Page 61 of Zimyra

“You come here to study?”

“Yes. I can’t stay focused at home. Iusuallydon’t have any distractions here.”

A grin settles in the corner of his mouth. “My bad.”

I take a sip of coffee and look up to, once again, being greeted by his mesmerizing eyes.

“As comfortable as your place is, I can’t see it.”

“It’s probably a little too comfortable. If I was there lying on the sofa with my notebook, I’d be asleep.”

“Tell you what—I’m almost finished eating. Let’s test that theory.”

“Let’s not. I cannot stay up late.”

“It’s not late. We can get a couple of hours in.”

“Urgh.”

“Don’t say no when you know you want to say yes.”

I stand up and say, “Can you keep an eye on my notebook? I’ll be right back?”

“Sure.”

I get a refill on my coffee and then return to the table.

Axel has finished his food and has already gathered the trash. “You ready?” he asks.

“Yeah. Let’s go and get this over with.”

I step inside and flick on the lights. Axel has been here once before, so I don’t feel a certain way about him being in my home. In fact, I like him being here. It’s different – so not like me. I never invite men to my apartment. Something just hits different with him.

“Make yourself at home,” I tell him. “I’ll be right back.”

I go to my bedroom, close and lock the door, and then change quickly out of my work clothes. I slide into a pair of jogging pants and a big pink T-shirt then go back to the living room. I find him standing near the wall, staring at my little gallery of family photos.

“You have a nice collection of pictures here. I like how you organized them all. I’m sure you made this collage.”

“Yeah, I did. I go to thrift markets and find interesting pieces and turn them into frames.”

“Nice.”

I turn to the glossary page in my notebook and say, “Okay. Let’s get crackin’. We both have to work tomorrow. There’s no time to waste.”

I sit on the sofa and fold one leg beneath me. He sits as well – closer than I thought he would. My knee is touching his muscular thigh.

Lord have mercy…this man…

He takes the notebook and says. “Give me the definition of chaise. Even I know that one.”

“A chaise is basically a lounge chair.”

“Okay. What about enfilade—I think I pronounced that correctly?”

“Yeah. It’s a series of rooms connected via doorways.”

“Your notes say it’s common in castles and museums. I wonder why you even need to know that.”

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