I hear her shuffle out to the living room, but I sit there for a good ten minutes before I rush out so that I don't seem expectant or anxious. She’s sitting on the couch in a pink tank top and black running shorts.
“No wonder you're cold,” I say jokingly.
Trying to decipher the expression on her face is impossible. I can never tell what she’s thinking.
“I don’t like a lot of clothes on while I sleep.” And there is it, the feisty girl I remember from high school. I’m not being too forward, that’s for damn sure.
“Why don’t you go put on a movie and pop some popcorn?”
“Yes, ma'am,” I reply with a salute. She laughs, relaxing more on the couch, pulling a blanket over her. Damn, I liked the view.
I put in a movie and sit down with the bowl of popcorn; she scoots next to me, pulling the blanket further over her and laying her head on my shoulder. The feel of her bare skin against mine makes it hard for me to concentrate on the movie. When she puts her legs over mine, I do everything I can to control myself. Damn, she’s beautiful like this, wisps of hair loose around her face, illuminated by only the television.
She looks up at me and smiles. “I get to go back to work the day after tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I’ve got some of my own shit to handle.” Playing house with her has
been fun, but the club needs me. I promised Wilson.
“I’ve liked it though, being here with you.”
She kisses me and hugs me tightly, each move making it hard to control all the blood rushing south. She pulls away and her leg skims across the fabric of my pants, making me groan.
“Are you ok?” she asks.
“I’m fine,” I quickly reply in a strained whisper. Closing my eyes, I try to think of everything that turns me off.
Thirty minutes into the movie, and she's asleep on my shoulder. Picking her up gently, I take her to my bed and cover her up. Taking my place on the couch, I smile, knowing I'm never letting this one go.
26
Cami
Seven o'clock finally comes around and my workday is done. It feels good being back at work again, but I am beyond ready to get out of here and go see Ella. And Jett.
I clock out and walk to my car. As I sit down, my phone whistles, indicating I have a text message, and only one person is set to that particular sound, Jett. A huge smile crosses my lips as I open it.
Hi.
I laugh at that one small word. All I can think about lately is him and the things he said to me. “Sweetheart, I am far from perfect and I have many flaws. One of them being the inability to leave you alone.”
I really don't want him to leave me alone, but I fear he's going to want more than I'm willing to give right now. I'm damaged—Ty ruined me in such a way I'm not sure I'll ever have the ability to fully trust anyone again. I shake off the feeling of doubt and reply to his text.
Hi
I sit there with my eyes closed for a minute and then put on my seat belt and start the car. As I put it in reverse, my phone sounds off again.
WYD?
Just got off work and headed home
I want to add, to you, but I don’t.
If ur headed home y R u still in the parking lot?
Immediately, my heart begins to hammer in my chest as I look around for his bike.
How do you know that? I text back.