Page 27 of Just to Be with You

“No. The music is fine. I don’t watch a lot of TV.”

He lay back and pulled her down, adjusting their bodies so that they were spooned. “Perfect.”

What was it about this little woman that had him so tied up in knots? Lying with her filled him with such contentment that it scared him. Terrence tried to recall if he’d ever felt like this with another woman. He hadn’t. He couldn’t remember ever sitting and talking for hours with one, either. And he certainly hadn’t cooked for one or shared his history. All the women he’d dated since college had gone out with the man known as Monte—the outgoing music star. Janae was the only woman who’d gotten a glimpse of the real Terrence—the homebody who preferred a quiet evening at home. What did that mean?

They lay quietly together, content to let the music play. Nearly an hour passed before either spoke.

“You must be tired,” Janae murmured.

She sat up, and he immediately felt bereft. Lying with her had him thinking things better left alone. Terrence smiled faintly. “A little. It’s been a long week.” He sat up and stretched.

“I can imagine. And you’ve been touring, too. I don’t know how you do it. After only one week of going nonstop, I’d be grouchy as a bear whose hibernation was interrupted.”

Terrence laughed. “You get used to it.” He stood. “I’m gonna get my bag out of the car.”

“Okay.”

Janae hadn’t moved from her spot when Terrence came back. He wondered if she had second thoughts and asked her about it.

“No. I trust you. Come on. I’ll show you your room.” She led him to one of the guest rooms and flipped the light switch. She stepped back to let him enter.

Terrence took in the space, with its dark, heavy furniture and king-size bed with suede bedding. He figured it had been one of her brothers’ rooms.

“Is this okay? I thought you might be more comfortable in here than the other room.”

“It’s fine.”

“There are towels in the bathroom. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, thank you. I think I have everything.” He sensed her nervousness and reached out for her hand. “Are you sure you’re okay with this? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I can go to a hotel.”

She shook her head. “I’m good. Let me know if you need anything.” She backed out and pulled the door closed.

Terrence stripped and stepped into the shower. The warm water cascading over his tired body felt good. He had been going nonstop for the past two months. This was the first weekend in a long time that he’d been able to relax, aside from the time he’d spent in San Francisco. He thought about the woman whose house he would stay in. A first. Never had he stayed over at a woman’s house or invited one to stay in his. Actually, no woman had ever seen his home. He had a condo he used for business gatherings and such, but kept his real home away from the public.

He lingered a while longer before shutting off the water, drying off and going back into the room. Pulling on underwear and sweatpants, he grabbed the demo CD from the bag, then headed back to the family room.

Terrence peeked in the kitchen, but didn’t see Janae and assumed she was in her bedroom. He inserted the disc and pressed Play. Standing in the middle of the floor, he clasped his hands behind his back and closed his eyes. Something about the track bothered him. He had listened to it a few times already, but couldn’t put his finger on it. Maybe this time the inconsistency would come to him.

* * *

After cleaning the kitchen, Janae decided to take her own bath while Terrence was in the shower. She’d been so comfortable lying on the couch with him. He’d said it was perfect, and she felt the same way, but kept those sentiments to herself. Besides, she couldn’t get caught up in feelings. She knew it would be only a matter of time before he moved on—there was no way he would keep traveling back and forth to see her, especially since he could have his pick of women all over the country who were far more glamorous than she. So the best thing for her would be to keep things in perspective and store up these memories for when it ended.

When she left her bedroom, she didn’t see him and thought he hadn’t come out of his room. The phone rang as she entered the kitchen.

“Hey, Karen.” Janae sat at the kitchen table listening to Karen go on and on about the new bracelet she’d received from her boyfriend. “That’s really nice, Karen.”

“Girl, I was so surprised,” she squealed. “It has to be at least three carats.”

“I’m happy for you. Is there a special occasion, or is this a just-because gift?”

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