Page 34 of Look My Way
Me:I’ll bring them along. How’s the book coming?
Unknown number:Which one? I have like five, remember? And that’s just the physical copies.
A fluttery feeling takes over my chest.
Me:Whichever one are you currently reading?
Unknown number:I’ve read all the ones you gave me and a few on the kindle app.
I smile so wide, I have to touch my lips to make sure it’s actually happening. It’s hard these days. Or it was.
Me:You’re a fast reader for someone who doesn’t read.
Unknown:Never said I didn’t read. Only that I didn’t have time. A lot of sleep was sacrificed.
Me:Well, we can both walk about half awake together. I didn’t get much the last few nights either.
Unknown:That’s no good. Maybe lots of sunshine will help.
Me:I’m sure it won’t hurt. I should work so I can finish this book.
Unknown: Get to it. You’ll feel a lot better once it’s done. That might even be what’s keeping you awake at night. It’ll be one less thing to worry about.
Me:You’re right. I’ll go and sit at my desk and see if the words come.
Unknown:They will when they’re ready. You got this, carino.
My heart jumps, and right when I think it isn’t possible, my smile grows bigger. I walk to my office while reading over his message, not putting the phone down until I’m in my seat. The tips of my fingers touch the keyboard, and the same way I’m looking forward to walking around downtown with the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, so is Lex. The words flow easily. Not everything should be jotted down straight from my head, but I go with the flow, not wanting to disrupt it.
One chapter is done within the hour, and then two more right before my alarm goes off reminding me to get ready for Zavier to arrive. I’ve got only the epilogue left, and giving my characters their happy ending is my favorite part of the process. Afterwhat I drag them through, they deserve it. Satisfied with all I’ve accomplished, I save my work and change into a lighter shirt.
The heat from outside is seeping into my walls and bypassing my air conditioner, and a knock at the door catches me off guard as I’m running a comb through my hair. My breathing is all over the place as I slip my glasses over my eyes. I take a breath and straighten the collar on my white button down before going to greet my visitor.
Zavier is standing on the other side of the door wearing a black V-neck and jeans. The way they grip his thick thighs is sinful. Smiling, he lifts his hands in front of him.
“I’m a little early, but that’s better than being late, right?” He rolls his shoulders back. “Oh, and I got you these.”
A basket rests in his fingers, with pink tissue paper sticking out around a bundle of stones of various shapes and sizes. All with flat surfaces and perfect for painting on.
My breaths stutter. “These are for me?”
“Yeah. I don’t really know how farmer’s market hang outs are supposed to go, but I didn’t want to show up at your door empty-handed. I also thought maybe . . . you could, you know . . .” He shrugs nonchalantly . . . “Paint me one. My room could use a little color.”
My fingers collide with his as I take the gift from his hand, my skin feeling like it’s moving against his. Every part he touches comes alive. How is it that he feels so damn good? Is it because I can sense that he likes touching me too? His chest dips, eyes darkening, and he presses into me.
Does he know he does that? I brush my fingers over his, my heart wanting to escape my chest when his hand skirts up my wrist to stroke over my pulse point.
“Sure. I’d love to. Anything in particular you’d like?” My voice comes out huskier than intended.
“Surprise me.” He traces circles around my wrist and up my arm, stopping at my elbow.
My body is temporarily paralyzed, and I can’t move away from the door until he pulls his hand away. I tighten my grip around the small basket before it can slip through my fingers.
“I’ve never been given a stone bouquet before, but I guess I won’t need to worry about putting it in water before we go.” I smile, finding a place in the kitchen to set my present. I’ll move it to the room before Daniel notices it. He doesn’t come into the kitchen for more than something to drink. If he’s hungry, he’ll ask me to get it, and say it’s only because I know my house better than he does.
He’s been staying over for two years now, so I doubt that. I’ve been at his place less than he’s been at mine and know my way around every room. It’s smaller and he says he only keeps what he sees as practical in it. Is Zavier a tidy or messy person?
Something in between maybe? Will I get to see how he truly is during our movie night, or will he choose that one day to make the whole place spotless because I’m coming over. I don’t imagine Zavier as being a person who hides who he is from the people he wants viewing him for who he truly is, and I think he wants me to. That’s why I don’t think he could be some serial killer.
