"So, uh…how was your flight?" AJ asked looking at Kyndall nervously.
"Huh? Oh," she shrugged. "It was okay." She didn't look at him as she continued to settle in to the room.
"Any plans for this evening?" he asked, jumping up to help her put her suitcase on the shelf.
"Thanks," Kyndall mumbled moving away from him. "Actually, I'm uh…I think I'm going to go down to the bar and hang out."
"Oh," AJ said hanging his head.
Kyndall peeked over at him, seeing the rejection etched on his face. "Why? What did you have in mind?" she asked softly.
Looking over at her, he was silent for a moment. "I…uh…there is this nice little beach side bar with a dance floor. They play some pretty groovy techno and hip hop stuff," he shrugged. "Was gonna see if you wanted to come along."
Kyndall glanced at her bed still covered with junk, her hands, and then at AJ. "Fine. Whatever. Sure," she shrugged. "I'll go."
"Well, don't think I'm trying to force my company on you or anything," he said looking at her.
"Huh? If you don't want me to now, I won't," she replied matter-of-factly.
"Did I say that?" AJ asked, an edge to his voice. "I'm sorry," he said in a softer tone after the look she gave him. Sighing, he smoothed his goatee with his thumb and forefinger. "Look. This is difficult for me. Okay," he looked up at her, his eyes pleading with her to be understanding.
"And it's not for me?" Kyndall asked sitting down on the edge of her bed. "I'm not the one who was unable to move on. I've given you more than your fair share of chances. And before we leave this room to do anything, I'm going to make one thing clear," she said, her tone serious. "I'm not interested in starting anything with you." AJ's eyes dropped to his hands. "I'm not saying that I won't be interested in the future," her voice softened. "I just…I can't go through it anymore."
He smiled awkwardly. "Okay. That's fair. Not that I like it, but it's fair."
She nodded in agreement. "So," she said standing up and walking over to him. Taking him by the hands, she smiled. "What are we doing tonite?"
AJ looked up at her, surprised by her actions. "I…uh…we…that club," he said as he stood up slowly.
"Ahh yes. That club," she said. "Hmm…and just what should I wear?" Dragging him over to her clothes that were strung all over the bed. "You pick. I'm gonna take a shower," she said walking to the restroom.
AJ had just finished picking out an outfit when Kyndall walked out of the bathroom in her robe. The clothes were laying on Catlyn's bed as if they were on display. Kyndall grinned as she saw his choice. "Very nice," she said walking over and picking up the outfit. Walking back towards the restroom she smiled. "Be right back."
He sighed as he watched the door close behind her. "Man," he groaned, sliding down in the chair until his head was on the neck rest and his legs stretched out in front of him. "It's going to be a long night," he mumbled, closing his eyes, resting his arms over them. He jumped as he heard the bathroom door open about fifteen minutes later.
"Okay, I think I'm ready," she said smiling at him as she slipped her black platform sandals on.
He knew that she would look good in what he had picked, which is why he had picked it. But he didn't realize that she would look THAT good. The figure-hugging black and white snakeskin printed skirt fit snugly in all the right places, revealing her legs through the slits on either side. The backless black halter that he had chosen revealed enough skin to be enticing, but was tasteful enough to not be tacky. She had pulled her hair up, letting a few wispy tendrils fall along the back of her neck and a few more softly around her face. She had just enough make-up on to accentuate her natural beauty, giving her a soft glow. He blushed furiously as he realized he was staring. "You…um…you look beautiful," he said softly.
Kyndall smiled shyly looking downward, embarrassed by his stare. "Th-thank you," she stammered. "You deserve the credit. You picked it out," she said smoothing down her skirt nervously. Looking up, her eyes locked with his.
AJ cleared his throat as he looked away. Standing up slowly, he held his arm out to her. "Shall we?" he asked, motioning towards the door.
"But of course," she smiled up at him, trying desperately to resist the sudden urge to kiss him.
