The Art of Love & Sweat: We Meet

I am now delving into fanfic about my new obsession- 'ahem' crush, Big Nasty who I literally slid off my chair for during the film Creed II.  With both he and Michael B. (Bae)Jordan in the film, I was very parched.
This will be a three-part series filled with muscle, moisture and art.  Enjoy!!


It was my first day working at the Tate Modern and my second day in London.  Being from New York City has helped me navigate this new metropolis, but I feel the the beginnings of becoming overwhelmed as I walk into the massive museum. 
"Madam, I believe you would like to use these elevators."  An older gentleman in a magnificently tailored suit gestures to the black elevator doors behind him.  His name tag read: Dolph L..  Though tall with a powerful presence, his kind eyes made me less nervous. 
I begin to walk in the direction he is leading me, " Thank You.  Will these take me to the offices?"
"Yes. Your first day?"  He smiles already knowing the answer.
"Yes.  I think I need to head to HR before I meet with Emma and Naomi."  
"HR is on the 8th floor, they should be able to take it from there-" as the elevator doors open a larger gentleman in another finely tailored suit steps out.  He is younger than Dolph L. and doesn't have a name tag.  His short buzzcut hair was perfectly lined up, which intrigued me as he appeared to be white...perhaps he has 'hood tendencies'.  It was hard to focus on anything other than his eyes though.  The greenish-copper orbs seemed to never leave my face.
"Boss, I was just escorting this young lady to the office elevators."  Dolph says because his 'Boss' and I were just staring at each other.
He shakes his head a little before speaking, "Good work Dolph, I will take her from here."  If a voice could take your clothes off, I bet money his could.  It was heavily accented, but not a British accent, I couldn't quite place it yet.
More importantly, I needed to focus on getting to HR and not concentrate on how great he smelled, and how his large bicep fought against his suit jacket.
He let's me step in first and then let's the doors close behind him, he taps the 8 button and then turns to look at me.
"I'm Florian.  I am head of security here at the Tate Modern."  He smiles revealing a dimple.
My mouth felt dry and my heart raced.  I knew eventually I would have to say something-
"Thanks." That was all I could manage.  I immediately feel myself blush.  I could've said 'hey I'm Nala King the new culture curator and you're very cute.'.  That didn't happen.
I am usually not this flustered around a good looking man, but Florian made me feel a little weak.  The moment the elevator doors open I step off and give him a half-assed wave goodbye.
That was not the best impression to make, but I had to get through an hour long HR on-boarding so I had to save my 'swagger' for other things.

The morning is a blur of paperwork and being shown around by my awesome bosses Emma and Naomi- I am the new Culture Curator at the Tate Modern.  It appears to be almost as cool as it sounds.  
We happened to bump into Florian a few times and they both comment that is the most they have ever seen the "Burly Brooder" and when he smiled at me they practically gasped.  I guess he is not known for smiling much.  Maybe with being head of security, you need to keep a tough demeanor.
I am feeling mighty good about my first day as I review slides for a possible installation.  Then I remember that I still need to find a permanent apartment- I am now living in corporate housing...and I keep having flashes of Florian's dimpled smile.  One thing at a time, let me tackle this new job and finding a place to live before I worry about how soft Florian's full lips are...wait- where am I?
I will just lust from afar.

"Thank you for your help today, and I'll see you tomorrow." I say to Dolph L. as I head toward the museum exit.
"A pleasure.  You are walking to the tube?"  He asks with a look of concern.
"Yeah, it's a quick walk."  Dolph L.  seems as though he wants to stop me, so I start waving and walking away.  Of course I am not looking where I am going- when BAM!- I walk into what feels like a human wall.
It is Florian.  I look up into amused (now) greener eyes.  The dimple appears, and the suit is missing.  He has on a sweatshirt and I am refusing to check him out to see if he has joggers on.
"I am so sorry-"
"It's okay.."  He almost purrs, I realize I am still leaning on him.  I quickly adjust myself, shake my head and run out of the museum.
Tomorrow will be a new day to not look like an idiot in front of this massive man I am obviously too attracted to function around.

----------------------------

The next day, I decided I would approach it with positive confidence.  I had a casual conversation with Dolph L. by the elevators, and thought of all the ways I would show Florian how I am not that big of a dork.  Tan, a coworker-friend  in the modern collections department, joined me for coffee at the museum cafe. While discussing the importance of Banksy and man buns, we notice Florian grabbing an orange juice and causing the cashier to blush with his smile.
When he turns and notices me, he nods hello and walks by briskly letting his cologne linger.  It smelled spicy, warm...rich.  It made me want to follow him and tell him all my fantasies including the ones where he falls in love with me.  
"That man is a...man." Tan says while he decides between a scone or a croissant.
"Profound, Tan."  I was still a little miffed that Florian only greeted me with a head nod.  I wasn't expecting a hug, but yesterday he seemed friendlier...or maybe I was so weird and he was just being normal.
"Nala, we just met yesterday and though you seem great, I can't just say that man is a walking sex god, to you."  He decides on a scone and pays for my iced hazelnut latte, "Everyone just becomes sexually fluid when it comes to him-"
"Fluid..." I chuckle.  We nudge each other  at our raunch.  Tan was right, we just met yesterday and just seemed to click.  Sometimes I can be normal and people like me.  Also, in the museum world it's rare to see people of color.  Tan is Pakistani and I am Black.  The Tate seemed to be making an effort to be diverse in their hiring, but we're also in England.  The land of OG colonizers.
"Yeah I met him yesterday- he introduced himself and I could barely put together sentences."
Tan gives me a look, "Yeah, he is otherworldly with that build and voice...you will have to get in line, I think he is doing a slow rundown of all the women here."
"Yay! can't wait for my chance."  we laugh and continue back to our offices.  Tan helped me to keep perspective. I don't even know Florian, though he was handsome as hell he's just a man.  A man who has his pick of women.  
I was feeling pretty good about today, and then Naomi came into my office...
"Hey Nala...I need you to work on a surprise installation."  She sits in a chair in front of my desk and appears to be holding photos.  
"Okay...why is it a surprise?"
"Well I have been in talks with this photographer for years and he has finally decided to work with us," she lays the photos out on my desk and I almost choke on my coffee, "Milo Ventimiglia.  Isn't he fantastic?" She says almost dreamily.
He is fantastic and also my ex.  I am trying not to just stare at the photos open mouthed and figure out how do I quit this job that I love and still be able to live in London?  
It is not that things ended badly with me and Milo, it's just that it took me six months and moving to another country to get over him.  
We were together for six years.  I was working at a gallery in Soho, New York City and he worked at the Starbucks I went to every morning.  He found all the ways to start a conversation with me, and then on our first date we ate Grays Papaya in Washington Square Park.
Milo is a soulful, kind artist...the man that truly poured love into me and allowed me to blossom into whatever this evolution of myself is.  I'd like to think I did the same for him...but in fact I know I did.  Once I got my boss at the time to hang some of Milo's photos...and he started getting accolades and making money...Milo felt we were suddenly growing apart.
Sigh.
It was so typical.  Now I would have to deal with appreciating his talent, but hating that he broke my heart.
"I want you to work with Milo since you have worked with each other in the past- and to be honest, when I mentioned you are our culture curator, it seemed that is what made him decide to display his latest series with us." She smiles, her eyes search my face and this makes me realize I need to put on the mask again.  The mask I wore my last year in NYC, a protective serene look.  Sometimes its content but mostly is shields the world from seeing the underlying turmoil.
Naomi and I discuss how I would handle this exhibit and Milo, mostly it was me doing everything in my power to make his working with the Tate the best experience.  I had two days to build up my armor and prepare for throwing a huge monkey wrench in this new chapter of life.
I decide to email my friend July Jackson, if anyone could will all planes to London to not be able to take for off for a few months...it would be July.
After sending my email, I see a chat pop up from Tan-

Tan:I can't do lunch today, Voldermort called me into a meeting. we're having salads and he'll tell me how much i suck at my job

Me: sorry babe. i'll just grab a sandwich from the cafe`

Tan:let's grab drinks later- a few of us are going to the Raged Hen.come with.

I would definitely need a drink later, but for now a sandwich before I measure out spaces on the third floor for Milo's exhibit. the name of the exhibit will have something to do with whomever he is currently infatuated with.
The elevators doors open and I smell Florian before I see him, either way I was full on blushing.
"Hello..." He says, his dimple appears with the smile.  Before I begin my 'fool' swoon which leads to me being unable to speak, I remember what Tan said and what I witnessed with the cashier.  That and remembering how foolish I was with Milo has me feeling very able.
"Hi Florian.  How's the day going?"  He seemed taken aback, but then goes back to the amused way he looks at me.
"It is going well.  What floor are you going to?" Ugh, of course my newfound confidence caused me to forget which floor to hit.  I squint at the buttons hoping for a clue, "where are you trying to go?" He asks, his dimple in full display.  He is almost holding back laughter.
"I want to go to the cafe, for lunch." I roll my eyes at him and vow to never forget this floor again.
"Then we're going to the second floor.  Do you mind if I join you for lunch?"
"What if someone steals a painting or something?"  I ask, just miffed because he was laughing at me...and yet I was still so attracted to him.
"This is why I have a staff that works for me.  We all have schedules...so that we enjoy bathroom breaks and lunch. So far it has worked as none of the paintings have been stolen yet."  He holds the door for me as I step off the elevator.  I try to walk in the direction of the cafe quick enough to lose him, but he catches up.
"They have the best quiche here- you know you still haven't introduced yourself to me. I was kind to you on your first day and you walk into me and then I have to invite myself to lunch."  He smiles and stands a little to close to me, but I didn't mind.  Florian had a powerful, sleek presence, but he was warm.  He seemed like someone who when he hugged you and asked how you were, he meant it.
"So rude of me- I wasn't raised by hyenas...my name is Nala.  Nala King."  I hold out a hand, he takes it and instead of shaking it, kisses it.  His lips are indeed soft. My face feels hot- he is good. I wonder if I am moving up in his museum conquests list.
"Did your parents name you after Simba's mate in The Lion King?" He asks, he looks almost excited.  My parents owe me so much for the mocking of my name and the therapy I still need because of it.
"Yes.  Especially since our last name is King.  I have a strained relationship with my parents."  I look at the variety of quiche's and try to ignore the nasty looks I am getting from the ladies and gentlemen behind the counter.
Florian places a hand on my shoulder, it large and warm- like him, "Thank you for that much needed laugh. I am sorry it is at your expense- pick any quiche you would like.  It is on me."  He smiles, and even dabs the corners of his eyes- I caused him to cry with laughter.  He will never want to have sex with me.  Thanks again, mom and dad!
We order our quiche's and find a table away from most of the tourists and sour stares of the cafe` staff.
"Because we are friendly and you are the museum cassanova, will I need to find another place to get my eats?"  I ask, tasting the really good spinach quiche.
"I am the museum cassnova? Me?  How?" He seems really perplexed, but is devouring his quiche in a very gentlemanly way.  I have to stop myself from watching him.
"It's just something I've heard and seen..."
"You've seen this?"  He raises an eyebrow, "In a day and a half you have witnessed my cassanova skills?"  His accent made everything sound like he was a disapproving parent.
"Being a cassanova is a full time thing- so yes."  I lie and avoid his coppery green eyes.  I really shouldn't be flirting with him but it just felt natural.  
He leans closer, "If I were to be a cassanova with you...would you mind?" There's a sparkle in his eyes that causes my heart to beat a little faster. Then he starts laughing heartily and I know he is just mocking me.
I look at my watch and start gathering my things to throw away, "You were right the quiche was good." 
"Are you mad at me?" He stands when I stand, he stretches though, which almost throws me off.  He takes the trash from my hands to throw away with his own.
"Why would I be mad?  Of course I am not mad, I just have to prepare for a new exhibit that Naomi is excited about."  Again, I lie.  I don't know why I was miffed, but I was.  Mostly because I was developing a crush on the 'office' Don Juan which will not go well for me...and will go even worse when Milo comes to town.
Florian walks with me to the elevators and we chat about the tube, he mentions he loves being able to drive in and that he does pass through where my corporate housing is.  I do not take the hint and continue on about the tube characters I have encountered.

Once back at my desk I see an email from July:

Nala-
I cannot believe you have been in London for two weeks and are only writing me because that punk ass trick, Milo, is returning to your life.  Please do not go back to him.  We all don't need to go through that again.
Michael and I will be there in TWO WEEKS!  I moved our trip up in case I have to harm Milo.
I DO like the sound of this large and in charge ...guard, Florian.  Tell me more about him.

July is my best friend because she pulls no punches, and loves me.  The epitome of tough love, and I need that mostly.  I decide to quickly let her know about my lunch...date, yes I will step out on that limb, with Florian.  That should cool her heels about the Milo situation- though I am happy she and her beau Michael are coming sooner rather than later.

Tan and I decide to walk to the Raged Hen because the night air was cool and we didn't want to arrive too early.  I told him about my lunch with Florian and he squealed.  He said he will miss lunch with me for the rest of the week so that I can be in his bed by Saturday, mostly because he wants all of the details. It has been decided that Florian may not be that sexually fluid so Tan may not have a chance.
The Raged Hen was a typical pub. There was Duran Duran playing, a football game on and Florian sipping a Guiness and watching me as we neared the Tate group.  He appeared to be chatting with Amanda from HR, the organizer of this drinking event.
Tan squeezes my arm-
"Girl! He never comes to these things.  You have put a spell on him with only one lunch?!"  He tries to lead me right over to him, but I steer him towards the bar.
"I am going to need you to chill.  Let's get drinks and figure out why he's here..." Tan's sideeye almost causes me to crawl under the bar. 
"We already know why he is here.  I agree we need drinks, and then we are getting you two together before one of these museum hags gets him!"  With that, we order two pints and turn to Florian who is now standing directly behind us.  Tan immediately smiles and says 'hey'.  My eyes go wide wondering if he has heard everything we said.  His normal amused look gives nothing away.
"Hello...Florian..."  He holds a large hand out to Tan, who seems to melt.
"Hi, I'm Tan...and tan." He winks.  Florian chuckles.  I roll my eyes and slowly sip my beer, hoping they keep up a banter until I feel ready to speak.  I know my face is red because Florian is standing too close to me again.  He smells so good and his arm is about the size of my thigh (on a good day).  I am feeling overwhelmed.
The coppery green eyes meet mine and every few moments, but he is engaged in a conversation about Rocky films with Tan.  
"Nala...did you say that boxers made you wet or sweat? I can't remember which one..." Tan smirks as Florian almost chokes on his beer.  
I hold my eyes closed for a few moments, "I said they make me sweat.  I enjoy the sport." I shrug.
"Boxing is one of my hobbies."  Florian says, only to me.  
I literally gulp, "Oh.  Heavyweight?"
"Yes. You should check out a match with me, they are fun."
"Do you have name like...Fighting Flo?"  I ask, he chuckles and takes a sip of his Guiness.
"No, it's Big Nasty."  Tan and I both lean back on the bar, look at each other and sip...gulp our beers.  
"That's a...name...a good one....yep."  I am nodding and trying not to let all the perverse things Tan and I are thinking come out of my mouth.
Since the conversation could only go up from there, we ordered more drinks and discussed work, life and dating in the city.  I had very little input on that topic and Florian tried to lie and tell us he didn't date much because he worked too hard.  We mostly listened to Tan's lovelorn tales, and Florian gave him good advice.  Florian explained how he took over running his security company from his uncle, Dolph L..  Dolph loved working at the museum but didn't want to deal with the hassle of running the business- they provide security for the Tate and the National Museum of London. I didn't want to say that a broken heart made me leave the states, so I just said I got the opportunity of a lifetime and decided it was now or never.  Typical cliche` things people like to hear.
After a while Tan gets a Uber and leaves, and I am still talking to Florian at the bar.  I don't remember meeting anyone else because we just never ran out of things to talk about, and now he wasn't just a great looking boxer...he was funny, smart and thoughtful as well.  
He says he shouldn't drive and that we should take an Uber together.  We would drop me off and then him.  This sounded fantastic.  I wasn't drunk, and I didn't want the night to end, but I had to be at work in the morning and it was my first week.
While in the Uber Florian picked up my hand and kissed the back of it..then I suggested he come up to check out my 'corporate digs'.  Then I remember getting bottles of water and us talking on the couch.  Then I believe I....threw myself onto his lap and we began making out.  It was intense and fantastic.
Now I am in my bed and Florian is shirtless and sleeping soundly beside me.  I am too afraid to lift the covers and see if he is' topless' all the way down.  It would be just my luck that I would have this glorious man in my bed and not remember one detail!

To Be Continued...

Look out for part II: The Art of Love & Sweat: We Dance