Page 9 of Winning the Nightcap

Shit, I’m rambling.

“I remember,” she quickly interjects. “No need to revisit it. Happens all the time. Wait, no.” She closes her eyes and shakes her head. “It definitely doesn’t happen all the time. I mean it happened and now it’s over.”

Flustered, she breaks eye contact, studying her clipboard as if the answers to life’s greatest questions are written there. She sighs and looks up at me. Those blue eyes I remember so clearly staring up at me, sending a pulse of electricity through my chest, and her lip pales as she bites it again. How did I not notice she’s even more beautiful now than she was years ago? Oh right, the baby poop.

So much baby poop.

“Listen, I’m really sorry about all that. I’m embarrassed that I walked in like that, and I hope it isn’t too weird that I’m taking this class. I didn’t realize you taught here. Come to think of it, I didn’t know what you did until now.” I explain, hoping she doesn’t think I’m the world’s biggest creep.

“No worries, really. If anything, I learned a valuable lesson. Always wait to clean yourself up untilafterthe diaper change is done. And if you think Luca’s done pooping, he’s not. Little man faked me out once, but never again.” She laughs, and I swear the sound alone has my mood soaring, transporting me back in time.

“Seems like you took one for the team. Of course, Dom arrived home just in time to miss diaper duty. I hope he pays you back for that one.”

“Oh, trust me, I plan to exploit his guilt for as long as I can.” Her posture softens as she seems to get more comfortable. Weird how much I like that she’s doing that around me again. “Well, anyway, tell me about this cutie you got here.” She bends down to one knee to get Hop’s attention, interrupting him as he paws excitedly, nipping at my shoelaces.

“This is Hopper and as you can see, we are in need of serious help.”

She looks up at me, beaming. “You mean to tell me I am in the presence of one Chief Jim Hopper?” She pets Hop, who immediately surrenders and flops over to show his belly, which she rewards withscratches.

I chuckle and scratch the back of my neck. “Yeah, I was bingingStranger Thingswhen I brought him home, and obviously he has the seriousness of his namesake.” The contrast in personalities is exaggerated as Hopper’s tongue flops out onto the tile. “Honestly, he may be the biggest goof I’ve ever met.”

“Well, we can get him ready for Hawkins in no time, I’m sure. Though, I have to agree with you. He seems more like a Dustin to me.” She stands and winks at me. “You’re looking at a fellow fan.”

Damn, she’s cute.

Seriously, what is wrong with me?

Stop staring at her.

Since Dom got married, I often find my thoughts drifting back to memories of meeting Bec. They’d pop up randomly, unprompted but always welcome. The pang of lust and longing that would run through me when I remembered the way Bec felt in my arms always left me feeling empty. The bold confidence and carefree attitude she exuded were contagious, and even in my memories, they held me captive.

I shouldn’t be surprised, but it’s catching me off guard that Bec can still make me feel like a fresh breath of life is running through me. Like waking up because the sunshine crosses over your face, suddenly blinding you, making you realize how dark it was before.

Bec snaps my focus back to her. “Since you missed the first few classes, we can schedule a makeup session to catch you two up if you’d like. I usually offer those to clients on Sundays. I have an opening at nine tomorrow morning. I realize that’s short notice, so if you’re not free, we can find another time.”

“Sure, yeah. I’m free if you are.”Do I sound too eager to be alone with her?

“Great,” she says, smiling and looking down. “Time to get to work, Hop. Hawkins needs you in top shape.” His tail wags as he zooms around her feet, my heart racing as fast as he is.

Chapter Six

Aiden

The Wedding

“Dream vacation. Go,” I challenge. The hotel bar is still packed, but Bec and I moved to a booth a while ago and I barely notice anyone around us. We’ve been talking for what feels like minutes, but my watch tells me it’s been a couple of hours. Bec mentioned she’s waiting on a few friends to arrive, and I have to meet the guys soon for the bachelor party. My gut twists under the pressure of time encroaching on us. Bec seems unfazed, but I’m already trying to think of ways I can see her again.

The conversation has been light and fun. When was the last time I felt this relaxed around a woman?

“Hm…money’s not a factor?” she asks. I shake my head. “I guess, I don’t know…somewhere remote. Give me wooded forests, hidden waterfalls, active volcanoes, sprawling mountains.” Her gaze is distant, a content smile overtaking her, like she’s there already.

“Volcanoes? So, you’re a thrill seeker.”

“Not really. But when my typical day-to-day routine starts to feel monotonous, I like to imagine experiencing the world in a simpler way.Exploring a corner of the world that’s undisturbed. Wandering through the natural beauty. It fills me with a sense of calm I can’t seem to replicate anywhere else. When I get in my own head, and my problems feel larger than life, it’s nice to imagine being somewhere like that instead, just breathing in the silence. Appreciating my small place in a massive universe.”

“Is it safe to assume you live out in the country somewhere?”

“Ha, nope. Not a country girl. Don’t get me wrong, city life suits me. I live here in Columbus, but when I need a break, I like to get away and try to remind myself that whatever I’m worrying about doesn’t really matter. Sometimes I get the itch to get away to remind myself how just being here, being myself is a gift. I am enough right now, exactly as I am.”

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