Attraction (Love & War, Part I) by Katrina Liss

closing the door behind him.
    “Nikki? That
name I like.”
    “I like that
you like.” She flared her eyes meaningfully. “Okay Adrian, follow
me, let's get this wine flowing, shall we?”
    She led him
down the hallway into the open plan kitchen-living-room area. She
stopped off in the kitchen, to place the bottles next to the two
glasses waiting on the counter top. He dropped his jacket on the
back of a chair, and wandered around the rest of the room. He was
very impressed with her modern style of décor — the white leather sofas looked very
inviting —the soft grey feature wall
contrasted well with the exposed white painted brickwork of those
adjacent to it —the large piece of modern artwork
and the plethora of cushions and orchids gave it an individual and
feminine touch without being fussy. He had a quick look out of the
window. It was a pleasant view into the communal,
tree-filled, green area directly below. He could see his car parked
across the way.
    “It's a real
nice pad, very smart. Must have cost a packet, though.”
    “Yeah, I'm
mortgaged to death, but hoping my career pays dividends one
day.”
    “I really like
your style. But it's way too tidy.”
    “It is?”
    “Yeah, the
cushions are begging me to dive on them and mess them up.”
    “Be my
guest... “ she giggled. “They're ever so snuggly to cuddle. They're
one of my favourite things. I'm a tactile person.”
    “Are you
now?”
    “Very. And
that painting over there is another of my faves. The textures and
colours beg you to look and touch, don't you agree?”
    “It has a lot
of appeal, granted. But what is it exactly?” he asked walking up to
it and cocking his head one way and the other trying to find
something he could recognise in the colourful swirls strewn with
bubbles.
    “It's a giant
fish... look...there's its fins, at the top...” she pointed.
    “Oh God, yeah,
so it is. It's one of those optical illusions. It's cool.”
    He turned to
face her. They were close. So close. She sighed, took a step back,
turned and went to collect his wine.
    “I'm guessing
you've not had time for dinner, have you?” she asked thoughtfully,
as she came back to stand at his side and passed him a glass of
wine.
    “No, but don't
worry, I'll get my calories from somewhere.” He laughed, taking a
big gulp of wine pointedly.
    She took a big
glug of hers.
    Dutch
courage? He wondered.
    “I've got
something you might like more than a liquid dinner. Not veggie are
you?”
    “Absolutely
fucking not.”
    “I didn't
think so.”
    Returning to
the kitchen area, he followed her as she opened the split level
oven and took out a pizza, still in it's box, opening it for him on
the counter with a cute smile.
    “My God, is
that a meat feast, with thin base and cheese stuffed crust?”
    “Yes,
why?”
    “ I can't
believe it, it's my favourite pizza,”
    Her smile
widened and her face lit up so beautifully. She had the most
wonderfully expressive features. He was hoping to see her express
far more of her feelings later.
    “A lucky
guess, then?”
    “Aww babe,
it's real sweet of you.”
    “Domino's is
just round the corner. I didn't want you to starve.”
    “I think I
love you already.”
    “It doesn't
take much to buy your affections, does it?” she giggled. “One
little pizza? You should try to sell yourself a little higher,
Adrian.” Although she was joking, she was clearly delighted at how
much she'd pleased him with her thoughtful surprise.
    “I know, I'm
dead cheap. But I'm yours for the taking, love.”
    She gave him a
hot look from under her eyelashes, her eyes smouldering at him.
    This was going
so damn well.
    He sank his
teeth into a slice of pizza in a state of pure heaven. She took one
smaller piece for herself and they both stood in her tiny kitchen
area smiling at each other idiotically and flirtatiously, sipping
their wine and eating pizza.
    “Lets chill in
comfort. Wanna go sit down, hug a cushion...?” She cocked her head
at the white