Page 75 of In the Air Tonight

“You didn’t have to. I know how it is.”

Rolling my eyes, I can’t help but laugh. “Whatever you say, stud.”

“I’ll have you know that I’ve had several girlfriends in my life that didn’t work out for one reason or another. Lately, I’ve decided single life is appealing, especially since Ms. Fenway came along and gave me someone other than myself to focus on.”

“I get that. Sometimes it’s just easier to stay uninvolved.”

“Sure is. You asked what I do. I’m an illustrator.”

“What does that entail?”

“I work with several children’s book publishers as well as ad agencies and others in need of original art.”

“Oh, wow. That sounds like the most fun job ever.”

“It’s pretty cool, and I get to work from home.” He gestures to the house. “The entire third floor is my studio.”

“Could I see it sometime?”

“Sure. Anytime you want.”

A crackle of something passes between us. I know he feels it as much as I do because he stares at me without blinking long enough that it would be awkward if it wasn’t for the crackle. “You want to come by later and check it out?”

“I’d love to. I have an appointment this afternoon, but I should be back before dinner.”

“Come find me. The door is always unlocked. Take the stairs to the top floor.”

“Are you sure I won’t be disturbing you?”

“Positive. Fenway and I like the company.”

“I’ll bring snacks.”

Hearing that word, Fenway launches from resting to full alert in one second flat.

As we laugh, Jack’s gaze collides with mine, and there’s that crackle again.

“You have to watch out for certain words around her.”

“Maybe you can give me the list.”

“We’d be happy to, but just so you know, I think she can spell, too, so that’s been a problem.”

“A dog who can spell. That’s a heck of a challenge.”

“You have no idea.”

I’m excited to have something to look forward to after reliving the horror of that long-ago night again with Houston. “Well, I’d better get myself together. See you guys later.”

“We can’t wait.”

“Neither can I.”

I’m nearly floating on air when I go inside to shower. As I dry my hair, I relive every second in the yard this morning, right down to his perpetually bare feet. Something about that strikes me as so endearing. It shows how comfortable he is in his home, and I like that about him. I like a lot of things about him, and for the first time in forever, that doesn’t scare me the way it would have only last week.

I’ve had such a strange relationship with men and dating and sex. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to tie that anxiety back to the trauma that changed my life forever. The first time I had sex, I cried the whole time as I pictured such a thing being forced on Neisy against her will. The poor guy didn’t know what to do with me. He left, and I never saw him again. I remember being relieved to have gotten that first time out of the way, but when I thought about the encounter, it was mixed with images of horror.

Maybe later I’ll tell Jack why I’m in town. Houston wants me to fill him in, and something tells me I could trust him with my deepest, darkest secret.

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