I might not be Rose, but go ahead, kiss me like your French Men.
The room is filled with the sound of burning wood, creating an unforgettable ambiance. A part of me is aware that I am in a cabin in the middle of Philly, yet, I cannot believe it’s with my neighbor and best friend who I am with.
It was a year ago that it all started.
John, when are you going to fix that fence, said my mother.
I will do it today mom.
One day it might fall on us, she said.
It was the hottest day of July, the temperature had high’s of 100 degrees. I wore my blue bucket hat, tied a red shirt around my waist and wore my black boots.
I was ready to tackle the fence. Just one thing, I was bad with tools.
It looks like you need help with that bro, you have been struggling for the past 2 hours.
That was the voice of my neighbor Jack, he was planting some vegetables on his garden.
Jack was wearing light blue overalls, no shirt, and a cowboy hat. Now, when I say I was drooling, I was. I hope that he did not notice, but I just stared at him in shock.
Oh, the embarrassment.
As a thank you note for the help, I baked him a carrot cake. He told me it was his favorite so why miss my shot?
Since then, we have been friends.
Despite the passion we are nothing more; heck, I wish we were. I always throw some signs, but he just keeps missing them? Or does he?
Late August, Jack invited me to stay over at his parents cabin for a week. Just him and I. And as you know, I accepted.
I’ll go shower, be right back, said Jack
I felt a sense of relief.
Jack and I were watching the wood burn on the fireplace as we discussed our lives in 5 years. He was so close to me that I could feel the warmth of his body, his arms wrapped around my shoulder had me on the edge.
I’m telling you, I could barely breath.
Wait a second, where are you going to shower? The only shower we have is outside.
I guess that’s the magic of the camping ⛺️ spirit!
I’ll go with you and take a breath of fresh air.
Sounds great!
The night had already settled, the sky was pitch black allowing us to see all of the stars. The weather was hot and humid, perfect for a dip at the lake. I put my clothes on a reclined chair as I push Jack and run.
Oh, you want to play like that?
Jack pushes me back and we fall together in the lake, breaking the barrier between the water and our bodies.
The water was fresh and relaxing, it was like getting a shower after running a marathon. We swam on the lake as we gazed at the stars, it is one of our favorite pastimes.
You see that star over there, said Jack
Yes, I see it.
That’s us.
That was the moment that I felt a spark within me. My eyes shined with compassion and love, that was the time I knew something was happening.
I wanted to run and do a few jumps of celebration, it felt so good.
As we got out of the river, we went to get our clothes.
It was dark, I could barely see were I laid my clothes. I think they were next to Jack’s pants. I went to grab my stuff and suddenly his hands were on top of mines. It was the softest hands I have ever been touched by, the firmness of the touch lit my system up.
Lord this is going to be hard, right?
For a while, we just looked at each other — lost in time.
Jack smiled, and we headed to the cabin.
We are both clean and dressed, I still have the soapy smell of Irish Springs on my skin.
What do you want to do? Should we make Marshmallows on a bonfire?
You know, that’s actually something I’ve been dying to do.
Roasting marshmallows reminds me of the days when I used to go Camping with my father. He used to drive to the Council Cup Campground with his RV.
He made the best bonfires.
There was something magical about him, I truly miss him. He was the best father that I could have had, he was strong, decided, and honestly, great.
Jack just resembled all that I loved, he didn’t make it hard for me to fall for him.
John, do you know how to work this out? My stick is burning!
Hold on, let me show you.
I go next to Jack, kneeling together in front of the bonfire. Softly, I place my hands on top of his and guide the stick to the fire.
You see, try not to put the stick too deep in the flames.
At that moment, he looked at me. I was so close to him that our noses touched with his swift movement,
We remained there, face to face.
Let me get the crackers and chocolate, I said.
I had to avoid the moment, the friction was too high. We were a second away from our lips touching.
I saw his smile as I got up, we both knew what we were up to. In a matter of days, I will be home.
How long can we hold? I whispered to myself.
Notes from the writer:
This is the first chapter of my series, Just My Neighbor and I: Alone in a Cabin. If you want to follow up, make sure to follow me for that notification. Chapters will be added weekly.
I hope you enjoyed it. This Valentine’s Day, let love thrive! Even if its with your neighbor, just make sure he’s not married, engaged, or in a relationship.
—
Previously published on medium
***
If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project and want a deeper connection with our community, please join us as a Premium Member today.
Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here.
—
Photo credit: iStock