Our eternal affairs

"Hmph!" Cliff sighed, exhausted from the six-hour trip, as he stepped into Anna's apartment. He stood, looking around, and threw his coat on the sofa in the small living room, before he moved into the kitchen to fix coffee.

If she's gonna stay there for awhile, I need to find a place to stay. The moment he considered asking Sasha, he remembered their kiss, and shut his eyes tightly, trying to dissipate the thought.

He had always hated living alone, and that kiss drew them apart. He hadn't spoken to her in weeks. He sighed again, disappointed, then he turned to remove the hissing kettle from the heat.

Later, that evening, he drove to his studio. Sitting quietly in the darkness of his car, he let out a deep sigh, his eyes fixed on the studio's entrance. The neon lights of the building casted a colourful glow on the parking lot.

Minutes later, he saw Sasha and Jamie, a huge, dark guy, who had been working with Cliff for almost a decade, and practically his buddy; walking out of the studio together, hand in hand, grinning at each other.

Eh, they like them tall, dark and handsome don't they? Cliff wasn't that bad himself, he thought, admiring his perfect muscles and chiselled jaw in the rear view.

They stopped in front of a cafe, talking about something. Jamie brushed an invisible tendril from her face, Sasha was grinning now. No wait, it's fake. Cliff squinted to ascertain. 

The sun was setting, and the cool evening breeze fluttered her blond hair. Her tuxedo dress matched her hair and Cliff's heart fluttered when she smiled genuinely this time, that smile hadn't been directed to him.

They stopped a taxi, Jamie opened the door for her, and they drove off seconds after. Cliff came down from his car, and walked to the studio.

He closed up by seven, and drove round the city; everyone at the studio, suddenly had plans and deserted him. 

When he pulled up in the parking lot of Anna's apartment, it was ten pm already. He staggered down from his car, holding his waist dramatically, and walked slowly up the stairs to Anna's; surprised to find Sasha waiting by the door.

"Hey, aren't you supposed to be on a date or something?" He said tiredly, and Sasha jumped slightly, like a cat caught stealing. 

"Cliff! Oh my God, you scared me half to death," She took a step backwards, a hand on her heart.

"Why are you here, Sash?" His voice sounded serious, then he tilted his head. "Cancelling out on Jamie, are we?"

"I, uh... " She swallowed. "Didn't feel like it anymore. I needed some space." She cleared her throat and shrugged, avoiding his eyes.

Cliff's eyes narrowed, "Space away from Jamie, or space from your own thoughts?" 

She hesitated, "I... I needed to get outta there. This whole thing's not, working."

He softened, taking a step closer. "You could've called me, Sash. I would have come to get you." Her gaze dropped, and she nodded slightly.

"I know, I just... things are complicated between us... and I couldn't just ring you up and be like, 'hey, got any plans? I hate my date'." Cliff snorted, and they laughed at that. 

He snuck his hand up her waist, his fingers tracing her curves and pulled her to himself. The hairs on her skin rose, at the sudden body contact.

"So... Does that mean we're a thing now?" His voice was hot and husky, sending shivers down her neck as he whispered in her ear. 

Her heart raced, as her eyes flickered up to his, and for a moment, they shared a look that spoke volumes. The air was thick, with unspoken words, as they stared intently at each other, the space between them arrowing, their lips almost touching, and were about to give in.

"Anna dear, is that you?" Miss Patel's curious voice rang out from behind them, as she approached.

Cliff's eyes widened as he grabbed Sasha's hand. "Oh no! Run!" Cliff said, audibly for Sasha to hear. With speed as lightening, he yanked open the door, pulled Sasha inside, then slammed it shut behind them, bolting the door in one swift motion. 

Miss Patel stopped outside the door, calling out. "Cliff boy, you have to be careful, this isn't private property."

Cliff leaned against the door, his voice dripping with innocence. "He-hey, Miss Patel, how's it going? Didn't see you there."

"Uh–huh." She replied, the sound of her footsteps, echoing down the hall.

Phew!

He sighed in relief, and turned to Sasha, who was trying to stifle a gigle.

"What was that about?" She asked in a whisper.

"Just my ninja skills. I've had plenty of practice evading Miss Patel's radar." He said, and quickly stole a kiss from her, stunning her instantly.

"Mmm, damn that woman! Now where were we?"