Page 19 of Making the Call
“I started to edit, but the story that came to me last night during dinner wouldn’t stop running through my mind, so I let it out. I managed to write nearly ten thousand words.”
“Wow, I can’t imagine writing that many words. Ten-page papers in college were long enough for me. What were those? Three thousand words?”
I chuckle as he shakes his head in disbelief. “I think they were something like that… But last night was a good night for me. I was so in the ‘zone,’ I hardly was aware of time passing. I get like that from time to time…”
Luke opens the fridge, then looks over his shoulder. “That has to feel incredible to be in the zone like that, for that extent of time. I can only imagine it from an athlete’s standpoint, but I’m sure the rush of endorphins is enormous.” He pokes around for a second, pulls out a package of pepperoni and a bottle of water, then asks, “What can I get you to drink?”
Knowing I need to concentrate and could use come caffeine, I go with, “Soda is fine.” He pops the top and hands it to me. “Thanks.”
We walk back out to the deck and once again, I’m in awe of his view. The sun glistens off the water and the ferry to Tacoma off in the distance. The breeze coming off Puget Sound is refreshing on this warmer than usual day for late July. The plot I formed while staring at the water from his kitchen table last night continues rolling through my brain like a freight train, but I manage to contain myself. Barely.What is it about this place?Luke gestures for me to sit in the inviting furniture he has placed in the shade. There’s a small table between us that I set my drink down on before settling into the chaise lawn furniture.
“What are you working on?” I gesture to the laptop at the end of his lounger that he’d set aside when I arrived.
Luke settles into his chair and places his computer on his lap. “Just returning some emails. I might be on vacation, but they come in by the dozens every hour, it seems.”
“Ugg… Email is the best and worst thing ever invented. I love the convenience, but if you step away, it can get out of hand when you return. I love being out here on the island. It forces me to unplug from time to time and just get away from it all.” I pull out my laptop from my bag. “You sure you won’t mind if I write?”
“Not at all. Unfortunately, I’m unable to completely unplug. I have work to do myself.”
“Well, don’t let me stop you.” I gesture to his laptop as I start up my own.
As Luke types the chorded muscles in his forearm distract me from any productive thought. I pretend to read what’s on my screen for a few minutes, but truth be told, my thoughts are entirely on him and each move he makes.
Of course, he’s able settle in and begin typing furiously in response to an email, whereas my mind drifts to last night. Thankfully, the piercing shrill of his phone breaks my daydream, and he answers “This is Luke… Just a sec, I have that in my office.” He looks to me in an apologetic shrug as he sets his laptop aside and stands.
He glances at me and I whisper, “It’s no problem.” I can’t help but watch his muscular form retreat into the house. There’s something about a man in a taut black t-shirt with defined muscles that makes my eyes stick like magnets. Throw in some well-fitted dark-green shorts and…Damn… was he a Calvin Klein model in his past life?
I’m not sure how long I stare in his direction before I get a grip and return to reality. Shaking my thoughts of Luke away, I dive into the scene I started early this morning. I make a few tweaks as I read but for the most part, I’m inspired to write more. When I get to the point where all that’s left is a blinking curser, my fingers fly across the keys like a runaway freight train. Scenes come together, characters click, and plot twists form.
I’m brought out of my revelry by a tap on my arm, which scares the shit out of me, causing me to jump.
“Dani?” Luke’s gravelly voice questions. “You okay? I didn’t mean to startle you… I started talking from the door and thought you’d heard me.”
Holy shit, I was out of it.I take a deep breath to steady my heartbeat, while shaking my head to clear my thoughts. “Sorry… Guess I didn’t hear you.”
Luke lets out a light laugh. “You can say that again. I came out to tell you dinner will be ready soon. I started cooking while I was on the phone. It’s nearly six, are you okay with me putting the steaks on?”
My stomach audibly answers before I have a chance to speak the words, causing Luke’s eyes to dance with entertainment. “Okay, then… I’ll get right on that.” The upward turn of his lips as he turns to walk into the house instantly causes me to heat from embarrassment.
“Wait…” I call out.
He turns his deep blue eyes in my direction.
“Can… Can I help you with anything?”
Luke shakes his head before assuring me, “Not this time. I got it. Get back to your book. I kind of feel bad for disturbing you. You were pretty intense before I startled you. I hope I didn’t make you lose your train of thought.”
Who is this man? Any other guy I’ve dated would have blown me off by now for being so engrossed in my own head.When he waits for me to respond, I quickly find my words. “No… I have things handled. I’m not sure what it is about this place, but if I keep at it, I’ll likely have this book done in record time.”
“That’s incredible. How many words have you written since I went inside?”
I look to the bottom of my screen and my eyes widen. “Um… Almost fifteen-hundred… About five pages or so.” It’s not much in the grand scheme of things, but not bad for an hour’s worth of work either.
“You’re abeast!” His deep voice rumbles.
Pride shines through me as I appreciate his praise. I try to play it off, but this is a great day for writing. “Eh… Today’s a good day.”
Luke rolls his eyes, “Whatever you say, Dani. I’m still impressed. I’ll be back out with the steaks in a minute.” With that, he turns to walk back into his beautiful home, and I’m left in awe of his incredible backside, once again.
