go to work early after receiving a call from his assistant that the customs officers were refusing to let his container be cleared from the ports.

He usually let his managing director handle most of his affairs but seeing how important this was, he had to leave early in the morning and told my mom and me to expect him back late in the evening.

My mischievous mind found this the perfect opportunity to finally invite Tobi to my house.

.

.

"It's painted light green. On your right, not my right! Oh my God."

How could this individual not understand basic directions? I was already frustrated from having to repeat the same thing for the umpteenth time.

"Or was I the one giving terrible directions?" I began to wonder.

"Fine, I've seen the house. Stop shouting at me, young woman."

He hung up.

I gave myself a once over in front of the mirror and proceeded to answer the door.

His fashion sense never failed to take my breath away.

His hands were shoved in the pockets of his blue, ripped jeans; he was staring down at his white, low-top Nike Air force 1s which impressed me greatly as I was a hoarder of designer sneakers.

He looked up finally and put on his signature charming smile.

"Damn man, you clean up good," I said while catching the tempting whiff of his cologne.

"Thank you, love. You look as lovely as usual." I was donned in a black and white striped dress and barefoot. I didn't even put in much effort but I beamed nonetheless.

"Come inside."

I widened the door.

He took off his shoes, careful not to crease them which I immensely appreciated, and stepped inside.

He whistled, in appreciation I guessed.

"Your house is magnificent. Did you guys rent or buy it?"

My father had been under pressure to build a house in Lagos as well as in the village.

So, he started construction on both houses at the same time and five years ago, we moved from our rented apartment in Magodo and into our newly built and furnished bungalow in Ejigbo.

"Neither. My mom found the land here and informed my dad. Then he built it."

I said, guiding him into my spacious living room adorned with abstract paintings, single photographs of my parents together and personal ones too along with various photographs of me at different stages of my life, perched meticulously on the walls in a patterned arrangement.

"Whoa!" He exclaimed.

"Where did you guys get these?" He asked pointing to the pieces of pottery lining the display shelf along with trophies, picture frames housing certificates; and plaques from my primary and secondary school days.

"I made them myself. I was taking visual arts classes in secondary school," I said, my chest swelling with pride.

"Damn, they're gorgeous. You never told me that you're an artistic genius."

"Isn't it better as you discovered it yourself and saw them in person?" I asked.

"You're right. I feel intimidated just by being in your presence right now."

He bowed in mock courtesy emitting a burst of laughter from me.

"You're not serious. Sit down jare. What can I offer you? There's chilled water, frozen water, and water at room temperature."

"Tell me you're not serious, young lady."

His eyes searched my face for any hint of amusement.

I tried so hard not to crack but my resolve faltered and I broke into a grin.

"I'm kidding. What do you want? There's chin chin. Also, we have orange and apple juice as well as Pepsi in the fridge, along with Hennessy, brandy, and bourbon in the bar. Although, I can't offer you those as you're not eighteen yet. So your options are the juices and the Pepsi," I listed, counting the drinks I could remember off my fingers.

"Ah, Pepsi is fine then." He paused.

"The chin chin too," He added.

"Coming right up."

After refreshments, which I consumed most of the chin chin and Pepsi, we settled on the three-seater couch, talking and laughing.

I put on a movie on the television and we began to watch.

I was sitting cross-legged, leaving some space between us until he laced his fingers through mine minutes into the movie.

I took this as an incentive to close the gap between us and lay my head on his shoulder. He draped his other hand around my shoulder and began stroking it softly.

We watched the movie in silence which I appreciated as I hated talking during a movie. As the end credits rolled, I stretched my muscles and by so doing, his hand slipped to my waist and I liked the feeling.

He had left his house without his mother's knowledge and he needed to get back before she started calling.

I escorted him to the door and he took hold of my wrist and turned me to face him.

"God, I want to kiss you."

If only he knew that I'd be fantasizing about kissing him since the day we met.

I didn't even bother responding as I took off my glasses and pressed my lips to his gently.

I stroked the hair at his nape as I melted into the kiss.

He pulled me closer to his chest, my breasts pushing against his chest.

I could feel his heart racing and I smiled against his soft lips.

My breath hitched when he laid his palm on my hip and began using his thumb to caress it.

The feather-like movements made a soft gasp escape from my lips and my knees weak.

With a swift movement, he lifted me and I crossed my legs around his waist deepening the kiss further.

It was gentle and sweet, feeling so natural; just so right.

I didn't know how many seconds or minutes had gone by nor did I care; all I wanted was to be in his arms forever.

He pulled away slowly; our eyes fluttering open at the same time.

He put me back on my feet and I leaned against him, just listening to his heartbeat. His fingers trailed comforting circles on my lower back.

Then, I heard my gate open.

I jumped away from him and smoothened my gown hurriedly.

Footsteps came up the driveway and fear filled my heart.

My mother walked towards the door and stopped in front of us.

"Mommy, welcome. This is my friend from that neighboring school, Tobi," I immediately explained.

"Good evening Ma," He greeted.

"Good evening my dear. I hope she gave you something to eat and drink," She said, taking off her shoes at the verandah.

"Yes ma, She was very hospitable. I was just about to leave ma. You have a wonderful home."

It awed me how he was speaking so smoothly to my mom and how she didn't have any hint of anger on her face.

I didn't know if it was a good or bad sign.

"Thank you, my son. Greet your mother for me. Get home safely. Chisom, escort your friend to the bus stop. This is his first time in this area abi?"

"Yes ma, it is his first time. I'll be back soon."

I put on my sandals and waited for him to lace his sneakers and then we headed off.

On reaching the bus stop, Tobi burst into laughter."Well, that was dangerous," He wheezed. I couldn't help but laugh along.

"Extremely risky o!"

"Then it's a good thing I love the thrill of danger." He winked with that roguish smile of his.