Page 76 of When Fences Fall
With the determination of a bulldozer, I stride to the window. The bastard cocks his head with beady eyes to the side as if mocking me. I stop right before the glass, understanding that Nora’s right. The moment I pop that window open, he’ll run off only to torture me again, so I backtrack, keeping my eyes on the target.
“What are you doing?” Nora asks while I head to the door.
“I’m gonna get him outside.” I point my finger at her. “Keep his attention on you.”
“How am I supposed to do that?”
“I dunno.” I shrug, unlocking the door. “Just do it.”
Closing the door softly behind me, I tiptoe around the house, trying not to make any noise. But the snow crinklesunder my boots, making it impossible for me to be stealthy. Once the rooster appears in my vision, I lighten my footing. I’m getting this cockblocker once and for all, and it’s happening tonight.
His attention seems to be focused on the window judging by the way he moves his head sideways—whatever Nora’s doing must be working. I make a beeline for him, making sure to stay out of his vision. Even with my snow-shuffled footsteps, the bird doesn’t seem to know I’m right behind him, so I become curious about what’s keeping his attention so firmly.
And this is where I make a grave mistake—I glance inside the house.
What greets me makes me lose my footing, and my giant boot steps on something loud. The rooster jumps off the window and takes off running while I’m faced with what can only be described as the loveliest picture of all time. Nora’s holding her sweater up, revealing her gorgeous tits barely contained by a red bra. I’ve seen them before. In fact, I met them before I met the rest of her. But it was different. I was mad and grumpy about the looney in my backyard. But now they are getting the full attention they deserve.
Letting out a loud exhale, I try swallowing more saliva than was produced when I smelled that chicken potpie. My hands turn sweaty, and I rub them on my jeans.
Then she notices me watching her. Her eyes widen as she drops her sweater down. But it’s too late. The image has been imprinted on my retinas for the rest of my days. With still round eyes, she watches me for a few moments before she doubles over and starts laughing.
I get myself together and take off running like the bird did moments ago. Inside, she greets me with a wide smile. “You said to keep his attention.”
“I guess I did,” I say, enjoying the lightness of her voice. “You still managed to take me by surprise.”
She rolls her lips. “You blush?”
“Internally,” I say.
She laughs, walking up to meet me halfway. “I’m not surprised.”
I lean in, savoring being in her space. “Why’s that?”
“Because I think I’ve figured you out,” she whispers softly.
I hope to God she hasn’t. “You think so?” And I know no matter how she answers, I’ll want to be closer to her.
Nora’s eyes crinkle, and a knowing smile tugs at her lips. “Yep.” She gently places her palm on my cheek, stopping me in my tracks.
“I’m afraid to find out what you think,” I say. I’m also damn curious. But mostly afraid.
She touches my nose with hers. “I think, Jericho, that you are a big, warm cinnamon roll while you pretend to be a dry piece of bread.”
I stiffen in her arms. “I’m unsure if that’s a compliment or an insult.” It sounds like both. A little more like an insult. Maybe a lot more like an insult.
“A compliment.” There’s no hesitation in her voice, and it softens the edges of my insecurity. She smiles, gently rubbing my cheek.
We stare at each other. A silence falls between us. Not an uncomfortable one. Just loaded with something I can’t name yet. But I know it’s there even if I don’t know its name. It settles in my chest, scratchy and overwhelming. I lift my hand, fingers grazing her jaw. She closes her eyes for a second, leaning into the touch.
“I was really close,” she whispers, peeking from under her eyelids, laughter playing on her lips.
“Close to what?” I ask, already knowing the answer. Knowing she’s about to push me. Knowing I’ll like where she pushes me to.
“Showing him my boobs.”
It’s exactly as I expected and nothing like I expected. Touching my forehead to hers, I begin laughing. “Damn. I should have waited outside.”
“You should have.”
