Page 72 of The Other Guy

JACK

Aside from taking Toby outside, and her wearing my clothes so we could play in the snow as well – which was adorable and a freaking blast — we’ve been holed up in the house since she arrived at my doorstep on Sunday evening. Three days together and I’m not sick of her. Not one bit. We’ve cuddled and kissed but haven’t taken things any farther physically than the first night. Which, considering we dove head first — quite literally — on Monday night, it’s probably a good thing for us to back off a little until we know what we want.

Not that we didn’t spend our time tempting each other, which means I’ve been practically a walking hard-on. Our eyes would lock and fingers would graze. She’d walk around with her long legs on display and I’d strut around shirtless. Teasing looks and whispers. We’ve kissed. A lot. Her lips are bee stung and it makes her look even more appealing. So appealing that I’ve had a hard time keeping my lips and hands to myself.

Who can blame me, though? I wasn’t looking for a relationship but maybe that’s why it feels so right. Nothing between us is forced. Everything with Sierra, from making dinner to how we like to spend our free time, is natural and in sync with one another. I know she’s not caving and agreeing with me on what I like, and I’m not giving in to her, either.

We’ve lived happily in our little bubble away from the rest of the world and it has been awesome. I’m not ready for her to leave, and by the way she’s dragging her feet to get into the Jeep tells me she’s not ready either. She keeps checking under the bed to make sure she didn’t leave anything. I don’t remind Sierra that she didn’t bring anything with her. I want to tell her that I’m not ready for her to leave either but part of me thinks it’s for the best. Take a bit of time apart to get our bearings. Rather than spending time talking about whatever this is between us, we’ve gotten to know each other, and what I’ve learned, I like a lot.

Not so much about our childhoods because something tells me that hers isn’t pretty, just like mine wasn’t. But about who we are as adults. I’ve learned that Sierra hates taking naps because she always feels groggy when she wakes up. Her most-hated household chore is cleaning out the dishwasher, she burns eggs, once got high off cold medicine and decided to go to a pet store. Came home with a 25-gallon tank for a pet turtle. She’s addicted to watching cat videos but is allergic so can’t have one for herself. One of her guilty pleasures is going to trampoline parks and jumping around like a maniac where no one can judge her for being silly. She loves fuzzy socks and throw blankets and watching college basketball and stuffing tater tots into her soft tacos. And that’s just the tip of what I’ve learned and have yet to learn.

For every question I ask of her, she asks one of me in return. I prefer watching college football, but that’s partly because my cousin, Grady Ryan, is the head coach for Southeast Michigan State football and my brother-in-law, Drew, is his assistant. She’s a little starstruck at this information but quickly covers it up. I admit to crunching on ice and she let me know that she forgives me of my annoying habit. I tease her about making an expensive purchase after being high — on cold medicine, no less — but she quickly returns the favor when I admit that I bought the gym mainly because of sentimental reasons.

The roads are cleared up from the massive snowstorm that settled over Michigan, and if I was being honest could have been traveled on already yesterday, and there’s no excuse for her to stay any longer.

I don’t know what her expectations are and I haven’t told her mine. Partly because I’m scared. She just broke up with her boyfriend and even though I would be all for this to be something more, I don’t think she’s ready for that.

Once we’re not secluded and alone, I’m afraid she’s going to realize it’s too soon to dive into another relationship. And if that’s the case, that’s okay. I’ll wait. Because I may not have been looking for Sierra but she stumbled into my life and I won’t give her up.

“Got everything?”

She looks around my Jeep and sees Toby in the back seat, excited to go for a ride. “Looks like it.”

“Buckled in?”

She pulls on the seat belt secured over her chest. “Yup.”

The drive to her uncle’s house is slow going but easily managed, especially with 4-wheel drive. But what bothers me is how quiet it is. Normally Sierra’s got plenty to say, never shying away from starting up conversation. The entire ride, though, she’s simply looked out the window. When we pull up to The Landing, she climbs out and calls for Toby, holding her door open for him. But he sits stubbornly in the back seat, not yet ready for his adventure to be over.

“Come on, boy.”

He licks his lips, whines a little bit, and then lies down.

I smile widely and reach behind me to pet him. “He likes me.”

“You gave him people food for three days. Of course he likes you.”

“And played with him. Gave him shelter. Kind of like you.”

“Apparently, we’re both easy.” I open my door but her words stop me, one foot on the ground, one still in the Jeep.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

“Not nothing. What did you say?”

“Just forget it, Jack.”

“I won’t just forget it. Why did you say you’re easy?”

She shrugs and looks toward the house. “They’re just words.”

“Not to me. You’re far from easy, Sierra.”

“So I’m hard?”

I want to say no, I am, but figure now’s not the time. “I didn’t say that, either. Although, right now I’d dare to say you’re being a little difficult.”

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