Page 59 of Idle

If only Jesse could do this to me.I know he can.

Allowing myself a few moments of grace to get my breathing back under control, I pick up the shampoo and wash my short locks. I wonder if he prefers longer hair? Rinsing off, I decide I don’t care. I’m not changing for anyone and I like my cut. It’s easy. Not complicated. Perfect for me.

I turn off the water and step into the bathroom, drying my body with a plush, soft white towel. As I run it over my legs, I picture Jesse’s muscular ones. While I have a small chest, his pecs and abs are defined. Not like Bo’s over-the-top muscles, but his six-pack suits him. I’d like to run my tongue over it to confirm. Laughing, I put on my clothes, leave the bathroom, and enter the empty bedroom.

While I’ve become friends of a sort with Mary Ellen, I’m happy to have this place to myself for a few. Allows me to moon over my partner a little while longer. At eight-thirty, I saunter into the public area for a cup of coffee before filming begins, only to hear low rumbles and growls. Should’ve stayed in the bedroom.

Bo announces, “It’s a stupid idea.”

“I think it would be good,” Mary Ellen counters.

The two continue arguing, and I tune them out in favor of searching the area for a much more pleasurable sight. When Jesse comes into focus sitting on the sofa holding a coffee, I drink him in. He looks edible. I’m not thinking this because I’m hungry, either, although I do need to find some fuel.

Walking over to him, I whisper, “How long have they been going at it?”

“Longer than I’ve been out here.” Knowing how miserable Mary Ellen is with her partner, my heart goes out to her. When Jesse adds, “I brought some cinnamon buns from the bakery across the street,” I focus on the good.

Glancing around to ensure no one’s watching, I kiss his cheek. “You’re the best. Want me to bring you one?”

He points to a plate sporting crumbs on the coffee table. “Couldn’t wait.”

I leave my man and go into the kitchen where the box of deliciousness sits on the middle of the island, not even slightly annoyed he ate without me—a definite no-no on my checklist. Pouring a mug of coffee, I select the largest bun in the bunch and drop it onto my plate. Snagging a napkin, I return to the sofas thrilled I can no longer hear Bo and Mary Ellen’s “discussion.”

Plopping down next to Jesse, I hold up the pastry. “Thanks.”

He moves his coffee mug away from his talented lips. “Enjoy.”

I take a bite and moan. Swallowing, I exclaim, “This is fantastic!”

“Better watch it, or Bo will think you’re doing something other than eating breakfast.” He tucks my short hair behind my ear. “Besides, I want to be the only one to elicit such a noise from your pretty little mouth.”

I’m down with that.

Quinn chooses this moment to enter the ViewPad, a clipboard in her hands. “Good morning! I trust you had a good night’s sleep and are ready to get back to work at the apartments?”

I swear she shoots Jesse and me an approving glance, but I must have imagined it. Mary Ellen and Bo join us in the living room.

“I wanted to tell you the network’s excited for the show. I’ve shown some of the execs the footage so far, and they’re impressed with your skills and how well everything’s coming across on the small screen. Well done!”

Everyone chimes in with variations of “Thank you.”

Her praise shoots through me. We have a fifty-fifty chance of winning this. Given all Jesse confessed to me last night, I want to win it now more than ever. He’s repressed his desire to be a carpenter in favor of keeping his sister’s dream alive, and to honor his father. I understand the inclination to follow in your father’s footsteps, although I brushed mine off while Jesse’s taken it to the opposite extreme. If he enjoyed banking it would be another thing—but he doesn’t. He was built for this. Anticipating a victory, my hands rub together.

Sitting across from Bo, whose mouth isn’t running for once, I study his features. He is classically handsome. Well-proportioned with symmetrical features. His muscular frame is bulky in a meathead way. His dark brown hair is the right length of shaggy.

I angle my head toward Jesse, and my heart leaps. His short sandy brown hair is styled in an effortless manner. His body has the right amount of muscles. But his eyes are what steal the show. The hazel—with flecks of khaki and green and amber tell the true story. Of intelligence and devotion. A girl could get lost in them for days.I want to get lost in them for years.

Trying to control my thoughts about my sexy partner, I lean against the sofa and force myself to be impartial. If I were an executive, which of these two men would I want representing the network on their own show? A cowboy persona could garner ratings. An earnest carpenter could draw people in as well. I’d choose the real-life man over a caricature any day.Twice on Sundays.

While Quinn keeps talking, I turn my attention to Mary Ellen. Now there’s a beautiful woman. The cameras must eat up her gorgeous body, long, blonde hair, and perfect nails. As I watch her, she frowns and pulls her mouth into a slight grimace. I can’t imagine the network would want that representing them, but expressions are an easy fix. Compared with her, I’m essentially a tomboy with my short hair and crappy nails. It hits me. I’m the one bringing our team down. Sitting straighter, I vow to do better.

Quinn asks, “Ready?”

Might as well try to start winning them over now. I don a cheery smile and yell, “Heck yeah!”

My response garners chuckles from the rest of the people in the room, and an “are you okay?” glance from the man sitting next to me.Trying to pull my weight, Jesse.

I stand. Since we left everything in 1626 this morning, we wait while Mary Ellen and Bo gather their stuff. As a group, we enter the elevator, Quinn offering pieces of advice which I don’t hear. Instead, I keep formulating ways to earn points and help us win.

---