Private Conversation

by Jen Talty

  Also, according to his profile, he had just joined today.

  According to the likes section he enjoyed hiking and playing pick-up basketball. He also enjoyed watching football and his favorite team was the Buffalo Bills. Most people in this neck of the woods preferred the Jets or the Giants, but not her. Score one for the fireman for liking the right team. He enjoyed movies and admitted to being addicted to binge watching on Netflix. Something else she loved to do. But the best was he loved country music and preferred listening around a camp fire under the stars.

  He was worthy of a private conversation.

  AngelaBennett: i’m good, taking a break from work.

  Sexyfirefighter: have you been chatting here a while?

  AngelaBennett: about a month.

  Sexyfirefighter: have any luck finding matches?

  AngelaBennett: Honestly, no. I seem to attract whack jobs.

  She didn’t think lying would be a good way to start a conversation with a potential date. Besides, maybe it would speed up the process to find out if Sexyfirefighter was a nut case as well.

  Sexyfirefighter: what constitutes a whack job?

  AngelaBennett: someone who doesn’t understand boundaries.

  Sexyfirefighter: I understand and have my own.

  AngelaBennett: good, do u read the main chat room? I find the convos hilarious.

  Sexyfirefighter: I know! Some of them are laugh out loud.

  AngelaBennett: you mean LOL.

  Sexyfirefighter: LOL. Yes.

  AngelaBennett: Have you talked to a lot of people here? Find any good matches?

  She had no idea if this guy would be honest, nor did she have a way of telling if he was lying, but it might give her an idea of what he was looking for.

  Sexyfirefighter: You’re my first.

  AngelaBennett: Why respond to me?

  She sucked in a breath.

  Sexyfirefighter: truth?

  AngelaBennett: Since we’re anonymous, always.

  Sexyfirefighter: Two reasons: First, I had just finished filling out my profile when you said hello. I don’t really know the rules but thought it would be rude to ignore you.

  Sexyfirefighter: Second, I love the movie The Net, so I was intrigued by the name.”

  That answer created a gentle wave in her stomach. Maybe he’d be honest about other things as well.

  AngelaBennett: So, you know this isn’t my real name.

  Sexyfirefighter: well, my name isn’t sexy, either.

  AngelaBennett: LOL this isn’t your typical dating site, so just be careful. I found that out the hard way.

  Sexyfirefigher: What do you mean?

  AngelaBennett: I’ve found there are many users who aren’t looking for intelligent conversation and finding potential dates and I don’t mean hook-ups.

  Sexyfirefighter: is that what you are looking for? A man to date? A relationship?

  Boy was he direct. She bit down on her lower lip, contemplating how to answer that one.

  AngelaBennett: For now, someone to have stimulating conversation with would be a good start. You?

  Sexyfirefighter: My buddy met his girlfriend here, so my end game would be to meet someone, but interesting conversation sounds good, to start.

  If he asked her what she looked like, or what her body type was, or what her favorite sexual position was, she’d end the conversation.

  AngelaBennett: Are you really a firefighter?

  Her mind drifted to her sexy neighbor, who happened to be one of Lake George’s finest first responders. The only thing she knew about him was that in all the time she’d lived in this townhouse, she’d never seen a woman spend the night. He had men in and out…

  Maybe Gavin was gay?

  Nah. He didn’t send off that vibe. Did he?

  Sexyfirefighter: I am. Going on eight years.

  AngelaBennett: Dangerous job.

  She touched the side of her face, remembering the scars on Gavin’s cheek. She’d never asked him about them, nor would she ever. But she certainly wondered if that had been a hazard of his job.

  Sexyfirefighter: It can be. But I love helping people.

  AngelaBennett: that’s sweet.

  Sexyfirefighter: Not sure it’s sweet, but thanks.

  AngelaBennett: So, tell me. Did you actually know who Angela Bennett was, or did you Google it?

  Sexyfirefighter: LOL. Movies are my past time. And what male doesn’t have a crush on Sandra Bullock. Though, I liked the movie Speed better.

  Charlotte smiled. Sexyfirefighter could flirt without really trying. Well, the warm sensation rolling across her skin made it feel like flirting.

  AngelaBennett: And what female doesn’t have the hots for Keanu Reeves. I mean, really. Good looking and seems like a nice guy.

  Sexyfirefighter: I got no comment on Keanu, I was too busy checking out his co-star.

  She laughed, shaking her head. This was more fun than she expected. Not that she’d had high expectations.

  AngelaBennett: Do you have a favorite genre of movie that you like to watch?

  Sexyfirefighter: Not really. I have eclectic tastes. You?

  AngelaBennett: I tend to lean toward Action Adventure or Psychological Thrillers, but will watch almost anything except horror flicks and

  Did she dare say it?

  Porn. I’m not into that.

  Why she felt the need to say that, she had no idea, but his response to that could tell her a lot about him, and if she wanted to continue talking to him with the potential of meeting him someday, this answer could make or break her desire to continue.

  Sexyfirefighter: I’m a guy. Of course, I’ve seen one…or two porn flicks, but it’s really not my thing. I like older horror movies, but things like Chuckie freak me out.

  AngelaBennett: Anything with a doll or a clown I can’t stand!

  Sexyfirefighter: so, I guess I’ll avoid the clown emoji ☺

  AngelaBennett: Use that sucker and I’ll log off!

  Her computer dinged as an email from her boss popped up. She glanced at the clock and was surprised she’d been talking to this guy for almost an hour. She clicked on the message and frowned.

  AngelaBennett: I’m sorry, but I have to get back to work. My boss just emailed me and he’s got a bug up his ass.

  Sexyfirefighter: No problem. Maybe we can talk again?

  AngelaBennett: I can come on tonight after seven, if you want. I like talking to you.

  What the hell was she doing?

  Sexyfirefighter: I can be on for a little while after seven.

  AngelaBennett: That works.

  Sexyfirefighter: Talk then. Now I’ve got a couple of cookies and a tall glass of milk with my name on them.

  Her hands froze above the keyboard as she held her breath. Lots of men enjoyed cookies.

  Chapter Two

  The spring evening air smelled like warm honey spread generously on a piece of home baked bread. Gavin sat on his side of the porch with his feet up, computer on his lap, a beer, and the last cookie Charlotte had given him. He nibbled at the tasty treat, savoring the sweet mix of chocolate and peanut butter exploding in his mouth.

  The sun had dipped below the horizon, lighting up the great Lake George sky with a soiree of orange, yellow, and even a splash of pink. He nursed a long neck while glancing between Charlotte’s door and his computer screen.

  She was the only one he knew that used the words: that’s sweet. So, when AngelaBennett used them, it had made him spill his milk all over his lap.

  Of course, the woman he’d talked to online couldn’t possibly be Charlotte. The likelihood he’d just met his neighbor on a dating site was pretty slim considering the thousands of users online right now, and the number of people in the state of New York. It would be like plucking a needle from a haystack without even looking.

  He checked the time: 7:05.

  Getting stood-up online was worse than in person. It was certainly less humiliating than in public, but it stung just as bad. Ping.
r />   Well, well, well. He smiled at the name blinking on his screen and opened the message.

  AngelaBennett: Hey there. Did you have a good day?

  Sexyfirefighter: It was uneventful. You?

  He didn’t want to tell her he slept all day, but couldn’t come up with a lie, since he was never very good at that, so he went with vague.

  AngelaBennett: Other than my boss was being an asshole, it was pretty good.

  He rubbed his forefinger and thumb together wondering if he should ask her what she did for a living or go with something else.

  Sexyfirefighter: It’s Friday night, do you have big plans? A date?

  The second he hit send, he regretted asking the latter.

  AngelaBennett: I haven’t been on a date in 6 months. Last guy I went out with turned out to be an egotistical turd. I’m a little on the shy side, so I don’t do the bar scene and, well, here I am.

  And he here was. He couldn’t decide if that made them both pathetic or pure genus for finding adult conversation that wasn’t centered around some wicked fantasy that would never happen.

  He really wanted her to be the real deal. Something about the way she used language in her communication indicated how smart she was, but it also showed a solid sense of humor.

  Of course, it could all be a lie.

  Sexyfirefighter: I can relate to the shyness.

  AngelaBennett: What about you? Big plans for the night?

  Sexyfirefighter: Just flirting with you.

  He let out a long breath. Bad choice of words and probably made him look desperate, or like one of the guys in the main chat room who indicated they were just looking for a hook-up. His friend told him to make sure he vetted anyone, because no dating site was without those looking for anything but romance or a long-lasting relationship.

  And that was exactly what Gavin wanted.

  AngelaBennett: This could be fun. I like flirting. To a certain point. I mean, getting to know someone is a bit of a dance.

  Sexyfirefighter: That is a true statement.

  AngelaBennett: What are your plans tonight?

  Sexyfirefighter: I am meeting up with some friends for drinks a bit later.

  AngelaBennett: Are you married, or have a girlfriend?

  He scowled. The site was meant for singles to meet and chat. He supposed there were married people hanging around, but it bothered him that she’d think he was that type of guy.

  Sexyfirefighter: Neither. Why do you ask?

  AngelaBennett: Just being sure. People here lie.

  Sexyfirefighter: I can tell you I’ll always be as honest as possible.

  AngelaBennett: As possible? What does that mean?

  What did that mean? Geez, even online he wasn’t very good with his words around women.

  Sexyfirefighter: I just meant I won’t lie to you, but I might not answer certain questions, like right now I’m not comfortable giving any personal information.

  AngelaBennett: I feel the same way. Let me ask you this: What kinds of traits do you admire in a girlfriend?

  Looking toward the sky, he thought about that for a long moment. He liked everything about Charlotte. But describing her to another lady would be a rotten thing to do to both women.

  Sexyfirefighter: Intelligent. Funny. Confident. Independent. Kind. Big heart. Not afraid to be bold, but at the same time, doesn’t take unnecessary chances. And of course, also, pretty.

  AngelaBennett: What’s pretty to you?

  He wanted to type my next-door neighbor, but decided that would be in poor taste.

  Sexyfirefighter: Not sure I have a ‘type’, but I guess I’d say athletic. I’m drawn to long hair, pretty eyes. But all the good looks in the world wouldn’t do it for me if the woman was a self-centered bitch.

  He’d just described his ex-girlfriend. Hot didn’t do her justice, but neither did calling her a bitch. No. That word was too kind for his ex.

  Sexyfirefighter: What about you? What do you look for in a man?

  AngelaBennett: Sensitive eyes. Kind of partial to tall and muscular. Clean cut, but I do have a thing for tasteful tattoos. Not afraid to laugh at himself. Not afraid of independent women. I’m also a bit of a homebody, so someone who enjoys just hanging out in front of the fire.

  Sexyfirefighter: Not sure about the sensitive eyes, but everything else describes me to the letter.

  AngelaBennett: Nice! Where is your tattoo and what is it?

  Sexyfirefighter: Plural. I have three. A fireman’s hat with my station number on my biceps. An American Flag with a Bald Eagle across my shoulders and a compass on my chest.

  AngelaBennett: As long as they aren’t on your dick, we’re all good.

  AngelaBennett: Oh, I shouldn’t have said that out loud. It was a joke. Sorry.

  He coughed.

  Sexyfirefighter: No need to apologize. I can’t imagine why anyone would do that to the most sensitive part of a man’s body.

  AngelaBennett: Or nipple piercings. Ouch. Since we’re on the subject.

  He took another swig from his beer, staring at Charlotte’s door, wondering if she had a tattoo. The light from the office filtered through the window, casting a glow on the light green deck. The silhouette of her face was framed by the contrast of the sun filtering through the glass pane and the darkness of the room. His pulse kicked up like a shot of cappuccino.

  But that was quickly squelched when some guy jogged up the front steps. Gavin shouldn’t be thinking about her, while talking online with a potential date. He blinked. Now he was turning into his little sister who tended to have one on the hook before she released the last one.

  “Hey,” the guy said before knocking on her door.

  Gavin nodded, eyeing the man, who looked like he could be fifteen years older than her with his greying hair and deep-set lines around his eyes.

  AngelaBennett: BRB, need to get a glass of wine and use the bathroom.

  Sexyfirefighter: OK

  This would give him some time to size up the weasel on the porch.

  Charlotte’s front door squeaked opened.

  “Ethan, what are you doing here?” She stuck her head out the door. Her long, curly hair bounced playfully over her shoulders. “What part of I’m fine, just extremely busy do you not comprehend?”

  “Mom sent me to check on you. She’s worried.”

  “I talked to mom this morning and told her the same thing I texted you.”

  “She doesn’t believe you,” the man said.

  “Well, you can go back and tell her you saw me and I’m fine. Now if you don’t mind, I’m busy.”

  Gavin let out a long breath, thankful the man standing at her door was her brother and not a suitor. Christ. Suitor was a word his grandfather would use.

  “Busy doing what? And if you say working, I’m going to have to—”

  She reached out and covered her brother’s mouth with her palm. “I’ve got a date.”

  Gavin nearly choked on his beer.

  Both Charlotte and her brother snapped their heads in his direction.

  “Sorry. Went down the wrong pipe.” Gavin waved his hand in the air.

  “See, even he doesn’t believe it,” Ethan said with his hands on his hips.

  “I didn’t say I didn’t believe her,” Gavin set the beer on the table, glancing at his laptop. His internet friend hadn’t returned yet.

  “You didn’t have to. She’s been holed up in this apartment for months.” Ethan wiggled his finger at his sister. “Actually years, and mom and dad are worried.”

  “Mom and dad just want me to go out on dates with their friend’s kids so they can marry me off and I can produce grandbabies. No. Not for me. And do you remember what happened the last time they fixed me up on a date?” She poked her brother in the chest. “You do remember Ralph? Oh, of course you—”

  “And you wonder why we’re worried,” her brother said under this breath.

  “I’m perfectly content with my life and my current dating situation.”

/>   “You’re bluffing on having a date. I can tell,” Ethan said with a smug grin.

  One that Gavin would love to wipe off her brother’s face. He had no right to judge his sister’s decisions in life.

  She shook her head. “Tell mom and dad I’ll be over tomorrow for the party.”

  “Coming to the monthly party, dateless, as usual, if you even come.”

  “Because all that matters is me having a man. Seriously, I don’t need a man to be happy. And for the record, I made a promise to be there, so I will be.”

  Gavin could understand her frustration with family and dating. His mother constantly hovered over him, trying to find him a sweet girl. But at least his mother didn’t belittle him, as it appeared Charlotte’s family did.

  “No one is saying that having a man in your life will make you happy, it’s just that you seem lonely and—”

  Gavin had enough of this asshole. “She’s not lonely and she has a date for the party tomorrow.” He couldn’t believe he’d opened his mouth and that his brain allowed him to speak at all, because that’s not what he intended to say when he’d interrupted the conversation.

  By the wide-eyes and gaping mouth on Charlotte’s face, she too, was stunned.

  “Oh really? Who might that be?” Ethan asked.

  “Me,” Gavin said, committing to the crazy concept. He raised his beer, downing the last few gulps, keeping his gaze locked with Charlotte’s.