Page 6 of Unexpected Adventures

“So, then you must be really good,” Denise states. She swerves into a driveway and slams on the breaks to settle behind a BMW.

“Depends on who you ask,” Shaun quips, laughter in his voice.

“We’re here! Let the fun begin!” Denise shuts off the engine, throws the keys in my direction, and quickly exits the car. I barely have time to react so the keys don’t smack me in the face. Luckily I’m spared that embarrassment. But I fumble with the keys, dropping them onto the floor by Shaun’s feet. I try to stretch over the console and twist around as we both reach for them at the same time, bumping our heads in that classic way. We each draw back, me wincing, him grinning.

“Sorry, my head seems to be harder than yours,” he says.

“No kidding.” I quickly smack my hand over my mouth.

“It’s okay, no need to be embarrassed. Here.” He hands me the keys, which I drop in my bag. “Why don’t we start again?” He extends his hand toward me. “Hi. I’m Shaun Porter.”

I look at his hand, then back to his face. I’m so mesmerized by his eyes, all I can do is stare.

“I promise I won’t bite.”

My nervous laughter causes him to smile. I slide my hand into his and shake it, immediately feeling his warmth. Parts of his skin are rough, parts are smooth. My eyes never leave his as he leans in close, parting his lips to speak again.

But not before I blurt out, “Let me guess, not unless I want you to, right?”

The outburst startles me and I feel flush. Not to mention nauseated. Good Lord, what is wrong with me?

“Not exactly where I was going, but, okay.”

“I’m sorry.” I pull my hand from his, turning to open the door. “I’ll just exit this car and you pretend I never uttered a word.” I finally get out and try dashing toward the house. I hear the car door slam as Shaun gets out, trotting to catch up to me, his flip-flops slapping his heels.

“Abby, wait.”

I hurry my pace but he has no problem catching up to me. “Wait, I’ll walk with you.”

I remain quiet although he’s determined to engage in conversation as he speaks again.

“So how long are you visiting your sister?”

“Monday.”

“Through Monday, or are you returning Monday?”

“Uh huh.” I’m not really paying attention to his words, I’m just trying to make it into the house without making a fool of myself any more than I already have.

Evidently that’s not going to happen as I stumble in the grass and Shaun bursts forward, reaching out to save me from a face plant. He hauls me up, our chests touching, his hands cupping my elbows. I pull back as if he’s on fire, which he is, because my god, he’shot…

“You okay?” he asks.

“Yes, thank you.” I side-step him to continue walking, then stop and turn back. “Um, no, actually I’m not. Look, I’m just going to say it. You’re gorgeous.”

He looks surprised but continues to grin.So cute.

“I’m sure you get that all the time.” I feel my face flame. “And I’m awkward and making a fool of myself.”

“Abby…”

“So, to avoid any further embarrassment, would you just please stand here and count to ten, giving me a head start? Okay? Great.” I quickly turn again toward the house, thinking I’m finally going to get inside without further incident.

Nope. Shaun speed-counts to ten––out loud, mind you––in about four seconds before rushing to catch up to me again.

“You didn’t say I had to count slowly.”

I can’t help but giggle.

---