“Rest a while. I’ll be back in a bit to check on you.” He kissed me on the lips. I watched as he disappeared into the hallway and I closed my eyes and thought about Kayden.

“Sophia. Wake up, sleepyhead.” I heard Kayden whispering while touching my face.

“I’m awake. Now.”

“I’m making chicken soup, and it’s simmering on the stove. I thought I would come pamper you a little more,” he said to me as I sat up in the bed. “Can I brush your hair?”

“Really? You want to brush my hair?” I replied with wide eyes and a dopey grin.

“Yes, I love your hair,” he stated matter-of-factly walking towards my brush on the dresser.

“Knock yourself out,” I said.

“Come here and sit in front of me,” he said as he crawled on the bed and patted a spot in front of him.

I did as I was told and sat in front of him. I hadn’t had another person brush my hair since my mother had when I was a kid. My hair was long and thick, and I hated brushing the tangled mess. He methodically worked through each section of hair and took his time. He made sure not to pull too hard or snag my hair. I sat there and relished the feeling of being pampered by him.

“All done,” he said all too soon as he handed me the brush.

“Thank you. That was so relaxing. I’ve never had anyone, besides my mother, brush my hair,” I said as I turned to face him.

“I’ll do it for you, always,” he said as he kissed me on the lips, I wanted to believe what he said was true. “I have to go check on the soup.”

“I’m sure it’s warm by now,” I said to him, not wanting him to leave.

“Silly girl. I’m not reheating something from a can. I made it from scratch while you were sleeping,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

“You made me homemade chicken noodle soup?” I asked, still not believing he took the time and care in feeding me.

“I never eat soup from a can, gross. Stay here while I go check on it, and if it’s ready, I’ll bring you a bowl,” he told me as he stood up.

I didn’t want this dream to end. Was I still asleep? Did this man really draw me a bath, brush my hair, and make me homemade soup?

He walked back into the room with two mugs brimming with steaming liquid. The smell wafted from the doorway and reminded me of home. We stayed barricaded inside his room all day watching movies, snuggling, and enjoying his homemade soup.

Light filtered through my eyelashes and woke me from my sleep. Hot. My body felt like I was sleeping next to a fire, but it was Kayden’s naked body. I scooted away slowly just far enough to escape his heat. He was still fast asleep, and from my new position I could watch him sleep. He slept peacefully barely making a sound. He had a shadow on his face from his beard growing in, and his hand was tucked under his cheek. He looked almost childlike, unlike the wild sexual animal I knew was brewing under his cool façade.

His eyes fluttered open and I quickly shut my eyes, I didn’t want him to know I had been staring.

“Good morning, beautiful, I saw you looking at me,” he said.

Busted. “I didn’t want you to think I was a weirdo,” I said as I opened my eyes and smiled at him.

“I already know you’re a freak in the sheets, why not add creepy sleep watcher to your resume,” he laughed.

“I’m not creepy,” I said as I smacked him playfully on his shoulder.

“What do you want to do today?” he asked while reaching out to move the hair away from my face.

“Can we go to the cemetery near the streetcar line and walk around?” I asked.

“That’s different, I don’t think I’ve ever been there with anyone before,” he responded.

We left the apartment and headed to the cemetery. It was a hot day, and the air was thick with humidity. The sky was lined with white puffy clouds, and it looked like it might rain. The cemetery was empty—we had it all to ourselves. Kayden held my hand as we walked to the gravesites.

The gravesites weren’t the typical headstones that I had been accustomed to, small markers packed together row upon row, but they were unique buildings made of various types of stone. They were decorated with statues, stained glass, and iron gates. Multiple generations were buried inside the crypt-like structures. We peered through windows and entered the buildings that were open. While we were talking, the rain began to fall, but the sun continued to shine.

“Let’s sit down for a bit and get out of the rain,” I said to him while pulling on his hand toward a building under a tree.

It was a beautiful building that was white with a green tinge around the edges. It was under a massive oak tree that we found shelter from the rain. We sat on the steps with our knees touching and he placed an arm around my shoulder.

“This place is beautiful,” I said noticing him watching me out of the corner of my eye.

“So are you, Sophia,” he said as brushed a piece of damp hair off my neck.

Goosebumps formed on my skin despite the steam rising from the concrete. He traced a line from the little strands of hair to my knee in one fluid move. My insides liquefied under his fingertips as I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly trying to maintain my sanity.

The tranquility and beauty were awe inspiring, as the rain bounced off the leaves and forming puddles on the ground.

“It’s strange that there’s so much beauty in a place that is filled with sadness,” he said to me as he stroked the back of my hand with his fingertips.

“It’s so unlike anything we have back home,” I said trying to avert my eyes away from him. The man still made me nervous in the most delightful way.

When the rain slowed, it became steamy outside—the rain never seemed to help cool down the air in the South, but only made it unbearable to breathe. Sweat began to trickle down my temples. The staleness of the air made it impossible to enjoy the serenity and beauty.

“Want to go back and cool off? I know I could use a shower before we go out tonight,” he asked, with a smile promising sin.

I gulped loud enough that I knew he had to hear, but he didn’t let on if he did. Kayden climbed off the step slowly and held out his hand to me. I stood slowly while holding his hand and stared into his eyes. I tripped as I began to walk and my heart plummeted as my face landed against his chest. Kayden reached out and caught me in his arms. I opened an eye and tried to catch a glimpse of his face as he pulled me away. I smiled as my face began to heat, and I could feel the embarrassment spread throughout my body. Kayden smiled at me and grabbed my face lightly.

“We all fall sometimes in life, Sophia, it’s more important how we recover,” he said as he lips touched mine.

His thumbs stroked my cheeks while his fingers gripped the back of my neck. His kiss grew deeper as his tongue searched for mine, he possessed me. My mouth had grown dry from the heat, and his mouth refreshed me like an oasis in the desert. My body began to tremble with need. Emptiness filled me when his lips broke from mine.

“Let’s go, I have plans for you, baby doll,” he said with a wink.

My body hummed from the liquor coursing through my veins, Bourbon Street had led to another evening of excess. My legs wobbled as I walked down the trolley steps. Kayden grabbed me by the waist as soon as my feet touched the street. I giggled as I tried to walk upright without swerving, my body didn’t want to listen to my mind. Kayden placed my arm around his neck and kept a firm hold on me until we approached my SUV. Kayden opened the back door and I stood there confused for a moment.

“In the back, Sophia. Now.” he stated firmly while holding the door open for me.

I looked around and only a trickle of people moved around on the streets at this hour.

He helped me as I climbed in the back trying to avoid smacking my forehead on the doorway. The windows were tinted and gave us privacy. Kayden sat down and helped me place my body over his. My dress allowed him easy access as he pulled my panties to the side. A sheen of sweat began to form on my skin, the car was hot and the air inside stuffy. He unzipped his pants and guided his cock to my throbbing wet pussy. We had spent all night on Bourbon Street kissing and stroking each other—I wanted him.