Page 16 of Curvy Crush
I’m dizzy by the time I get outside and the moment I step onto the sidewalk, I suck in a deep breath, realizing I’d been holding it. I rush to my car and climb behind the wheel. I don’t move to start it, though. I just lean my head back against the headrest, close my eyes, and breathe, willing myself to calm down. This is exactly why I shouldn’t let my thoughts run away with me. Evan wasn’t doing anything but being friendly today, but I almost had myself convinced that he likes me on a deeper level. When I saw that picture, though, I knew I was right the first time.
After a few deep breaths, I lift my head, start my car, and make the drive home. When I get there, I go inside and change into something more comfortable. I grab a pint of ice cream out of the fridge and go to the couch to mourn the relationship I never had, a relationship I knew I’d never have, but it’s now clearer than ever. If the picture didn’t seal the deal, the fact that he didn’t kiss me clinched it.
Chapter Fourteen
EVAN
Iwake in the morning, and the moment I open my eyes, my thoughts are filled with Lola. I can’t stop picturing her face, her luscious red locks, her big, blue eyes, the curves of her plump, always red, glistening lips. I wonder how soft they are, how sweet they’d taste. I’m kicking myself in the ass for not kissing her like I wanted yesterday, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I knew that if I did, she’d probably rear back and smack me, and she’d have every right. Iamher boss after all. Not to mention, I’m not ready to get into a relationship and don’t want to confuse her or hurt her. Before I can allow myself to take any steps toward Lola, I need to figure out my own shit, and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
I go through my morning routine of showering, having my early breakfast and coffee, and heading to the studio bright and early before anyone in town is up and moving. When I arrive, I get to work, but I can’t focus. I keep wondering if Lola is going to make it in. Around eight, I give up with wondering and just text her instead.
EVAN: Are you going to be coming into the studio today?
I drop the phone onto the table and turn to look at my painting, trying to figure out what I need to get in the right head space.
The phone chimes, and I pick it up to read the message.
LOLA: Not today. I have a couple appointments that will keep me busy.
I drop the phone back onto the table and turn back to the canvas. I pick up my paintbrush and try to paint the bricks on the building, but something doesn’t feel right, and I can’t shake it. I’m not used to working with her here, so that can’t be it. I’ve had my coffee and I’m not hungry. Why can’t I get in the mood to paint today? I haven’t had a block like this in a long time.
I force myself to work, but I’m not feeling it, and I know it’s not turning out as well as it would if I was in the mood. Giving up, I lock up the studio and head for the bakery, needing a break even if I’m not hungry. I order a cup of coffee and sit at the same table as yesterday. I look out the window and watch as everyone in town wakes and begins to move on with their day. I watch as people walk up and down the street, and I wonder what Lola is doing and where her appointments are. I want to see her. Even sitting at this table doesn’t feel like it did yesterday with her.
Then it hits me. The reason I can’t work, the reason nothing is feeling right today, is because she’s all I want. I can’t get her off my mind, and I know that it won’t stop until I can see her again. I can’t go the whole weekend not working. I pull out my phone and send her a text.
EVAN: Are you free tonight? Can you come over to my place for dinner?
I set the phone on the table and take a drink of coffee. I don’t expect her to text back right away. She said she had appointments so I’m sure she’s working. Minutes later, my phone chimes.
LOLA: Sure, I’ll bring my computer and show you the photos I have edited already. What time?
I’m surprised and excited and nervous, but I reply right away.
EVAN: Seven?
LOLA: Perfect, but I’ll need your address.
I send her my address and suddenly, I’m full of excitement. I can’t wait until tonight, but my stomach feels like it’s full of butterflies. I’m too amped up to sit any longer. I get up and leave the bakery, heading back to my truck at the studio. I don’t bother going inside. I know I won’t get any work done anyway. I drive to the market and buy everything I’ll need to make dinner.
I didn’t think to ask if she had any allergies or preferences, so I just grab the stuff I need to make a batch of spaghetti. I get fresh bread to make some garlic bread and some vegetables for a side salad. I also grab a bottle of wine and a couple of candles for the table. Then I wonder if the candles are overkill. I buy them anyway, deciding that I’ll figure that part out later.
I take everything back to my place and get everything put away until I need to start cooking. I tidy up the house a little, just dusting the tabletops, sweeping the floors, and lighting some candles so the place will smell nice instead of like a man who lives alone. Once the house is in order, I take a shower and get dressed.
I take my time, knowing that I have plenty of time to kill, but I can’t donothingwhile I wait. And just sitting will make the time pass too slowly. I shower and shave and dress in the only pair of jeans I have that don’t have paint on them. I pull on a red and black flannel shirt and roll the sleeves up to my elbows. I add some cologne and get stuff ready for dinner. Even though I still have plenty of time before she arrives, I go ahead and set the table, get the wine cooling, and make the salad. I play some soft music through the speakers in every room in the house and get busy browning the beef and boiling the water for the pasta.
A little while later, I’m putting everything on the table when I see her headlights shine through my kitchen window. I pull the curtain open and see Lola exiting her car and walking toward the house. She’s wearing a dress that hits at her knees. She has a black sweater over her arms and her hair is down and curled beautifully. She looks like she’s all dressed up, and I wonder if she has better plans for later or if she did all this for me.
She knocks on the door, and I answer it immediately. “Hey,” I say, pulling open the door.
She smiles nervously. “Hi, I didn’t bring anything. I didn’t know what I should—”
“Don’t worry about it. Come in, come in.”
Lola steps inside, and I close the door behind her.
“I didn’t really know what this was about. I figured it had to be about work, and then I remembered that I hadn’t really shown you anything yet. Is there anywhere I can set up my computer?”
“Uh, yeah, but dinner is ready. Do you want to eat first, before it gets cold?”
