Page 10 of Oh Boy!
Nathan
My first mistake was the ulterior motive that drove me here. The spellbinding woman who’s haunted my wet dreams since the festival lets me in, closing the door behind us and waiting for my next move.
Rendered inane, words tumble from my mouth. “Thanks for the tour, Doctor Ross.” As soon as they do, the wiseass that I am feels the need to clarify, “You know I don’t mean Doug Ross fromER, don’t you?”
“You’re welcome, G.I. Joe. And by the way, I loveFriends,and I get the Ross Geller joke all the time.”
Fuck! I grind my teeth. Since when am I this predictable prick? I take a shallow breath. In one stride, I rest my butt on her tiny desk, crammed in the closet that she calls her office. Crossing my arms on my chest in a futile attempt to showcase my muscles, I’m well-aware that I’m being ridiculous. Making a fool of myself whenever she’s around is apparently my new black.
I can live with that because seeing yet another side of this fascinating woman won’t get old any time soon. I barely know her and already revel in every one of her mundane gestures. The Krav Maga fighter that I met two weeks ago is hidden somewhere in her sinful body, as is the hot as fuck groupie.
From the moment we stepped into the minuscule space, the elephant in the room disappeared. Because I’m a stubborn asshole, I try anyway. This woman brings out my caveman tendencies. Unfortunately, from what I’ve read from her body language so far, I doubt that it’s a good thing. Flirtatious yet guarded.
My favorite archaeologist juts her chin towards the coffee pot that sits on a TV tray on the left side of the door, preventing it from fully opening. “Coffee?” She’s already sauntering in that direction, her toned back to me and her perky ass on display.
Pace yourself, man!
When she turns around, my eyes catch hers. Does she realize how badly she affects me? I grip the furniture behind me before asking, “But you’re a doctor, correct?”
“Indeed.” Her fingers twist her hair, her go-to nervous gesture. “The kind of doctor who also teaches in her spare time.” Her sudden modesty is endearing, especially after proving that she’s got her shit together. “I’m slightly disappointed, though.” My hopeful heart leaps into my throat; I sigh. “I took you for someone who’d do his research.” Her accurate comment makes me chuckle. Where is she going with this? She doesn’t disappoint. “Ross Geller was a paleontologist. I’m an archaeologist. Big difference!” She bumps her fist on the wall, making me jump.
See what I was saying about making a fool of myself? Although she must know that I came here with questionable intentions, she feigns to ignore the weight of my stare as much as I pretend to ignore hers; definitely not my imagination.
Her mouth quirks up as she gives me a simple yet detailed explanation. Enthralled, I scratch my stubble-covered chin and bombard her with more questions. Whoever said that a well-read woman is a dangerous creature must have known the woman across the room.
I’m in so much trouble!
“Thanks for showing so much excitement. Even I know that artifacts and pottery aren’tthatcompelling…”
I chuckle at that. “I aim to please.” Shrugging, I flash her a genuine smile. “Your enthusiasm, hard work, and research made it make sense. That requires patience and determination, both qualities that I admire.”
Flushed, she breaks eye contact and ambles over to me, her eyes trained on the mugs to avoid spilling coffee. She remains at a distance, appraising me.
“What?”
“I just can’t get over what you just said.” Her statement makes me frown. “I’m impressed because… you’re spot on.”
“Impressed, huh? Why is that?”
“Because I thought you were just a shallow prick who pretended to be interested in me and my work to get into my pants.”
“You know that doesn’t make sense, right?”
“Why not?” she asks, playing with her braid.
“You wouldn’t have invited me here if you thought that was my sole purpose. And either way, I wouldn’t have agreed to it because I don’t chase after attached women. I’m not an asshole.” She cocks her head. “For the record, that’s where you’re wrong. I am anything but shallow!” I chuckle. “I know that people see me as conceited. That’s fine by me. I probably am. After all, why shouldn’t I be proud of my achievements? I couldn’t care less about other people’s judgmental opinions. My physique helps me score women and promo campaigns. My job is fun yet demanding and earns me a substantial amount of money. My brain cells work efficiently to form coherent thoughts. Sue me!”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Yes, you did, and that’s okay. As your friend, I’ll do my best to prove that there’s no harm in handling things my way. I know my worth, but I also practicekintsugion myself.” She grins at that. “I keep my head up while fighting my demons, which are nobody’s business but mine. You, too, have brains, a demanding job, and are easy on the eyes.” She opens her mouth to speak, blushing, but I carry on. “Only you seem to prefer the apparent security of the shadow, while I thrive in the light.”
“Point taken.” Her knowing smile is all the approval I need.
Today, I didn’t expect her to be dolled-up. That’s not her style, favoring a rugged look, as if somewhat ashamed of her flawless physique. I cluelessly assumed an Indiana Jones look from head to toe. Now that I think about it, she resembles a blonde Lara Croft, with her high braided ponytail. I’d better keep my mouth shut this time. The fact that she doesn’t have an ostentatious bone in her body suits me; class and beauty apparently come naturally to her. As for the contrast between her massive hiking boots and exposed skin, well… it speaks straight to my lonely dick. Trust me, I had my fill of lusting after her sun-kissed skin during this afternoon’s tour!
Even before she enters my personal space to deposit the beverage on the desk, my stupid heart somersaults at her nearness. Her essence torments my soul; she smells exactly like I imagineThe Little Prince’s rose would.
Stop right there, Price! You’re neither a poet nor Jean-Baptiste Grenouille.
