The Beginning

                                    

                                          
Ariella woke up with a start. Her head was pounding and she wasn't entirely sure where she was. All she knew was that the sun was shining in her eyes like fire blazing and someone was running water so loud it was like she was next to a waterfall. She groaned and looked around to find herself in a strange living room, sitting on a couch with a blanket over her legs. On the wall was a large TV with a shelf under it housing the newest PlayStation. The other shelves were full of games and movies. The walls were beige and the carpet was an ugly brown. 

                          
The waterfall turned off and a moment later someone entered the room, "Oh, sorry. Did I wake you up?" A male voice asked, drawing Ariella's attention away from the hideous carpet and to her coworker, Sam. He stood just past the hallway wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. His hair dripping from a recent shower. If it were possible, he looked even better than he did at work.  Definitely the perfect example of tall, dark, and handsome.

                          
"No." Ariella said softly, looking away from him and back to the carpet. Just what the hell had happened? She thought on the night before and it all suddenly became clear. Every embarrassing bit of it. The drinking, the dancing, the talking... oh God the talking... 

                          
"Good." He said. "I have some ibuprofen if you want it." He added.
                          
She looked up at him again and instantly her face felt hot. Maybe he didn't remember... "Uh... sure." She said. Please don't let him remember...
                          
He smiled and vanished down the hall again. He came back a second later with a bottle of ibuprofen and a bottle of water.  She took it gratefully. "Thanks." She said.
                          
He sat on the other end of the couch. "Sorry that I brought you back here. I didn't know where you lived and you passed out when we got in the Uber." He said. Damn. If he remembered the Uber, then he remembered the talking.
                          
She gave him a weak smile before quickly looking away. There was something different in his eyes today, and it made her feel like she couldn't bother looking at him. "Uh... it's okay. My car is at my friend's house anyway." She said, taking a long drink of her water.
                          
He sat back, making himself at home - which he was. It was silent for a long moment before he sighed, "Listen, about last night-" he started, but Ariella held up her hand to stop him.
                          
"You don't have to say anything." She said, still not really looking at him, "I was drunk and I'm sorry for what I said. I understand if it makes things awkward or weird or whatever." She added quickly.
                          
He scooted towards her, "Actually, I was going to say that I had a pretty good time." He said with his charming smile. He put a finger under her chin and made her look at him, "Even if you did puke on my shoes." He added with a laugh.
                          
Ariella gave him a half smile and tried to look away again, but he kept her gaze. "I... I uh... Sorry about that... again." She said. Really you would think that was the low point of the night, but it got worse. Much worse.

                          
He didn't say anything back as he let his fingertips trail over her neck and up to her cheek. He followed her cheek bone to her ear and gently ran his fingers through her hair, his body moving closer to her. She started breathing deeper and found herself unable to speak or look away from him as she unconsciously leaned into his touch. His other hand grabbed hers, and he tangled his fingers with hers before closing the distance between them.
                          
His lips gently pressed against hers as her eyes closed. A spark ran through her body from her lips as she slowly responded and found her lips pressing back against his. The kiss deepened quickly. Her hands found themselves tangled in his wet hair while her tongue battled his for dominance. It was a different kiss than she was used to. While her past kisses were sloppy, Sam kissed her with expertise and passion that no one else had ever kissed her with.