Page 15 of My Turkish Fling
“To some people. Esk Valley got hit hard. It’s not in the news anymore, but I think the aftereffects will linger for years. Like in Turkey and Syria.”
I sighed. “It’ll take decades to rebuild. Many people will deal with PTSD for the rest of their lives. You can’t even measure the cost.”
“I thought everything could be calculated?”
I harrumphed. “Okay. I concede my point. Natural disasters might be too difficult in that sense.”
“How is your English so good? Your accent is stronger than your brother’s, but your vocabulary is… impressive.”
I shivered again, and this time it had nothing to do with her fingers shaking. How could she put so much reverence into that word? “I read a lot. I study.” What else could you do when you weren’t invited to parties, nor wanted to attend them? Books had been my escape for two decades. And as a result, I found most people, especially those who didn’t read, tedious to talk to.
“What was the last book you read?”
“It was a collection of stories by Haruki Murakami. Picked it up from the airport. Their selection wasn’t great.”
“Did you like it?”
“It had an arresting atmosphere.”
“Just like you.”
“Just like me?”
“Maybe it’s the accent,” she mused and chuckled. “A little bit of a culture shock, in a good way. When I’m talking to you, I feel like I’m traveling.” Her voice sounded dreamy.
“I thought I was the one traveling.”
“No. We both are,” she insisted, sadness bleeding into her words. “I don’t get to travel anymore, so this is as good as it gets. Don’t take it away from me.”
“Tamam,”I said. I could give her this.“Sençokçekicibir kadin.”
She sighed and I heard the smile in her voice. “Now it feels like I’m traveling! What does it mean?”
“That you’re welcome back to Turkey,” I lied.
“I thought Turkey wasTürkiye?”Her fingers stilled on my neck and a chill traveled through me. “You didn’t sayTürkiye.”
How could she pick my words apart like that? I thought about covering with another lie, but what was the point?
“Okay, you got me. I said you’re very attractive.”
She burst into laughter. “Now it definitely feels like I’m traveling in Turkey!” As her laughter settled, her fingers dove into my hair. “Thank you,” she whispered, leaning so close I felt her warm breath on my ear.
I could usually control myself, at least in company. Pain had a way of dampening other urges, making me feel like I’d conquered what ailed most of my fellow men. But I wasn’t that different. When her soft, husky voice flooded my ear, I felt like another Turkish man, ready to chase what I desired. I took a deep breath,trying to push those thoughts away. Focus on the relief her touch brought to my tight muscles.
“How about some Pilates?” she murmured, her voice all smiles. “I could show you some basic moves to help with your back. I’ve been doing it for years.”
“I don’t have any… tights.” I winced. “I mean, whatever you wear to that sort of fancy exercise.”
I felt her bubbly laugh in my body as if it spilled through her fingertips. “It’s not that fancy. What you’re wearing is fine.”
“Where do you do it? Do you have a gym here, or…”
She gestured at the shaggy rug surrounded by plush couches. “You don’t need any equipment. It’s so easy. I’ll show you.”
I set down my teacup and followed her to the rug, maybe out of politeness, or because I’d become addicted to her touch. If there was a chance that she needed to physically guide me through this strange exercise, it was worth it. Embarrassment and all.
Darkness had fallen outside, and Janie pulled the heavy curtains, turning the living room into a cozy haven. The shades of cream, grey and soft green again made me think of a hotel.
