Page 7 of Running Into You
“I only have red,” I call from the other room.
“It’s all I drink,” he calls back.
I come back with an already opened bottle of Don David Malbec and two stemless glasses.
“So,” I say, pouring a generous glass and handing it to him, my hand shaking slightly. “What’s all this, then?”
He barks with laughter, and I live for the sound of it. “How much did Rilla tell you?”
“Just the high notes.” I perch on my couch with my wine, tucking my legs underneath me. “You got a job at a middle school here, you broke up with Eleanor, and you moved into my building.”
“That pretty much covers everything.” He shifts uncomfortably on his feet and decides to sit too. “I’m really excited about the job. I’ve been looking for a full-time phys ed position for a while.” His long fingers push his thick hair away from his forehead. I’ve never seen his hair this long. I like it.
“That’s amazing! When do you start?”
“A week from today.”
“And are you a Coach Stanley or a Coach Bergan?” The names of our old gym teachers bring me back. Coach Stanley was nice, but useless. The kids walked all over him. Coach Bergan on the other hand was a hard-ass, but he cared enough to teach you something.
“Definitely a Bergan.” He grins. “Those poor little bastards won’t know what hit ‘em.” I look him over and can’t ignore the contrasts from the boy I once knew. Same unruly brown hair and eyes, but he seems less carefree. He’s lost some of his boyish confidence and seems worn down. I’m probably reading too much into this. The man has just moved states, he’s probably just tired.
I raise my glass. “To Coach Pine.” We clink glasses and drink. My cheeks feel flushed, and I hope he attributes it to the wine. His gaze is fixed on me again and I’m suddenly self-conscious. I keep tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ears, but it keeps tumbling back onto my face.
“What about you, Betty St. Claire?” He asks, relaxing back on the couch. “What have you been up to?”
“I finished my master’s program two years ago and did an internship with Advantage Consultants. Walked right into a business analyst position there and haven’t looked back.” I shrug and sip my wine again, looking away.
“Do you like it here?” I feel his eyes on me again and look up to meet them with mine. His head is tilted slightly to the side, considering me. He’s looking at me like I’m a one thousand-piece puzzle and he’s got nothing but time.
“Sure. Work is great and I’ve made some good friends. I wish Rilla were closer, but we’re going to take a trip this summer.” While I’m very content with the life I lead, I understand that some might see it as lonely. Maybe that’s why I suddenly feel defensive. I’m not lonely, I’m just alone. I like my routines and my time to myself. I am just fine with my introverted lifestyle.
“Are you seeing anyone?” His tone is light, but those eyes are still fixed on my reddening face. I wasn’t expecting the question and I shift in my seat. I want to reach for my emotional support pillow, Carol, but she’s on the other end of the couch and that would just look weird.
“No one in particular.” I laugh it off, but I can’t quite meet his eyes. I’m furious that the tips of my ears are tingling like they’ve just turned pink. If only he knew how horribly my last relationship had turned out. Rilla has been encouraging me to download Tinder to at least have some “casual” hookups, but I don’t think I have it in me. It takes me ages to warm up to most people. While I’m sure I could have sex with a virtual stranger, I’d be so in my head about the whole thing that I wouldn’t enjoy myself, so what would be the point? I hug myself tighter on the couch and change the subject. “What do you have on your agenda?”
“I am hoping you could help me get settled.” My eyes meet his and his expression has turned hopeful.
“Of course. How can I help?”
“Show me around? Tell me the best place to get my coffee, where you get your groceries, recommend a good gym.” I can’t help but snort at the last request.
“Do I look like I work out?”
“You look incredible.” His voice is so low, but I’m certain that I heard him correctly. The air leaves my body. Now he’s the one looking away shyly.
“W-well,” I stammer, straightening up. “I can definitely show you around. It’s a great neighborhood and we’re close to everything.” I’m talking quickly, trying to mask my nervous energy as enthusiasm. “And I’ll ask around for gym recommendations. I work with some fit people.” Surely Andrew and Sara both have gym memberships. An image flashes in my mind of Sara asking Josh to show her how to operate a weight machine, and my stomach bottoms out. I’ll ask Andrew.
“I really appreciate it.” His smile is so genuine that I know he means it. It makes me feel warm all over and I suppress the urge to fan myself. “I had better go back to unpacking and let you get on with your evening.” We both stand and walk slowly toward the door. “I’m going to tell my mom that you took the cookies by force, so she’ll send me more.”
“She’ll never believe I’d be capable of such a thing.” I clutch my imaginary pearls in shock. The action draws his gaze downward, where it settles on my breasts for a beat before snapping back to my face.
“She always liked you, even more than her own children.” He smiles and shakes his head.
“The woman has taste.” I shrug. “My week is kind of crazy, but I can give you the full city tour this weekend. Does Saturday work?”
He reaches the door, but instead of opening it, he leans back against it and looks at me again. Without saying a word, he slowly leans down for another hug. I feel the brush of stubble scrape my cheek and I’m in his arms again. This hug feels different than the one he gave me earlier. Slower and more intimate. When I can’t hold my breath any longer, I inhale deeply, breathing him in. Hints of soap, sporty deodorant, and what I assume might be his natural scent mingle together and create a powerful aphrodisiac that makes me lightheaded. The softness of his T-shirt over his toned back muscles feels so good against the bare skin on my arms. Suddenly, he stiffens against me, and I feel him pulling away.
“It’s a date,” he says in not much more than a whisper as he releases me and backs out of the door.
