Someday

by Liz Lovelock

  “I have a tendency to catch you by surprise,” he says as if he’s super proud of his efforts.

  “Yeah, you tend to do that.”

  “It’s rather fun.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Sarcasm drips from my words.

  He stands at the bottom of the porch steps. He is a great-looking man. He’s still in his work clothes and a tad greasy. Damn! Those arms are toned, and I can easily imagine myself wrapped in them.

  Snap out of it! I cuss myself.

  “I actually wanted to see if you were busy tonight.”

  Umm . . . what?

  Finally, after a moment, I respond. “Yeah, sorry. I’ve got plans to go visit Sherri. She invited me over when I saw her yesterday.”

  “Yeah, that sounds like her.” He grins knowingly. “Would you like some company? I can pick you up and take you so you don’t get lost or . . . bust another tyre.”

  His playful response makes me immediately want to say yes. A battle begins waging within me. Men equal trouble and betrayal, I remind myself. “No, I’ll be okay. Thanks though.”

  He nods, seeming to accept my answer. “So, what’s Chloe done now?” he repeats.

  “Oh, that’s not important.” I wave my hand.

  “Oh, come on, I’m a good listener.” Without an invitation, he leaps up the stairs and sits in the empty chair beside me. Our arms are centimetres from each other. My body becomes alive, and I’m fully aware of his proximity.

  “I don’t even know you . . . Why would I tell you?”

  His blue eyes gaze at me. I wonder what he’s thinking “Well how about I prove to you I’m someone you can rely on?” I wasn’t expecting this question.

  “Pfft . . .” I expel a breath of air between my taut lips. “Wait, what? Me trusting you might be harder work than you realise.”

  He doesn’t respond; instead, he looks out over the ocean. The silence is only broken by the sounds of the sea and seagulls. I watch the water slide along the sand with each new wave, smoothing out every imprint, making it flat once again. If only things in our lives could be washed away as easily as the sea made it look.

  “I’m more than ready to prove myself.”

  Goosebumps prickle over my skin. I shift my body to look directly at him. “Why?”

  He simply shrugs, not shifting his eyes from mine. “Because I can, and I think everyone should have a friend.” His grin is infectious, making my stomach clench.

  “Well good luck to you then, dear sir.”

  He stands from his seat, taking my hand once again and placing another light kiss upon the back of it. “And to you, fair lady. Please try not to fall too hard for me. It might hurt.” He seems so sure of himself.

  “Me? Fall hard? I think you’re the one that better not fall. This,” my free hand gestures to my body, “is hard to resist.”

  His eyes ogle me. Quickly clearing his throat, he releases my hand. “Umm yeah . . .” Another clearing of his throat. “Yeah, you got me there. I’ll do my best.”

  “Game, set, and match, my dear sir.”

  Catching me by surprise, he releases my hand and leans forward on the armrests of my chair. His face is right in front of mine. My stomach dances like a swarm of butterflies are taking flight in there. If I lean in, I could totally kiss him right now.

  He moves closer. His breath tickles my nose. A large lump catches in my throat. His soft lips that were placing a kiss on my hand only moments ago, now move in. My eyes connect with his deep blues; they entrance me in some sort of spell.

  Closer and closer he gets, licking his lips. I follow suit. When he’s mere millimetres from my lips, he bolts upright. His wicked yet cheeky grin beams down on my waiting and wanting body. I’m left panting as though I’ve run a race.

  “Don’t look so disheartened, sweetheart.” He chuckles.

  Composing myself as quickly as I can, I respond, “Who’s disheartened? Stop playing games with me.” Grabbing the cushion from his chair, I throw it at him. He’s left me wondering about his taste, and what his lips would feel like on mine.

  “Till next time, my fair lady.” He twists suddenly before stepping away as if he was planning to leave, but his eyes are fixed on mine once more. “I’ll pick you up at seven. We’ll go see Sherri together.”

  “No, I would feel terrible not giving her enough warning.” I argue jumping from my chair.

  Seth waves his hand. “Sherri loves me. She has always loved when I visit because I make her laugh,” he states, puffing out his chest proudly. I roll my eyes at his boyish charm. Who wouldn’t love you? Damn, there I go again with my stupid girly infatuation.

  “She probably just puts up with you,” I tease.

  He takes two of the four steps in a leap until his face is right in front of mine again. “How could she not love this face? You like it, don’t you?” His breath now tickles my lips. I suck in a mouthful of air as my throat constricts, causing me to swallow, hard.

  “Ye—I mean no.” Shaking my head, I take a quick step back, I force some distance between us. Gosh . . . How does he steal my strength and resolve so easily?

  The sound of his laughter bellows loudly. “See you at seven, beautiful.” He winks before walking away.

  I can’t fight this. It’s taken all my fight to disagree with him after his almost kiss. I collapse back into my seat. I nearly kissed those perfect lips. Damn him . . .

  Anticipation grips my stomach. My feet pace around the living room. Time ticks by painfully slow. Seth left me in a tizzle and all out of sorts. How does he have this effect on me?

  A loud knock on the door startles me. Opening the door, I’m met with the most gorgeous sight––Seth, dressed in dark jeans and a fitted white T-shirt. Gosh, I could eat him up.

  “Like what you see, my lady?”

  “In your dreams,” I scoff. His scent wraps around me, tickling my senses. Hmm . . .”Why do you smell like a girl?”

  His cheeks pink slightly. “Umm . . . don’t know what you mean.” His pitch sounds higher than usual.

  “You smell like berries or something fruity I’d use in the bath on myself.”

  His eyebrows rise, and that grin of his returns. “I’d like to see you in the bath.”

  Oh damn. My body prickles. Looking down, I see the bright pink skin on my chest. How embarrassing. Clearing my throat, I continue to tease him. “Well. Umm . . . Why do you smell like a girl?” I ask again.

  “It covers the grease and fuel smell. I’m around cars and engines daily. I probably should have put some cologne on, to mask the fruity aroma of my bath wash.”

  I can’t help giggling.

  Seth steps through the doorway and takes hold of my face, and my breath hitches. When his face moves to my neck, I shudder as his nose runs along my collarbone. I’m a hundred percent sure he can hear my heart hammering away.

  “Mmm,” he moans. “Fruity.” Our eyes connect. “You smell almost as good as me.”

  And he ruins the moment. I exhale. His thumb floats over my cheek and then it’s gone, but the imprint of his touch is still there.

  Clearing my tight throat, I ask, “Do you think we should go?”

  He nods and says nothing. Shaking my head, I turn back to retrieve the Apple Crumble I had baked earlier. My body tingles from his touch. I’m not sure how to take him yet. He does like playing with my emotions, which are all over the shop thanks to Ryan.

  “Yes, Sherri will be waiting by the door ready to scold us if we’re late.”

  Stepping outside, I notice he hasn’t brought his car. “Are we taking my car?” I asked, confused.

  He takes the warm dish from my hands. “No, we’re walking.”

  “Walking . . . just how far is Sherri’s place from here? I was planning to drive before you forced yourself into my evening plans. There aren’t a whole lot of houses around.” My arms span around the open space and empty road.

  “Trust me. Didn’t you check the address she gave you? It’s in the same street as yours.” He grins
and I feel stupid, looking at the piece of paper I do see the same name. I blame him for distracting me. I reluctantly close and lock my door. I follow him to the footpath, letting him guide the way.

  The night is fresh, stars are shining, and the moon, big and bright, lights our way. You wouldn’t get this kind of beautiful night in the city. That’s for sure.

  “So how long have you lived here?”

  “I moved here when I was fifteen and live with my nan.”

  “Oh yeah? Do you have any brothers or sisters?” My curiosity is getting the better of me.

  “Yeah, a sister.” His answer is short. He doesn’t elaborate. “Do you have any siblings?” He looks at me as we continue to stroll along the footpath.

  “No.” It saddens me. Yes, I’m an only child. Some would love it—me, not so much. Who doesn’t want at least one brother or sister? Perhaps with the knowledge of recent events, I could have a brother or sister out there. I wouldn’t know whom they are, heck Seth could be my half-brother. Oh, hell no! I’m not letting my brain go there, we’re definitely not related.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll stick together now.” He drapes his arm over my shoulders.

  I melt into his side, my arm wrapping around his waist. A perfect fit. He doesn’t pull away, so we continue to walk this way.

  “Are you ready to talk to me about why you’re running away?”

  “I’m not running away,” I rush to defend myself. Or am I? “Perhaps I’m seeking a new perspective on life.”

  “What kind of new perspective?” he probes.

  “Not really sure yet, I’m waiting for it to come to me, but I’m also on holidays.” It’s true—I am.

  “A never-ending holiday?” He looks at me hopefully. Extreme happiness pumps through me. His eyes glint with a yearning of desire. After a few seconds, I notice we’ve stopped and he releases my body, standing in front of me. His eyes reflect the moonlight. It’s as if he’s waiting for more. Why would he want more about me?

  My arms fold defensively. “I’m not sure how long I’m staying. And don’t try getting more information out of me because, it’s not your problem; it’s mine. Now can we please get moving before Sherri scolds us?” My anger gets the better of me. The words that leave my mouth aren’t meant to be harsh or offending, but my tone suggests otherwise.

  Seth doesn’t say anything else; he nods and keeps walking. A sense of loss follows me when he doesn’t pull me into his side again. I slowly walk behind him, ashamed at myself for lashing out. He didn’t deserve it.

  We walk along for a moment longer before I break the silence between us. “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay, Chloe.” His short reply hurts, so I stay quiet.

  After another five minutes or so, Seth veers off the path and walks through what looks like shrubbery and bushes. If I’d been walking past on my own, I would have missed the gate and pathway. Looking ahead, I see the most beautiful house lit up. Lights on the porch expose an elegant style dwelling. It’s a larger version of the cottage

  “Wow,” I breathe.

  “Yeah, they found it hard to part with the cottage, so they made a bigger version. Though, it’s more secluded.

  “You can say that again. I’d have walked right past if you weren’t with me.”

  “Yeah, a lot of people can’t find it. They think it’s a wall of shrubs, like a decoration of some sort.”

  “I bet. It’s as breathtaking as the cottage. I mean, wow.” My words fail me.

  “About time, you pair!” Sherri yells from the doorway. Beside me, Seth chuckles. My lips turn up in a grin. Such a blunt lady—she’s great.

  “Sorry, Nan, just took in the scenery on the walk.”

  Nan? No bloody way! “Sherri is your nan?” Turning to face him, I shove my hands on my hips. He’s been playing a game with me from the start. He knew I’d be seeing him again, and now not telling me he’s actually related to the one and only person I know in town.

  “Yeah.” He shrugs as if it’s something everyone should know.

  “Why didn’t you tell me? Was it all a game to you?”

  “You didn’t ask, and no I don’t play games, especially with girls’ hearts. I honestly didn’t think I needed to tell you my family tree.” He shrugs leaving my side and leaps up the stairs two at a time, handing Sherri the pie. Annoyance settles in me as I walk up the steps behind him, one at a time, with my eyes cast down. I’m not sure how I feel about Seth now, I thought he was different. Could I be getting too angry because I’ve been hurt recently and I’m looking for any excuse to be mad at the male species? I look up from the steps and allow myself to take in the view ahead of me–Seth’s perfectly sculpted arse.

  Seth stops, looking back. I give him a cordial smile.

  The annoyance and anger I was feeling mere moments ago, dissipates when he allows me one of his tummy turning grins. “Now I know you liked what you saw.”

  We both laugh.

  Before I can reply, Sherri is distracting Seth and taking the dish from him. “Come on, you pair, stop ya lolly-gagging around.”

  “Sorry.” I follow them both through the door, and it really is a bigger image of the cottage. “You have a lovey home, Sherri.”

  “Thank you, dear. How are you settling in?”

  “Great, thank you. Your cottage is perfect. I love it.” My eyes roam around the room. There are photos in beautiful frames hanging on the walls and a huge floor-to-ceiling dark wooden bookshelf full of books along one entire wall. It’s a stunning sight.

  “You look more relaxed now, dear.”

  Honestly, how can she tell? “Yeah, I am better than I was.”

  She walks over to me, wrapping her arms around me in a comforting embrace. My eyes fall on Seth, who stands behind Sherri. He watches us, as if he’s studying me. His gaze causes my stomach to twist with anxiety, for what reason I’m not entirely sure. Do I want to continue the little banter we have going on? He brings out a different side of me. I’m not sure how to take him though. He’s so sweet and his looks match his sweetness. His humour is a breath of fresh air that has managed to put a cheesy grin on my face at each encounter. He’s also managed to steal the wind from my lungs in those moments. A memory of this afternoon and his closeness causes my breathing to become short and fast. My stupid heart and brain send me mixed signals, one reminds me to not get involved because I could get hurt again, while the other wants to jump in head first. Stupid organs.

  Releasing me, Sherri announces it’s time to eat. We take seats at the large dark wood table.

  Sherri has prepared lasagne along with a salad. The aromas coming from dinner smell amazing, my mouth salivates and my stomach gives a low growl.

  After Sherri has served us, we begin eating, and it’s as if there’s a spice party happening in my mouth. “So dear, what are your plans while you’re here?” she asks, catching me off guard, I cough, choking slightly on my meal. Seth hands me a glass of water. As I take it from him, our hands graze and once again I’m caught up in him and how he makes me feel inside.

  I take a sip of chilled water before responding to Sherri. “I don’t have any.” It’s a depressing thought when you realise you have no plans. I have nothing to look forward to. It could also be something exciting. I need to find the excitement in my life again and to only worry about me and no one else.

  “Oh really, a pretty, smart girl like you? What do you like doing for fun?” she asks before she has another mouthful of her dinner.

  “Don’t ask for too much, Nan, she isn’t one to open up.” Sarcasm drips from his tone. I look up from my plate giving him a deadpan look, as if to say, ‘Really? You wanna be a jerk.’

  “Oh, hush up, Seth.” She waves her hand at him, dismissing his comment. He says nothing, but watches me seethe as he throws a piece of carrot in his mouth, a cocky grin on his face.

  Sherri looks at me, awaiting my answer. Gee, how do I say no to her? So, I don’t. “Well I like reading and baking and I hope to travel one day
.” She nods as I talk.

  Sherri falls silent after my answer to her question. After a moment, she speaks up. “Anyway, I have this place I once ran a bakery business from. It’s sitting there collecting dust . . . it could use a good clean up, and perhaps, if you’re interested, you and I could maybe open the bakery again. You said you enjoyed baking.” Her words are full of hope as are her sparkling blue eyes.

  My voice fails me and I honestly don’t know how to reply. A bakery? “Umm . . .” is all I manage, my words still evade me.

  “You can have some time to think about it,” she says, her voice soft and welcoming.

  “You don’t even know me; why would you do this for me?”

  She smiles and a twinkle appears in her eyes. “Dear, you need something to keep your mind busy and your heart guarded. I don’t know what hurt you’re carrying around, but I’ve seen a lifetime of trials, some my own, and some belonging to those close to me.” Her hand covers mine, squeezing it. Comforting me. I never realised I needed this.

  My heart warms and this heat spreads throughout my body. It’s calming. A loan tear slides down my face. “I don’t know the first thing about running a business, let alone a bakery.” I laugh, quickly wiping the tear away.

  She scoffs, “I’m not that old. I’ll be in there helping you, and of course, we’ll have this young man.” Her other hand takes Seth’s.

  “I’ll do my best to help out. It’ll mostly be weekends, so it won’t clash with the garage. But we’ll get other people to help.” Seth grins.

  Oh, my. This sounds like it’s really happening. “This is all a bit too much for me to take on board right now. I don’t even know if I can. You’ve only known me a day.” I’m so afraid I’ll fail. I seem to fail at everything else lately, especially relationships. How could I take this from Sherri? It’s her family business and, I’m not family. Technically, I’m not taking anything from her. She’s asking me to be a part of what she’s building, I console myself.

  Sherri nods slowly. “We’ll work at it slowly. I need something to keep me busy as well. You have a bright spirit inside you burning to come out. You’d be surprised at how well I can read people.”