Enclave
By Dawn M Tucker

Sometimes I get lonely. On evenings like that I try to go somewhere and distract myself. This particular night I was sitting in a place called the Enclave, a place which caters to the more artistic crowd in the small town of Willoughby. One of those dark, smoky places you frequent when you want to blend in and seemingly disappear.


I wasn't expecting to hook up with anyone. I had just finished my first latte when he sat down at my table a few moments later. "Hello," he said, "mind if I sit here?" I wasn't protesting, though I had the feeling if I had he would have sat down anyway. He was tall, slender and had long dark hair which framed his face so that it made me want to reach out and stroke it.


There was a quality of utter detachment about him, as if he looked upon the world seeing it, yet untouched by it. Everything about him, his hair, his outfit, the way he held his cigarette- looked deliberate. Yet, held him self so well it didn't seem fake at all. He looked over the top of his coffee mug, slowly and steadily running his eyes over me, from top to bottom.


His appraisal sent an electric shock through me, full of possibility. I could see a certain hunger in his eyes, one I had seen to often in my own. "I'm Shaun." he said setting down his mug. Then out of nowhere, "Let's get out of here."


Leaving the coffee shop a rush of frosty air swept past us. It was a colder than usual winter night. You know, the kind of night where you can't seem to get warm no matter what you do? A nipple night. It was a night so cold my nipples stood straight up, peeking through my shirt demanding release.


I heard somewhere that women with erect nipples are sexual beings, easily aroused creatures. I don't know about all that, but I know my nipples stay stiff whether I am doing dishes or pumping gas in my car. They seem to have a mind of their own. My nipples were at full attention from the moment I laid eyes on Shaun.


I don't remember the ride to my house, I don't think we said more than two words to one another. I just knew I had to have him. We found ourselves standing in front of the fireplace. Looking into his eyes I felt my breath quicken and my skin heating up with desire.


It was if all the feelings I had ever known were bunched up beneath my skin. The minute he touched me I knew I would explode with every want and need I had my entire life. We took off our coats and I offered him a cup of coffee. I had a feeling this night, my loneliness would be fleeting.