The Eyes That Own Me (Timing is Everything Book 1)

by Rebecca Fischer

  "I became assistant manager at the cafe and with the course load of the MBA program, my schedule just didn't seem to work out. I only work part-time, so I took on an extra class."

  He looks at me with a concerned expression. "I hope you're not burning yourself out and take time for the things you like."

  Reassuring him, "I try, especially the concerts and stuff. I'm trying to graduate the program early so that I can set my plans in motion."

  He gives my shoulders a squeeze. "You have an open invitation to come watch the games if you can't make the first one."

  As much as I would love to watch him, especially after everything he's done to make me more comfortable the last few weeks, I tell him honestly, "I will do my best to be at the games. With my schedule, I can't always guarantee I will be there."

  "You're on my mind a lot already. Even if you're not physically there," he taps his temple, "you will still be up here."

  The continuing fantasies of him shirtless and sweaty aren’t helping matters at all. His closeness is intoxicating. His cologne relaxes me, bringing back the good memories of nights around a bonfire. He gives me the space I need to collect my bearings, but I can't stop the goose bumps rising all over my body. I'm so glad I wore tights so he can't see the effect he has on me. I'm sure if he moves my jacket out of the way, he could see my nipples poking through the lace of my dress. My body's reaction to him has only increased as we've spoken more often. His smooth voice vibrates through every part of me.

  When I laid my head on his shoulder, a calm fell over me. My anxiety settled down some from having me pulled into him. I couldn't explain the content that surfaced even if I tried. I really have to get a handle on my emotions and response toward him. It's puberty all over again with how across the map my hormones are being. My head and my heart can't seem to connect the dots on how to feel. Don't even get me started on the lower half of my body. His leg keeps brushing against mine, and I can feel his warmth through two layers of clothing. His hand playing with mine keeps sending a buzz through my skin.

  I do enjoy seeing him in the coffee shop and getting to know him over the last couple of weeks. It's hard to concentrate with him sitting next to me sometimes. I used to wear my headphones on campus to avoid talking to most people. All I went to campus for were study groups and classes. I liked to be left alone when trying to get work done and the headphones mostly guaranteed privacy when working. With Matt around, I stopped wearing them; especially since he needs all of the help he can get writing the reports for classes. He's hiding a math genius behind that handsome face of his. Our program can be demanding, but the professors are actually able to help students.

  Matt breaks my train of thought saying, "Why didn't you want to go to a bigger school? Broxton is a good school, but USC is better and not that far away."

  "It's only a few hours away. I didn't want to be lost in a sea of people all day every day. I know I keep to myself and could stay invisible with classes of 200 to 300 people, but at the same time, I knew I would struggle to maintain a quiet life in the long run. I've still met new people at Broxton, and I'm happy I didn't leave. I love my close friends and family, plus I didn't want to constantly drive back and forth. I've heard the stigma that comes with being a townie, but I actually adore this community."

  "I think that's probably one of the best things I've heard in a long time. I started to notice some of the same things after I got my bachelor’s at the University of Chicago. Chicago is such a big city; it's easy to get lost and become a pod person. It took my ex cheating on me for me to fully understand what I wanted and needed to change in my life."

  I gasp at his admission that he was cheated on. He looks into my eyes, and I can sense he sees the shock but understanding that passes through my eyes. As much as our first encounter scared me, I hate to think about anyone treating him that way.

  Holding my chin between his index finger and thumb, his soft voice caresses my ears. "Hey. Hey, angel, it's okay. I don't let what happened define me now. I know what I want in life, and I have no problem fighting for it. I knew it the first time we spoke. I just hope after tonight that you'll consider joining me for the ride."

  "I’m definitely considering buying a ticket for the ride. I simply don't get why someone would cheat on you. You're beyond smart, handsome, funny, and you make the people around you feel like they matter."

  He clenches his fist before speaking, "Well when you're a selfish, stuck-up, spoiled, manipulative, and vindictive bitch, you tend to hide your discretions a little better than most. It just took longer than anyone would have liked to finally see her get caught and lose everything."

  I shake my head in disgust. "I swear some people have absolutely no class and no remorse for their actions. At least it led you to what you want."

  His hands unclench and grab a hold of mine, rubbing them until any chill that was in them is gone.

  "Well it led me to you, so I can't complain too much now can I?"

  Laughing at him, "You know that you're kind of a cheeseball, right?"

  He wraps his arm around my shoulders again and squeezes me in tight. "Yeah but admit it, it’s growing on you, angel."

  If being wrapped in one of his arms is relaxing yet can create all of this need below, then the ride he's asking me to join in on will be a strange and funny one.

  Once I finally get over these nerves.

  Charlotte is amazing. All the sports she's played explain her killer muscles and curves. Her mind is fantastic. We've been at the restaurant for over three hours talking nonstop. After our earlier discussion about Kylie's brother and my brief admission about Kelly, she has been much more relaxed.

  I've learned she lives with Kylie and Aaron lives in the same complex a few buildings away. She's protected by those who care about her yet continues to be her own person. I would never take her independence away from her. She's told me about her family and how close she is with them, but that she is able to live how she wants. She comes from a supporting yet slightly nosy family like mine, and I only hope that she will include me in her small circle. I want her to realize that she can count on me and confide in me. Time will help with that, but I'd prefer sooner rather than later.

  She runs to the restroom really quick before leaving. I take the opportunity to put my jacket on, go back to the waiter, sign the check, and thank him for keeping his distance tonight. I feel bad we took up one of his tables so long that I gave him an extra tip.

  I wait outside the restrooms for her, and she looks startled for a second seeing me there when she comes out. I help her put her coat on, holding onto her longer than necessary. Then I put my arm out and let her walk in front of me, keeping my hand on the small of her back as we leave the restaurant. It's hard not to stare at her ass and legs or feel her body heat scorching my hand. I hold the door open for her and let her lead me to her car. Well damn. She drives a Jeep too. It's an older hunter green Jeep Liberty. I can see what looks like two graduation cap tassels on her rearview mirror and a USC camo hat on the dash.

  This girl is full of surprises.

  "Nice car." She smiles back at me and then gazes at her car with a soft look in her eyes. "This was my dream car. I have had it since I was 16. I'm not getting rid of it until it's 100 percent dead".

  "I know how you feel. I saved all through high school to buy my first car. I sold it right after undergrad when I got my job. When I started commuting more, especially during the winters, I bought my Wrangler."

  She looks at my black jeep not too far away and starts giggling. Damn, that's cute. Although, I have no clue what she's even giggling about. I can't help but smile along with her.

  "I always laugh at people who have black cars in the South. How can y’all stand it in the heat of summer? It's like asking for heat exhaustion. Let me guess. Your seats are leather, too?" she says still giggling at me.

  It takes a huge amount of willpower to not push her against the Jeep and kiss the shit out of her. She's taking her keys out of
her purse, fidgeting with the little blue daisy keychain.

  Hmmm, interesting.

  She looks to be having some kind of inner debate going on in her head right now. She's doing what I told her to do earlier about taking deep breaths to calm her nerves. I watch her gorgeous face with my hands in my jacket pockets to avoid pushing her. I hear her murmur, "Okay. Brave girl face."

  Looking up might have been a bad idea for her, because when I cock my head to the side to read her body, her gorgeous lips turn into a small 'o' in disbelief, and all I want to do is cage her against the door and make her mine. Those bright eyes. They remind of the trails that surround the community center with all of the different shades of green and brown mingling together with light blasting through the trees. She gazes up at me with that big beautiful smile to match. Every muscle feels as heavy as lead as I inch closer and closer to her. Her breathing is coming in short pants now in puffs against my face. As cold as it is outside, my skin is on fire.

  Taking a chance on touching her without scaring her off, I reach my index finger to her temple, tracing down her jaw until I reach her chin, and tip it up toward me. My thumb is now playing with her bottom lip, feeling the softness and moisture, begging for my lips to touch hers. I stretch the hand out to lightly cup her jaw and cheek, rubbing the apple of her cheek as she leans into my hand.

  I whisper, "Just one kiss" as I lean down. I can feel her knees shaking a little like they’re turning to Jell-O because they are hitting against mine and my other hand clutches her hip tightly to not let her fall. Her eyes hold fear and need as I keep her gaze locked onto mine. My hand feels warm on her face, and I feel her breaths coming closer until they match my own. Kissing her in a parking lot for the first time is not my ideal situation, but I can't wait any longer and if her reaction is any indication, she can't either. It feels like hours until my lips remotely touch hers.

  Oh fuck. Her lips are like two pillows that mold to mine and make me feel alive the minute I touch them. My entire body is beyond awake and ready to go at this point. She holds tightly onto my elbows as if to not fall down. My grip on her face gets a little firmer, and my other hand is now splayed on her neck to control the urgency of the kiss.

  Reaching up on her toes for one final push, my hand moves from her neck to her waist, and gives it a squeeze before we both pull our heads back. I have to resist the urge to grind my hips into hers. My dick is so hard I'm leaning my ass back to avoid scaring her.

  We're both breathing heavily, and I open my eyes to see Charlotte staring up at me with lust filling hers.

  My thoughts and heart are racing when I tell her, "I have a feeling that's going to be my new favorite past-time."

  Trying to hide her blushing, she jokes, "It wasn't so bad. You do good work."

  Smirking at her, I challenge, "Oh missy, you haven't seen anything yet. I have feeling that when we get together, it's going to be so passionate and intense, we're both going to explode with pleasure."

  I can tell she's trying really hard not to laugh at the cliché of what I just said or call me a cheese ball again. Looking into her eyes that are dark with desire, she knows it's all going to be true and maybe more.

  I go back in for one more kiss, caging her in against the car. I have to keep it short for both of our sakes. I don't want to keep overwhelming her. She unlocks her door, and I keep it open as she climbs into the driver seat. She looks back at me. "I had a great time tonight. Thank you for everything, Matt."

  "The feeling is entirely mutual. Text me when you get home. Okay?"

  She nods and starts her car. As I close the door, I can hear how old the jeep is from her starting it. Yea, that engine has seen better days. I back away from the car and watch her drive off.

  After my ten-minute drive home, I see it is already after 10:30 and I have an early morning basketball practice with the rest of the intramural team. Our first game is next week, and I would like to win the championships again.

  My sweet and impatient dogs are waiting for me by the door when I walk in. As I strap on their leashes for a quick walk, my phone pings with a text.

  From: Charlotte

  Made it home safe. Thank you again for a great dinner. Goodnight

  I text a quick reply.

  The pleasure was all mine. I will text you tomorrow. Sweet dreams.

  After the walk, I get Nike and Zamboni settled and go into my room to make sure my gym bag is ready for tomorrow. I hear a movie playing from Jeremy's room, so I figure he's just relaxing.

  I change out of my clothes and throw on a pair of basketball shorts before climbing into bed. I hate wearing a shirt to sleep, and I hope Charlotte is okay with that. I'm trusting that she'll feel comfortable enough to stay over one day soon. Damn, I want to feel my skin against hers. As I lay down, I recount most of our conversations from tonight.

  One thing I can easily fix is her getting to know Jeremy. He's been my best friend since our freshmen year of college when we were roommates and joined intramural sports. He's one of those people who have no problem talking to strangers and can make them feel at ease within minutes.

  Back in Chicago, all the ladies loved his dark chocolate skin, short black hair, and gold eyes. The pattern hasn't changed much in the short time he has been here either. He also deemed himself "a godlike sense of man" with his daily workouts. The man loves to stay busy once he's actually awake. We lived together all through college until I proposed to Kelly. Then he stayed in Chicago up until this past December when he told me he was moving to South Carolina to start the program. Naturally, I took his lazy butt in as my roommate once again. There's nothing I wouldn't do for Jeremy, and he already said he plans on making Charlotte feel more comfortable around him, too.Having Leo meet her will be harder because he won't visit from Chicago for a while. His schedule isn't really accommodating once he moves up in the fire department ranks, but for right now, it's consistent. If he wanted to, he could afford the time off since his grandparents passed away last year, leaving him a hefty inheritance. At least she'll be able to meet a bunch of the guys from the intramural teams. They were decent guys last semester, and we got beers on a few occasions.

  There is always one asshole in the bunch. John Braden is one dipshit I cannot stand. The second you meet him you want to immediately walk away from his bullshit. He is a dick, plain and simple. If there was ever a need for sterilization and a punch to the face, he deserves it. I've seen him hit on women at the games who are clearly there with other guys and has even gotten handsy with them at their rejection. No one seems to pin him down because of his blue blood crap. He doesn't know when to stop running his mouth and is a sore loser. I've come toe to toe with him during games because he lets his temper get away from him when he screws up.

  The next morning practice easily turns into us guys just shooting around. I don't think we've ever actually practiced as much as we talked strategy and roster for ten minutes then just messed around. Most of us work out on a regular basis. I run at least five miles every morning before work, and Jeremy hits the gym. This is really just an excuse for the guys to get together away from our academic and professional lives.

  Unfortunately, John Braden walks through the doors of the field house with a smug ass look on his face. He considers himself a gift to women and brags about how many girls he bangs. You know that comment about how some women have 'resting bitch face?' Well, this kid carries 'resting asshole face' all day every day. He's about an inch or two shorter than my six-feet-two. He's built like a brick wall from obvious weightlifting, has that preppy stuck up air surrounding his buzzed blond head, and compares himself to a Hemsworth brother. His voice makes me want to chop his tongue off and throw it in the nearest lake. This idiot brings out my violent tendencies, which are few and far between. I stay far away enough from him that I don't act on my need to smack him. Half the time, I tune his stupidity out, but he's talking about picking up chicks at Drake's last night, which gathers a little bit of my attention.

  Yel
ling at me from across the court, "Yo, Reynolds, I saw you with some honey last night. That was a fine piece. You hit that, bro?"

  Are my ears bleeding? Seriously, nails scraping on a chalkboard don't sound this annoying.

  At twenty-six, this brat comes from old money and has no problem acting like he has no care in the world. He's in the engineering program to take over his daddy's business. I'm not really sure why any team would take him unless he bought his way in.

  As long as he continues to stay out of my way, I won't retaliate. Hearing him ask about Charlie and disrespecting her causes a problem immediately. The basketball I've been holding is about to burst from my trying to not throw it his head. Angry and seething, I bark, "If you so much as speak another word about her, you and I are going to have a major problem. You keep your mouth shut and leave her alone. If I have to tell you again, your dad won't be able to buy your way out an ass beating."

  He has the gall to laugh at me. "Dude, you're sad if you think a young hottie like her would stay with an old fart like you. Once she sees me, she'll be dying to ditch you. I'll take great pleasure in banging that sweet ass she has."

  I'm about to charge at him with steam coming out of my ears when Jeremy holds me back, grabbing onto both of my arms in an arrest position. "Matt, he's not worth it. Just let it go and walk away."

  I shrug him off and try to calm down. He'll get what's coming to him one day. I will gladly sit back and watch the show. Hell, I'd even pay to watch him get the shit kicked out of him. Fucktard still won't stop running his mouth.

  "Those tits, man, not as big as I'd like but I'd totally go after them. Let me know how they taste!"

  Jeremy yells back at him, "The only tits you'll get are from the blow-up doll you keep in your daddy's car, dipshit, and it's probably deflated from overuse from you working your pencil dick on it. Now shut your dumb ass mouth!"

  Everyone in the fieldhouse starts laughing and ribbing on John. You can see the angry embarrassment on his face.