Page 14 of A Me and You Thing
Before I check on Sawyer in his office, I write him a note and leave it in the drawer:Take my breath away.Because he does, every day of my life.
Then I stand in his office doorway and watch him unaware for a few moments. After dinner, he always helps me with the bedtime routine, so I know he’s feeling swamped this evening. He has to divide his time between two jobs, and that keeps him busy.
I sometimes think of my husband as a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts. Some days he’s the sexy and sporty captain of a boat who purposely seeks out the gentle giants of the ocean, getting as close as safety permits. He’s a man who likes adventure, who pursues it relentlessly.
Other days, he’s the overly educated marine biologist who does a myriad of jobs for the aquarium. Now he’s sitting at his desk with reading glasses perched on his nose, hair neatly combed, his casual button-down shirt rolled up to his elbows. Very professorly. Tonight he’s preparing text for display on his new exhibits, attempting to make them understandable and user-friendly for a variety of ages.
I like the two different sides to my man. Both are equally appealing. I can’t even say which side I love most.
“Hey.” I fold my arms and lean against the doorjamb, content to let my eyes feast on him.
He looks up, clearly distracted. “Hey.” His eyes glance at the clock. “I’m sorry. Are the girls already in bed?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry about it. I know you’re busy tonight.”
“I’ll sneak in and give them each a kiss later.”
“Okay.”
When I make no move to leave, he rests his chin on steepled fingers. “May I help you, ma’am?”
“I’ve come to flirt with the professor.”
He flashes me his half-smile. “Professor, huh? I’m pretty sure that’s against the rules.”
“That’s what makes it so exciting.”
He leans back in his chair and folds his arms, mimicking my casual indifference. “You’re such a rebel. Who knew?”
“Do you want me to leave, Mr. Denali?”
“No, ma’am. I do not.”
“So, you’re a rule breaker too?”
He shrugs. “I might have a hidden wild side. Come here and find out. I dare you.”
“Challenge accepted. But I warn you, I was voted Most Daring in high school.”
“Is that supposed to scare me? Because it has the opposite effect.” His huge smile makes a brief appearance.
“Really? You’re a man of hidden secrets.”
“I’d like to tell you a few of them. Come closer.”
I take a few steps forward. “This good?”
“Not nearly close enough.”
I walk up to his desk and press my hands on it, leaning toward him. “Better?”
He hasn’t moved an inch. His position still implies lack of interest, but I know better. The fire in his eyes betrays him. He swallows and his lips part. I know I’ve thoroughly distracted him.
“Nope, that won’t do either.”
He gives me his Mel Gibson/Fletcher Christian gaze. Man, I love when he looks at me like that. In the movieThe Bounty,Mel Gibson captured the way I’ve always wanted to be looked at by a man. When he was completely besotted with his Tahitian girl, he looked at her with love radiating from his eyes, utterly smitten and love-struck.
Sawyer looks at me like that on occasion and I love it. I call it his Fletcher Christian gaze. When he turns that stare on me, I’m putty in his hands.
