Page 4 of Loch
I held my breath as I tiptoed down the hall to the bathroom door. As I turned into the doorway I saw him. His broad body was crouched down in the tub, looking like a giant bear in a kiddie pool. I bit my lip to hold back a laugh. His shoulders and head shielded behind the horrible floral print shower curtain. But I could see his tight ass being hugged by his fitted jeans. My mouth watered and I couldn’t stop staring.
Before I started drooling, I snapped my gaze to the edge of the vanity, where my toothbrush rested. My socks slid quietly and effortlessly along the tile floor as I skated across the room. My hand reached out for it, I was so close.
“You know, I know you’re there?” His voice was low and rumbled through his chest. I froze as a little squeak escaped me.
“No, you don’t,” I replied and then rolled my eyes at myself. His sexy laugh filled the tiny space around us as he moved the curtain back and looked up at me. “I… umm… need to get my…” I reached out and snagged my toothbrush then wiggled it between my fingers. He smirked, never taking his eyes off of me. His stare felt like laser beams shooting straight through to my soul. It felt like he knew all of my darkest secrets without me even telling him. Unable to take the intensity any longer, I spun on my heels and fled the bathroom.
After brushing my teeth in the downstairs bathroom, I went in search of coffee. Nan wasn’t one to drink it, but she made sure a pot was ready for me by the time I got up. She had even bought a few fancy creamers. I opened the fridge and my fingers danced over the three choices as I tried to decide on which one sounded the best. I nodded, happy with my decision, as I picked up the dark chocolate one. Anything chocolate was exactly what I needed right then, and mixed with coffee, I was in Heaven.
I leaned against the counter as I drank my first strong, steamy sip. My eyes closed and I hummed in the back of my throat as it hit my taste buds. I licked my lips as my lids fluttered open. My gaze was instantly set on deep chocolate brown eyes staring back at me from across the room. We stood there, locked in a trance for a few seconds before he cleared his throat and shook his head. My cheeks flushed and I took another sip in an attempt to cover it.
“Ah, Nathan, how’s it going up there?” Nan said, coming out of nowhere.
“I need to head to the hardware store. Gonna have to get another faucet handle, that one is stripped. That’s why it’s drippin’,” Nathan said, turning his attention to Nan. “I’ll be back in a few. Need anythin’ while I’m out?” Nan shook her head.
“I’ll go with you. I’ll pay for it.” I said, setting my coffee down. I didn’t have a lot of money, but I wanted to help out.
“No. Thanks. I’ve got it,” he said, barely glancing at me before he headed out the door.
“Well, okay then,” I whispered, annoyed. Nan let out a little laugh as she walked over to me and patted my shoulder.
We sat at the table and chatted as we ate fresh blueberry muffins. Well, she ate while I picked at mine. She made something every morning. I didn’t think Nan’s house ever held cereal or instant oatmeal.
“So, not that I’m pushing, but how long do you think you are going to be here?” she asked, crumpling up her muffin wrapper. To be honest, I had no idea. I hadn’t even thought about anything past the day-to-day. I knew she wasn’t trying to tell me she was already sick of me. This was leading somewhere, but I wasn’t sure where yet.
“Haven’t thought it through yet, I guess.” I looked down and shrugged. Part of me always felt at home here. I wouldn’t doubt that was because it was as close to the real thing that I’d ever gotten. The one constant in my life of revolving hotel and apartment doors.
“Well, I think you should think about getting a job. Stay here a while. Might do you some good. I’m guessing you haven’t heard from your mom?” Her tone turned sad.
“No, I doubt she cares or even remembers me. Have you?” I blinked back the tears that threatened to spill as I looked up at her. She patted my hand.
“Not for some time, dear.” Her voice seemed far away and disappointed.
The front door opened and I knew he was back. I wondered if he was going to stop or head upstairs. Part of me was disappointed when I heard the stairs creak under his weight, and I hoped it didn’t show through to Nan.
“Nathan, can you come here a moment?” Nan said, smiling. I looked up at her with wide eyes. I felt like she was in my head. That woman was too sharp for her own good.
“Everythin’ alright?” he asked, stepping into the dining room. His eyes flicked to me before settling on Nan.
“My dear Reagan is going to stay awhile. I was wondering if you needed any help at the bar or knew of any place looking for someone.” I looked at her like she was crazy.
Sure, I could work at a bar. That wasn’t the problem. But the possibility of working with or near him was too much. Nathan was a mystery and one that I was very much intrigued by. However, it was all a bad idea. I needed to distance myself from people. What if I needed to run again? What if I put them in danger? I would never be able to live with myself. Plus, every time I was near him, I felt like I was losing my mind. I couldn’t think and I even forgot to breathe.
I kept my eyes downcast. I didn’t want him to hire me out of pity. I also didn’t want to see the expression on his face. Was he angry? Disappointed? Irritated? Happy? Maybe that last one could have been the worst. Whatever it was, I didn’t have the courage to find out.
“Yeah, I could use someone. You sure though? That bar can get a little rowdy. Especially when the boys are there,” he said in an unreadable tone. My head snapped up.
“I can handle it. I’ve worked in a roadside diner for a while. I also worked in a couple of different bars for a few months. Oh and let’s not forget the shady motel my mother left me at. Ended up working there, too.” I huffed. I wanted him to know I wasn’t some little, broken girl. I’d seen the ugliness of the world, and I had learned how to deal with it along the way.
“Alright then. Be there at three,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips. With a smile and a nod to Nan, he headed back upstairs.
“What have you done?” I said, huffing out a short laugh. The smile on her face said it all.
“What, dear? I just got you a job. That’s all.” Her tone was cheerful, but her eyes said so much more. Before I could say anything else, she stood up and walked into the kitchen taking both our dirty plates with her.
Nathan left a little while later, without another word to me. But at least he left me with a working, hot shower. I could still smell him as I stepped into the steam. A mix of leather, man, and sweat. I was unable to wipe the smile from my face the whole time I was in there.
I didn’t have many options for clothes. I had three t-shirts and one button-up blouse. I thought the blouse might be too much for a bar. I picked the shirt that looked less worn. However, it had weird brown splash patterned stain that started on the bottom left and spread over my stomach. I’d already washed it once, so there was no chance it was going to come out. I shrugged and hoped it looked like one of those shirts that were trying too hard to be vintage.
