Page 68 of A Dash of You

All the years I’ve lived here, this is the most I’ve spent on this damn balcony. All because of an unexpected neighbor who keeps me on my toes. She’s unpredictable, which scares the hell out of me. Yet, it also awakens me.

What the hell is it?

What is it about this woman that makes me so unhinged? And why can’t I stay away? I need it. Whatever the feeling is, I need it like the air I breathe.

The sliding door on the other side opens and I sit up a little straighter.

Jesus Christ.

It’s been three long agonizing days since we took our road trip, and I haven’t slept. Thinking about her, in bed, in the motel room. Her slender fingers gripping the box of memories that made me want to sweep her up and hold her, telling her it’ll all be okay.

Three days of not being inches away from her and it’s fucking killing me.

I should be asleep. Scratch that, I should be asleep at the shop. Not here nursing a beer waiting for Sora. But I haven’t felt this way about anyone. Charlotte was the rain before the storm and Sora is the sunshine that came after. I’m like a puppy who always had to be close to her or I’ll feel lost.

She steps out in nothing but tiny shorts and a tank top that sticks to her like a second skin and all I can do is run a hand down my face, scrubbing away the twitch of my senses.

“Logan.” There it is. The addicting sound of her voice. Fuck, she could say my name every second of every day and it would never get old.

“Sora.” I watch as she scoots her chair closer to the railing holding some kind of fizzy drink.

Her words from the other night hit me hard. Her calling me a friend soured my stomach.But what the hell else would I be? We aren’t anything and honestly, it’s better than nothing at all. This way, I still got to keep her close.

“The weather is nice tonight,” she says as she peers out at the lake.

Great, now we’re discussing the weather. I’m never a talkative guy, but sometimes Sora can bring out a little something in me. Themein me.

“It is.” My lukewarm beer slides down my throat as I monitor her.

She twists her long hair between her delicate fingers, pushing it off her shoulder, revealing the simplicity yet elegance of her neck. Fuck me, she’s beautiful.

She turns her head, and our gazes collide.

I clear my throat, scratching my short beard. “How’s your dad’s recipes coming along?”

Her face lights up as she leans forward, crossing her long-toned legs. “Amazing. I made my dad’s raspberry cupcakes andShelby couldn’t keep them off the shelves…” She sits there, ranting about her baking, and I’m entranced.

I think I smile once or twice. Hearing her talk about something she’s so passionate about creates an unfamiliar feeling inside my chest. I can’t explain the swirl of emotion. Maybe it’s pride. Regardless, I’m happy for Sora. When she smiles, it’s captivating.

I might not know what she’s hiding from, but I enjoy being present with her right here, right now.

She came into my life like a storm, and I don’t think I’ll ever be the same.

“…and then there’s Mr. Campbell. He came back and asked for two more.” She laughs with her entire body facing me now.

“They sound like killer cupcakes. Might have to drop in tomorrow and see for myself.”

Her smile fades. “Oh. They’re all gone. But maybe I can—”

“Sora, it’s okay.” A deep, quiet laugh rumbles in my chest.

“No. I’ll bake some for you after work. I’ll even throw in some extra orange scones and—” She stops talking and stares blankly at me.

My guess? It’s the laugh I can’t suppress. “Sora. I’ll eat whatever you bake, you don’t need to make me a special batch.” I lean to the side, casting a glance down at her breasts which sit perfectly in that tank top of hers. “Your desserts are the best I’ve ever tasted.”

She blinks, my chest tightening when her smile stretches to her eyes. “Thanks.” She licks her bottom lip, sucking it in between her teeth. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

I swallow, turning back to the lake, when her soft voice sings in my ear once more.

---