The Project

Julia spied something a hidden behind a pile of antique tools. "How about this?" she said. It was a small marble-topped side-table. "Actually, it would go well with the console table I just bought," she mused. Steven groaned. "Don't tell me you want this one as well."

"No, no," she patted his arm. "You can have this one. Assuming you actually like it," she amended.

"Yes, I do like it," he said happily. "And you can come and see it any time, too."

Steven bought the side table and since it was small enough to fit in the car, they took it home with them. On the drive home Julia reflected on how easy it was just being with Steven. The way his emotions showed on his face meant she never had to guess how he felt, and that was refreshing. She was starting to realize that she really didn't have any good reason not to get romantically involved with him, except for her irrational prejudice against younger men.

She parked the car outside his apartment and turned to look him. "Um, thanks for the ride," Steven said. He fidgeted in his seat but didn't get out.

"No problem," she smiled and patted his knee. Her touch was deliberately imbued with meaning. Steven looked down at the hand on his leg and she could see the wheels turning in his mind. "Yes, I am touching you," she thought silently. He must have understood the non-verbal signal because he leaned a little closer. Julia leaned closer too. She stared into his blue eyes and smiled encouragingly.

Steven kissed her on the lips. It was sweet and gentle and made Julia yearn for more, but at the same time she didn't want to rush and miss out on anything. He broke off the kiss and smiled shyly. "So, what now?" he asked softly.

She stared into his eyes and had difficulty thinking any further ahead than the here and now. Julia needed an excuse to spend more time with him. "How about you come to my place for dinner later?" she suggested finally.

Steven quickly accepted and agreed to be there at seven o'clock. She helped him get his antique table out of the car and then they parted, if only for a couple of hours.

***

Julia stopped off at the grocery store to pick up some salmon steaks and fresh vegetables for dinner. Then she spent half an hour pouring over the contents of her wardrobe again. Not that Steven would really care what she was wearing. But she wanted to set the right mood anyway. She finally settled on a deep red stretch-knit dress. Then she put on some soft music and lit an incense candle.