Christmas Series #3

“All I Want For Christmas”

Leslie couldn’t stop herself. She couldn’t take her eyes away from the fine piece of ass standing in front of her, in the checkout line. The store was crowded due to the holidays. Everyone was doing their shopping. She wondered who he was buying something for. Was it his mother, his girlfriend, his secret lover? Leslie shook her head sending the naughty thoughts racing around in it away but they refused to stay gone long. He was sexy, tall and dressed with East coast swag. There was something familiar about his presence. He reminded her of…  That wasn’t possible, Leslie thought. The lines were moving slow and she was ready to get home, get packed and head to catch her flight home tomorrow.

The weather in Southern California was warm but nowhere near what it felt like back home, Leslie concluded. It was only weeks before Christmas and she was wearing shorts and sandals. She couldn’t wait to get back home to the NYC. Oh how she missed home! Being in California had always been a dream but during this time of year, she wanted to be in the hustle and bustle of chaos called “Christmas” in a city were snow fell, people wore overcoats to bundle up, to keep from freezing their asses off. She wanted to go ice-skating at the Rockefeller center, go shopping on Madison Avenue and drank hot cocoa in Time Square. Yes, there is nothing like the holidays on the East Coast.

Leslie watched her prey wondering just where he from was. He turned slowly, catching her watching him. He smiled and she felt her juices flowing downward. His eyes pierced her soul in that moment. It was as if they already knew each other. When he froze, she saw that he was someone she knew. It was her ex-boyfriend from high school, Kevin. It couldn’t be! They hadn’t seen or heard from each other since graduation and they had been out of school for more than a decade.

“I must be the luckiest man on earth right now,” he said. “Leslie Cole, the girl who stole my heart. How have you been? You look amazing, as usual. How long has it been?” Leslie couldn’t speak. She couldn’t find the words to impress her emotions. Kevin had been the only boy she loved and still loved. Sure she had been in other relationships, even been engaged, but she didn’t get married because she knew that her heart belonged to him. Now, here he was right in front of her.

“Kevin, I cannot believe it’s really you. Come here,” Leslie said holding her arms open. They embraced. He wrapped his strong arms around her and held onto her like he never wanted to let her go. Leslie buried her head in his rock chest. The smell of his aftershave tickled her nostrils. He still smelled good, she thought reminiscing of the way they used to hold each other all the time. They stayed intertwined until the customer service rep called for the next person in line. Kevin realized it was he and let Leslie go. She watched him make his purchases in total disarray. Was it a sign? Were they meant to be? She didn’t want to jump to any conclusions, so she just played it cool although her heart skipped a beat.

When Kevin finished paying for his items, he stood to the side of the line waiting for Leslie to finish up. He wouldn’t lose her again. They were meant to be together and he would make sure he didn’t blow his chance. What if they never saw each other again? It had already been too long. She was his and he planned to make her that forever.

When they left the store, they decided to grab some lunch and catch up. They exchanged numbers and promised to be in touch. They didn’t mention their plans for the holiday and both felt the other didn’t say so because of having someone special in their lives. It didn’t matter at the moment. Leslie knew that as soon as she got back to Cali, she would be blowing up his phone. She learned that they only lived minutes from each other, worked for two prestigious companies and had graduated top of their classes from college. It was funny how they both had been in the same area for years and hadn’t run into each other, once.

That night Leslie couldn’t sleep. She couldn’t get her mind off Kevin. She tossed and turned wondering when she would see him again. He was still the same but more manly, passionate and grown. His sense of humor still had her side hurting from all the laughter. Leslie couldn’t remember the last time she laughed so much, having such a fun time with a guy. But Kevin wasn’t just any ole guy, he was her guy. He was her first guy and her only guy in her book.  Before they went their separate ways, Kevin held her in his arms and kissed her like time hadn’t changed one day. She still melted from his kisses. Leslie found in love with him all over again, if it were even possible to fall when you hadn’t fallen out of love in the first place.

As Kevin prepared to take his seat on the plane, he thought about Leslie. The way her eyes still sparkled when she looked at him. The way she smiled and her bottom lips shivered. She was such a beautiful woman, inside and out. He missed her already and it hadn’t been 24-hrs since they last saw each other. Now, his trip home wasn’t exciting anymore. He wanted to spend his time with Leslie. What if she has a man? What if she doesn’t feel the same way? Several thoughts clouded his mind. He closed his eyes and prepared to listen to his music. When Kevin felt a slight tap on his shoulder, he opened his eyes and nearly fainted. There standing over him, smiling, was Leslie. “Is this seat taken”, she asked holding out her ticket.

In that moment both Leslie and Kevin knew that all they wanted for Christmas was about to happen and continue to happen for many years to come. She eased into her seat, rested her head on his shoulder and silently thanked God for sending her true love take to her, for sending them both back to each other. “All I want for Christmas” took on a whole new meaning, one she and Kevin would tell their grandchildren about. And as they ascending into the sky heading to their home of NYC, they looked forward to spending the next two weeks together, with their families and close friends, who would be shocked to know that they were embarking on a beautiful future together.

I wanted to tell a romantic story without sex in this series. As I thought about what I could write, the words just seemed to take on a life of their own. This story had me in tears because so many people miss their opportunity on love, with that special someone. It was as if I was standing back watching Leslie and Kevin tell their own story. They give hope, inspiration and encouragement to never give up on love, true love. I hope you all enjoyed “All I want for Christmas”. I may even revisit these characters and let you all know what happens with them. I smell a new book brewing! LOL

Next up: “Jingle Bells”

Until next time, Be inspired, Be encouraged, Be safe and Be you!!

Smooches and Happy Holidays,

Keke Chanel

Follow me on twitter @keke_chanel