Page 29 of Jimmy

“So soon?”

“So soon.”

“We barely know each other,” she said. “What if…”

“What if we use the time to get to know each other and fall harder for each other?” he asked. “We probably have a lot more in common than we think.”

“I guess so.” She smiled, despite her tears. “Do you like football?”

“Love it. Do you?”

She nodded. “I do.”

“Then I’ll reheat the pizza, and we can watch whatever game is on.”

“And pick winners?” she asked. “Whoever’s team loses, they go down on the other?”

“Yes.” He loved her idea and held her in his embrace. “Karey?”

“Yes?”

“Are you willing to keep trying with me?” he asked. “I want to.”

“I do.” She kissed him. “This is new and scary because it’s unknown to me -- having a normal relationship -- but I’m ready.”

“We’ll do it together.”

“We will.” She smiled. “Are you really forty?”

“Really. Just like you’re really twenty-two.”

“You don’t think I’m too young for you?”

“Not a chance.” She’d be the death of him or his greatest salvation. Only time would tell, but he didn’t need seven days to know he needed her.

He’d made his decision about Karey.

He loved her.

* * *

Karey spent the remainder of the weekend with Jimmy and loved every second. He’d taken her for another ride on his motorcycle and treated her to homemade pasta. She never would’ve guessed the handsome tattooed man knew how to make spaghetti.

And the sauce! So good. She’d been spoiled.

She stopped at her apartment on Tuesday to change her clothes, shower, and get ready for work. She’d needed to charge her phone, too. She tucked the extra cord in her bag, so she’d have it for later and ensured she had a spare battery, too.

Her phone rang, and she checked the ID. Sarah. She might as well answer. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Sarah said. “Are you working today?”

“Yes.” Ah, Sarah. Right to the point. “Why?”

“I need to talk to you. Can I give you a ride?”

“Sure.” She’d rather chat in the car. “I leave to walk to work in ten minutes.”

“I’m in the parking lot.”