As I start heating up water in the kettle, I search the cupboard for tea. When I pry open the airtight can of my favorite loose tea, I notice that I don’t have enough for one cup. I look farther into the cupboard and find that I don’t even have a crappy bag of tea. Tea bags are always my last option. When I searched the internet this past week, I found that my favorite tea store is in another town about thirty minutes away. Since the mall closes at six p.m. on Sundays I probably will have to wait until Monday to stock up. I can also do a little “back to school” shopping as well to maximize gas and my time.
With my stomach growling I open the food pantry. The only thing I have is crackers? I walk back to the fridge. Nothing. Nada. Zippo. I think I need to start another list – a grocery list. When did I get so unorganized? I guess I was just too focused on getting the house painted and furnished that I forgot about the main staples that keep me fueled. Looking at the stove clock, I notice only fifteen minutes has gone by. Nate said that there was a coffee shop about a mile from the house. I could just take my bike and make a quick trip so I don’t pass out on Jackson today.
I make my way back upstairs and throw on a bra under my t-shirt and pull on a pair of running shorts. That brings up another thing, what will I wear today? Crap! I just remembered that I’m out of sunscreen. I doubt a drug store would be open this early but I’ll see while I am out. If not, I believe that one of my UV protective long sleeved shirts is washed. I can pair it with my jogging capris. With my face moisturizer having SPF 15 and wearing a hat, I think that can shield my face. I’ll just have to apply the moisturizer to my ears and the back of my neck. Being a victim of how the sun reflects off the water, I can assure you that it can invade places that you don’t even realize until it’s too late.
Peddling my way downtown, I notice the air. It’s not thick and polluted like LA. I used to have to check the air quality before I went for a hike, bike or a run. There were times that we had to practice cross country and track in the school because it would not be safe for the kids. The kids enjoyed it though. They would weave through the hallways like they were running the amazing race. We only had one casualty – Mr. Kilburn. He stepped out without looking both ways. He had a black eye and a few scratches. I told him that he could make up a good story about how he thwarted attackers while saving me instead of telling people that he was tackled by a bunch a girls. He didn’t find that humorous at all. After that, I started sending emails to the teachers making them aware of our “indoor” practice. We bypassed Mr. Kilburn’s room altogether.
As I get closer to downtown, I notice the Mediterranean flair with a little bit of modern American accents. I hop off my bike and start slowly pushing down the sidewalk. Avenida Del Mar seems to have a little bit of everything lining its way. Of course, with it being before seven on a Sunday, most shops are closed. What brings a smile to my face is a store that sells specialty teas. Maybe I won’t have to get in my car at all tomorrow. I can just come down here and find most of what I need. Thankfully I see a coffee shop. Thank goodness it’s open because my stomach is not growling anymore, it’s roaring.
Opening the door, I notice a familiar face in line. Rory turns around and a big smile crosses her face. Rory accepts her beverage from the barista, then turns and embraces me in a tender hug. I feel a little awkward because I’ve never had a fellow female my age give me such a warm greeting. Rory is about two years older than me. She stands at my height, but sports a more athletic build. Her thick auburn mane is of medium length with slight waves. She reminds me so much of her mother, Mrs. James, who was kind and sincere. Since teacher pay is next to nothing, she earns extra money by coaching at the school and teaching yoga at a local wellness center. She explained to me that she married right out college to her high school sweetheart. Rory’s husband was a Marine in a reconnaissance team when his vehicle struck an IED in Afghanistan. I remember the day her mom received the dreaded phone call from Rory informing her of his death. Even though Rory’s husband died over a year ago, Mrs. James said she’s still struggling with the loss. Now, Rory throws all of her spare time into athletics because it wears her down so much that it helps her sleep at night. She has also pushed away from a lot of her friends. Understandably, Mrs. James expressed her hope that Rory and I could become close.
Hugging Rory back I say, “I didn’t realize that you lived close.”
“I live about ten miles away, but love this charming town. I always stop here on Sunday mornings to get an iced coffee and take it down to the beach. I lay out my blanket and rest upon the sand while watching the waves roll in. It’s kind of my little therapy. It’s a way to clear my head and get ready for the week ahead. My mom has been trying to get me to go back to church, but I hate receiving all those sympathetic looks.” Giving a light shrug she continues, “I was wondering if you could meet any time this week so we can come up with a training schedule. I have stats on all of our returning team members and my goal is to help them get their PR without a boat load of injuries. I find that if you don’t have a plan, you can plan on having an unhealthy team.”
Checking the calendar on my phone, “I still need to go through one more box and have to do some restocking of my pantry Monday. Are you available Tuesday? We can meet at my condo. I’m excited to show off the progress I’ve made on it.”
Obviously ticking her schedule through her head, Rory finally answers, “Tuesday works best for me. It’s one of the only days this week I actually have no commitments. Text me your address and I can be there as early or as late as you would like.”
“How about eleven-thirty? It will give me time to take a shower and recover from my morning run. I’ll make us a light lunch and we can get started. Does that sound okay?”
Giving me a sweet smile, “That would be perfect. See you Tuesday. Call me if something changes.”
Rory turns to walk out the door then suddenly stops. Turning back my way she has a devious grin. “Now, I would like to make a suggestion in what to order here. They make the perfect iced mocha ever. It is made with chocolate espresso beans, fresh crushed vanilla beans, and the most divine chocolate drizzle. One word of caution, order it skinny because if not you will need to tack on another five miles to your run. Oh, one more suggestion. There is a gourmet chocolate store up the way that makes the most decadent chocolates. Their chocolate covered strawberries are amazing and the chocolate covered Oreos will make you not care about the added cushion that they’ll add to your backside. They’re seriously well worth the money and added calories. See you Tuesday.”
As the bell on the door chimes, I think about the hell Rory has been through this past year. Even though she has such a charming demeanor, you can see little flecks of pain in her eyes. I remember when my stepfather would deploy, my mother tried to put on a brave face. We knew what a phone call or an unexpected visitor could bring. I also know that being detached from the bond of military friends brings people in your life that don’t always get what you are going through. Hopefully with my military roots, I can be the friend that she can turn to for understanding. I have a feeling that Rory and I could be the best of friends.
*
As I make my way back into the condo complex, I see Jackson leaning against, what I assume is his silver, full size truck. He has the most heart-stopping smile. He pushes off of his truck and stalks his way to where I have stopped my bike. My insides twist with nerves and excitement.
“Good morning, Beautiful.”
Did he just call me beautiful?
“Don’t look at me like that,” he lectures while seducing me with his eyes.
“Like what?”
Shaking his head he turns course. “Never mind. I know it’s earlier than we had planned, but I’m ready to go when you are.”
“I’m sorry. I need a little time. I was out of everything this morning so I took my bike downtown to get a little breakfast.”
“You could’ve come over here,” he states as a matter of fact.
“My mom woul
d be appalled if she ever found out that I traipsed over to a guy’s house that I barely knew, begging for food at six a.m.,” I say quietly. “It’s just that I’ve not stopped long enough to realize that my food supply was slowly dwindling down to nothing. I’ll go tomorrow.” I start to walk away when I realize my sunscreen issue. “Oh, do you mind if we make a stop on our way? I need to get sunscreen before we go out. Sunscreen is an item I can’t believe I don’t have since I usually carry it with me at all times. No offense, but I don’t want to look like I have a leatherneck by the time I turn thirty.”
Jackson takes off back to his truck and starts searching for something. Jogging back to me he shakes a bottle in his hand. A sunscreen bottle. “Gotcha covered. I know how it is moving. I always feel out of whack and disorganized. That is the one thing I hate about my job. I like being in constant control. I have lists, timelines, and reminders that keep me from reaching that point. When I move, things are in boxes and scattered everywhere, it feels as if I don’t know which way is up. I usually lose about five pounds because even I forget to buy food.”
Looking up at him, I wish he would take control. I wish he would lie me down and devour me like his food. Coming back to reality, “It’s seven forty-five right now. Do you mind if we leave at our original time? It will give me time to properly get ready.”
With a princely bow and a heart-stopping wink he says, “Anything you wish, my lady.”
I know that I’ve said this before, but I’m in trouble with this one.
Chapter Twelve
Jackson
Running back into the house, I nearly mow Ben down. “I need the keys to your car right now.”
“Where’s the fire, chief?”
“Don’t ask any questions. I need your car. She doesn’t have any food.”
“Who doesn’t have food?” Ben asks curiously.
“Grace had to bike downtown for breakfast this morning because she had no food in her house. I can’t have her go a minute more without food. Diminishing that cute ass and curvaceous hips would be a major crime.”
“Jackson, slow down for a minute. I thought you were showing her around, not solving her hunger problems, or should I say your hunger problems.” He looks at me while making is brows go up and down.
Reaching for his keys, I growl, “Give me your damn keys or I’ll hotwire the car right here and now. I’ll be back in a moment. I just need to get her the essentials.”
As I turn to open the door I hear Ben making a kissing sound, “Already kissing that ass.”
*
Knocking on her door, I realize that I may have overstepped my boundaries. I don’t know what she likes or dislike when it comes to food. Hell, I don’t know if she is allergic to anything. Too bad, too sad! I will not let her go another day without anything.
Holding up some of the bags of groceries, I yell, “Surprise!” The look of disbelief is written all over her face.
Cocking her head a little to the side she questions, “What have you done?”
“You need to eat, I had some time to kill, and here I am.” Pushing my way past her I start laying the grocery bags on her counter. “You finish getting ready and I’ll bring in the rest.”
“The rest? Jackson, you just brought in ten bags. I live alone. I don’t eat much. I don’t know you at all so you shouldn’t be buying my groceries.”
I start ticking points back at her. “You may have guests. You need to eat more. And, I hope you will know me a lot better by the end of the day. Call it a house warming gift. Some people bring a food basket; I bring you enough food to fill your refrigerator and cabinets. It’s done. Get over it. I’ll be right back with the rest.” I start to push past her when I notice that she’s standing there with her mouth wide open. I lean towards her and say, “You better close that mouth before I am tempted to do something to it.” I start laughing when I see her snap it shut and take a big gulp. She doesn’t know who she is messing with.
I jog back out to get the rest. I’m in a hurry in case she decides to slam and lock the door on me. When I come back in, she has her back to me while leaning against the refrigerator. She doesn’t realize that I’m watching her. As she’s scanning the groceries that she’s just unloaded I hear her whisper to herself, “Unbelievable.”
“Is there something I missed?” I see her startle and turn towards me.
Holding up a package of maxi pads with a gorgeous smile she mutters, “Nope. Not a thing.” Tossing the maxi pads back on the counter she continues, “Why did you do this?”
“Why not? I have been in your position many of times. Going grocery shopping is a chore. I thought I’d relieve you of one less thing on your to-do list. If I missed something, you can go at your leisure to pick it up. Now let’s get everything put up so that we can enjoy the day. I have a schedule to follow and by my clock we have ten minutes to get things put up and head out on the road.”
We start putting things away, she tackles the pantry items while I handle the refrigerated ones. As I look over, I notice she organizes her pantry the way a Marine recruit is expected to organize his foot locker in boot camp. Everything is squared away.
Next thing I know, Thor is sitting outside her glass door with Ben running up behind him out of breath. I open the door and Thor comes rushing in. Ben is bent over with his hands upon his knees trying to catch his breath.
“Dude, the leash got away and this is where he came.”
Looking back, that damn dog is perched on her sofa.
“What the hell happened, man?”
Still trying to catch his breath, Ben coughs, “I needed to take out the trash so I thought I would take him with me. His ears alerted like someone was calling him and he just took off. I chased him here.” At that moment Ben look up, taking notice of Grace immediately. Walking up to her, he holds out his hand to shake hers. “So, you’re the person that has my friend and his dog in knots.”
Smacking him on the back of the head, I put Thor’s leash in his hand. “Grace, this is Ben, and Ben is just leaving.”
Scooting Ben and Thor out, I turn back to Grace. “You ready to get moving?”
“Whenever you are,” she says trying to stifle a laugh.
*
Driving down the road, we have the windows rolled down. I glance over and notice that Grace is taking in the scenery as her honey locks are being gently blown. She reaches in her bag and pulls out something. She starts seductively drawing her hair back and my eyes are drawn to her neck. Her neck looks like creamy silk that I could nuzzle all night long. She tilts her chin up, closes her eyes and runs her fingers through her hair like a comb. She wraps her hair a sexy bun which makes me go instantly hard. Never has a woman made me feel so wound up in such little time. I have to pull my eyes back to the road before I find a secluded road to rectify this situation that I’ve found myself in.
Both of us stay silent as we continue our journey. Usually silence in this setting is very uncomfortable, however this feels natural. I feel as if I have known her all my life. She has her left arm propped up on the arm rest. Casually I reach over with my right arm and lightly take her hand in mind. Her hand tenses and she looks up me with an uncertain smile. With my eyes still locked on the road, I give a confident smile back. I catch Grace’s smile growing and notice it meets her eyes. She relaxes into her seat while her hand relaxes back into mine. We ride exactly this way until we get to the beach.
The beach is very busy. Anywhere in Southern California on a day like this would be crowded. I pull the truck down to the launch ramp and in unison we both get out and untie the kayaks. It’s obvious she has completed these movements many times. Automatically jumping up in the truck’s bed, she takes control of the back end of one of the kayaks. Continuing to anticipate each other moves, we unload the kayaks one by one. Most of my previous dates would not have jumped in like she did. Hell, most of them would not have been here. They would have wanted to spend the day shopping and would have met me for dinner and drinks later.
I jump back in the truck, leaving Grace, along with the kayaks, by the water until I can find a parking space. As soon as I find one, I stow my belongings in a waterproof bag.
Jogging back down to the ramp, I notice she is putting on her life jacket and assembling the oars. What she doesn’t notice is that there are three men watching her every move. As I am coming down the hill I see things unveil pretty quickly. One guy gets her attention, while the other two come up close behind her, which startles her. One guy behind her flips her hair, while the one in the front runs his hand down her cheek. I can’t get to her fast enough, but notice that she quickly positions herself slightly out in front between them, while taking a defensive stance. One guy takes a step forward and I see her pull something out of her pocket and point it at them. I get closer and see she is holding a can of mace. That’s my girl. The guys look at her, then at me, and take off.
The next thing I know she has turned around and thrown her arms around my neck. She is shaking uncontrollably.
“Shhhh. I’m right here. Look at me.” Pulling back her eyes meet mine. There’s moisture welling up in them. “You did good. Shhh. I’m here.” A single tear escapes her eye. As she pushes it away, I decide to lighten the mood. “Damn girl, was that mace waiting on me?”
Seeking Me To Find You (Finding You Series Book 1) Page 6