by Jami Wagner
Chapter Four
Kelsey
How humiliating. I was just standing there, having a normal conversation while practically naked. Naked in front of Ethan of all people. I’d been so concerned about getting to class on time, I didn’t even consider what I’m wearing. And he didn’t have much on either, just that same damn pair of black mesh shorts I’d dreamed about. I could barely focus with his solid body and six pack abs just staring at me.
This is karma for lying to Sara to get out of dinner last night. I should have just gone to the apartment. All I wanted was to avoid seeing Ethan, which didn’t happen anyway. Now, I’ve seen him twice in less than twenty-four hours, and I’ve physically left the guy beaten and bruised. My day couldn’t get any worse. I should probably just skip school and call in to work before I can do any more damage.
I won’t be able to run and hide at the BA. Worse yet, I could spend the whole evening daydreaming by just looking at his face, bruises and all.
I stand with my back against the front door, tapping my head against it, trying to forget what just happened. I swear if I pull one more embarrassing stunt in front of him, I’ll die. Sara will likely de-friend me, and I’ll lose my job. I mean, come on, I’m a hazard when it comes to Ethan. Starting from the day he kissed me while he had a girlfriend.
I pull my purse in front of me and dig around for my phone like my life depends on it. When it dawns on me that my phone is already in my hand, I quickly dial Sara’s number. She picks up after two rings.
“Oh perfect timing,” she says into the phone. “I was just about to text you. I’m calling a last-minute mandatory meeting before we open today.”
Oh great. Even more time to spend with Ethan. My heart beats faster.
“So do you think you can make it early enough for the meeting?”
“Yeah I think so. I’ll stop by this afternoon to help get things ready. Do you want anything from the Coffee Shack? If I’m going in early, I’m going to need coffee.”
Sara tells me her order, and after we hang up I run upstairs to shower. If I’m going to make any class today, it will be creative writing. If I time it right, I might even be early for work.
It’s only after I’ve stepped out the door an hour later that I remember my car is dead. I glance across the street. Ethan’s truck is gone. Damn. Now what? Asking Mrs. Mulligan is not even an option.
There’s a note under one of my wipers. I look around once more, then grab the white piece of paper and unfold it.
Kelsey,
I went ahead and gave your car a jump before I left. See you at the meeting.
P.S. Please don’t leave your car unlocked again. People are crazy.
Ethan
Relief floods me and I can’t stop the grin on my face as I turn the key. The engine starts right up. After everything I have done to him, he still helped me. I should probably do something nice for him as a thank you. Maybe I’ll get him a coffee too. After all, I did interfere with his sleep last night.
Ethan
I debated whether or not to help Kelsey with her car after she stormed off, but then I remembered the way her cheeks turned that soft shade of pink right after I told her she should be wearing more clothes. I probably caught her off guard and somehow embarrassed her. Although, there was nothing for her to be embarrassed about. She looks amazing. I was more upset with the fact anyone could see her and I don’t want them to.
I lock the door behind me and pull my phone out of my pocket as I head to my truck. Logan Parker is one of the few people I know in this town other than my cousin and a couple other guys I used to hang out with over the summer. I’ve kept in touch more with Logan than my own family. I dial his number and climb inside my truck
“Ethan, man, what’s up?” Logan answers after the third ring.
“Not much—just heading out. Can you meet up?” It’s in my best interest that I try to make things look as normal as possible. Those are my father’s words, not mine. It won’t be hard with Logan. He really is a friend.
“Meet up? You back in town or what?” Logan asks.
“Yeah, I’m helping Sara with the bar while she’s gone.”
“What? Sara’s leaving?” He sounds surprised. She must not have told anyone yet. That’s probably why she called this unexpected meeting today. He continues before I can reply. “Yeah, okay, do you want to meet at the old diner between the bar and that coffee place downtown?”
Almost everything in Windy Valley can be found in what the locals call “downtown.” It’s four blocks in the middle of town and in the perfect shape of a box, with a park in the center. Three of the blocks have about ten businesses apiece and the other block is all apartment buildings. I know Sara lives in one of them. It makes sense since the BA is downtown.
“Yeah, sounds good, man—in an hour?”
“No, I have class till two today. How about around two-thirty?” he suggests.
I tell him two is good, and after we hang up, I start my truck. I glance over at Kelsey’s house, or, rather, the one she’s housesitting for. The thought of her brings a smile to my lips. She’s a feisty one and I like it. I like knowing she’s living there, near me. A friendship is a possibility between us, but who am I kidding? I could never just be her friend.
If I weren’t so focused on being on good terms with my father, maybe Kelsey and I would have a real shot at something. But no, I’ve waited twenty-two years for my father to accept me. I can’t back out now.
The image of Kelsey in Spandex flashes in my eyes. Until I have those account numbers, we’ll be spending a lot of time together. Can we honestly work together without me wanting to put my hands all over her? I shake my head as I shift into gear and pull away.
My bet right now is no.