We're Off

For Karly, who doesn't know I wrote this because of her, until now.

We’re Off

I woke before dawn that morning, not that
it was my intention to do so. I had been
waking much earlier than was necessary
lately, making my alarm a superfluous
bother. Its mechanical green light stung
my fiercely tired eyes, which refused to
allow me more rest at this point. I was
careful not to wake the girl at my side as
I meandered out of bed, pulling on a pair of
basketball shorts, nonchalantly hanging from
the large recliner across from my timid twin
bedframe, with just enough room for two. As
the cool silky material grazed my thighs, I was
reminded of the cool silky thighs to my side.
I turned back to the girl.

Grey lingerie framed my favorite area, but
she was otherwise completely bare. I ran
my fingers through her auburn hair, ending
just at the blades. I continued down her
back with a gentle touch, stopping at the
rough lacey thong.  I covered her back
with a light blanket the cat was selfishly
sprawled on.  Her face was towards me
sleeping but locked in a smile, and for a
moment I smiled myself.

I found a pack of smokes in my desk
in the dark, hoping to find a box of matches
still left outside. As I left, the door attempted
to give me away, I checked one last time and
saw no stirring. The sky was cold blue gray and
the air still and quiet. The rich smell of sulfur
passed by my nostrils, and I breathed deep
the smoke of the morning. My lungs were
full now as they were of sweat and lust
the night previous. As the cherry burned
close to the filter, the door slowly swung
open behind me and I knew she’d be there.
She met me with these rich green eyes
a lush oasis in this otherwise barren
landscape.  In her hand dangled the keys to
my aging red SUV which always struggled
and sputtered to life. In an hour we’d be
in the canyon, but for now this was all we
were.