Page 8 of Stick to the Plan
At his enthusiasm, heat spreads across my cheeks. I concentrate on my plate to hide the blush. I mix the rice in with the sauce from the chicken. Colin copies me and tries a bite, then promptly gets another helping of the cacciatore.
The meal continues with the typical polite topics - weather, local attractions. After we are both done, I stand and start gathering the dirty dishes. I’m surprised when Colin grabs a few more dishes and rises to follow.
“Oh, no. I can clean up. You’re probably exhausted.”
“No, miss. You went to the trouble to cook. Ma would tan my hide if she knew I didn’t at least help clean up.” Again, he shoots that devastating grin. He has to know what a weapon that single dimple is.
Together, we clear the table and head into the kitchen. I stack my plates by the sink before moving to open the dishwasher. Colin follows close behind, copying my motions. Funny, the kitchen never feels this small when it’s my besties in here with me.
Pushing down that thought, I grab a handful of plates from the bottom and move to put them away.
A jingle catches my attention and I turn to see Colin holding the silverware caddy and looking at me expectantly. “Where do these go?” he asks.
The plates clink as I lift them almost above my head to the shelf. It really sucks being short sometimes. “The drawer next to the fridge.” I point vaguely as I grab bowls and return to the cabinet. More clinks as I stack them next to the plates. There is a strangely companionable silence between us. Broken only by the occasional clatter of silverware or thunk of china.
Bottom empty, I move on to the top drawer and grab a pair of water glasses. I open the glass front cabinet to the right of the sink and eye the middle shelf with a sigh. I have to tilt my head back to see it fully. These glasses are such a bitch to put away. Why haven’t I moved these to a lower cabinet? I glare at the coffee and wine glasses on the lower row. Oh yea, priorities. Mouth set in a determined line, I reach as high as I can. The lip touches the wooden shelf, but the glass is still too tilted to slip into place. Normally, I’d just climb onto the counter to put them away, but that feels undignified all of a sudden.
Cursing silently, I place the other glass on the counter so I can brace my weight as I push onto my tippy toes. This time half the glass’s lip gains purchase. Glaring, I strain to stretch every muscle in my body foran extra inch to my five foot five frame. Almost there! I switch to just using the tips of my fingers to balance the glass, gaining the much needed inch. The glass slips and my eyes widen as I’m powerless to do anything but watch.
Long, tan fingers catch the glass and gently push it into place.
I gasp and turn. My eyes are level with Colin’s chest mere inches away. The fresh scent of pine overwhelms my senses as I take a fortifying breath. My eyes slowly rise to his face. The kitchen fades away as I’m drawn into his consuming gaze. His lips quirk into that sexy smile that’s already becoming all too familiar. Colin leans in slightly and my heart pounds as my eyes meet his. Without breaking his intense gaze, Colin’s other arm rises and I hear the scrape of the other glass on the shelf.
I gulp and lick my dry lips. “Th-thanks,” I whisper.
His grin widens until that damn dimple winks at me. My stomach drops, the sensation finally enough to break whatever fairy spell he cast on me. I duck under his arm and I hurry to put the last few items away. It almost sounds like Colin chuckles as he loads the now-empty dishwasher. My body hums as I feel his eyes follow me around the kitchen. I know it’s just to learn the layout of his temporary living space, but my hormones haven’t quite gotten the message. What the hell is wrong with me?
Grabbing a sponge, I take my frustration out on any surface I can reach. When the white counters sparkle, and the dishwasher quietly hums, I dry my hands on a towel and tentatively turn to the man in my kitchen. “Thank you for your help. If you’ll excuse me, I need to let Riley out.”
“Thank you for the meal. I think I’ll be turning in, G’night Miss Brianna.” His eyes are warm.
Not trusting my voice, I nod once and leave the kitchen, whistling for my dog as I go.
Chapter four
Meeting of the Minds
Colin
Ilie in a field near the cliffs of my home, surrounded by green grass and purple heather. The ocean is a roar, canceling out any other sound. My eyes follow jean-clad legs up to an overlarge sweater that pools around a bare, pale shoulder, framed by reddish-brown hair.
Brianna reclines next to me, propped up on one arm, wholly at ease. Her eyes are closed and a beautiful smile lights her face as the salty wind pulls at her hair. I reach out to tuck a lock behind her ear and she turns her smile to me. As she clasps my hand in hers, I see a traditional Claddagh ring glint on her finger, the heart and hands facing inwards. She slowly leans down to kiss my lips.
I can feel her lips on mine, cold from the wind.
Cold and wet.
My eyes snap open to find a dark, hairy face and a lolling tongue inches away. Ready to lick again.
“Good morning to ya, Mr. Riley.”
Stopping the dog’s impending attack, I give him a gentle pat and shake the last remnants of the dream from my head. After dressing and gathering my work bag, I exit to the living room, looking around for Brianna.
A yip to my left brings my attention towards floor to ceiling glass sliders leading to a stone patio. Guessing my new furry friend needs to go out, I slide open the door and take in the yard for the first time.
It is small but beautifully landscaped. A rectangular pool with a waterfall dominates the yard, serving as the main feature. The house wraps around the pool on two sides, and the other two sides have tall fencing for privacy. Flowering bushes soften the harsh effect of wood and stone.
The sounds of chirping birds and running water create a serene oasis. I love it immediately.
