by Kelsie Rae
“He’s cute,” I gush at Suzette, choosing to ignore Conner as he introduces himself to his dog for the morning.
“He’s got the sweetest personality too! I’m sure he’ll find a home before we know it.”
“I hope so. It breaks my heart that so many come through here.”
“Girl, you have no idea. Thankfully, we’ve found a pretty foolproof procedure for finding them homes. And if we can’t, then we have connections with a few farms upstate who are willing to foster them long-term.”
“That’s good to hear. If I could do more, I totally would.”
“We all would. But trust me, Charlie. You’re doing plenty. You’ve even gotten me two more volunteers.” With a wink, her gaze darts over to Conner sitting on the ground with Benny, who’s attempting to lay in his lap. Except Benny is an eighty-pound ball of muscle instead of a five-pound lap dog. My hand itches to snap a quick picture with my phone, but I restrain myself. It’s not like I’d know what to do with it, anyway.
Bonnie gives a gentle tug on the leash, distracting me from the adorable duo a few feet away.
“I’m uh…I’m happy to help,” I tell Suzette. “See you in an hour or so.” Then I guide Bonnie to the exit only to hear Conner scrambling to follow.
“Hey! Wait up!”
Normally, I don’t run with headphones because I prefer getting lost in the world around me. Plus, my conversations with Levi are usually pretty entertaining when we aren’t racing each other. Today, however, I’m seriously regretting the fact that I didn’t bring something to drown out a guy who I’m pretty sure is stalking me.
The sound of quickening footsteps behind me is almost enough to make Bonnie and me full-on sprint down the street, but I restrain myself. Barely.
“Hey,” he repeats when he reaches my side.
“Hi.”
“So do you usually warm up or….”
“I warmed up on the way here.”
“Good. So did I.”
Cocky grin in place, Conner takes our leisurely walk to a decent-paced run, tapping into my competitiveness like a pro. My legs decide to take control of the situation, and I rush to keep up, impressed with his long stride and flexing calf muscles.
Not too bad, Conner. Not too bad at all.
We stay like this, running side by side for a solid three miles before Bonnie slows down, her tongue lolling out the side of her mouth.
“Good girl,” I praise, matching my pace to hers.
My voice is enough to get Conner’s attention, and he slows down too. After catching his breath, he says, “Levi told me you were a runner, but I didn’t know you were gonna give me a run for my money.”
Throwing my head back, I laugh. “And I didn’t know you ran at all.”
“That’s ‘cause you don’t know me,” he counters.
“No. I guess I don’t.”
“Then I think we should change that.”
Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Why not?”
“Because….” The reasons that are usually glaring seem to fade away as I glance over at him. His T-shirt is damp with sweat, clinging to a muscular frame that I’m sure would make most girls drool.
“Because why?” he prods.
“Because we have a history.”
“Yeah. And it’s shitty history.”
His bluntness is enough to spark another laugh from me. “You’re not wrong.”
“I’d like to change that. Maybe show you that I’m not the kid you knew growing up.”
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” I repeat, though I can feel myself wavering.
“I’m not asking for anything crazy, Charlie. I just want to get to know you too. I’ve already seen how little I know who you are now, and I want to unlock a few of your other mysteries.”
“I’m not that mysterious,” I deflect.
“And I beg to differ. You’re one of the most unique women I’ve ever met.”
“Because I like guy stuff?” My comment is laced with annoyance, and I don’t bother to hide it from him.
“No, because you don’t see yourself the way I do. Call it a hunch, but I think we could get along really well. I’d like to get to know the girl I’ve seen glimpses of. And I also think you might like the guy you’ve seen glimpses of lately too.”
Sucking my lips into my mouth, I weigh the pros and cons before muttering, “What do you have in mind?”
“Cowboy sushi?”
“I don’t like fish—”
“That’s why I said cowboy sushi,” he clarifies with a boyish grin. “There’s a little place called Texas Roundup that serves it.”
“I’ve never heard of cowboy sushi. How did you know I don’t like fish?”
“A little restaurant I know serves cooked beef and chicken before matching it with certain veggies and wrapping them into rice rolls. Then they pair the sushi rolls”—he lifts his fingers to do air quotes—“with sauces like sriracha mayo or avocado lime ranch. That kind of thing.”
My stomach grumbles at the thought before I admit, “That actually sounds pretty good.”
“I think you’d like it. And like I said, not a single fish in sight. They don’t even serve seafood there.”
“I don’t date, though.”
“Why the hell not?”
“Because….” My voice trails off as I scramble for an excuse.
Because…why?
Why the hell don’t I date?
Instead of responding, I simply shrug before recognizing how close we are to Forever Grey. My pace quickens. If I can just get there, then I can end this conversation and go home to take a shower. I’ll be able to clear my head and wash away the conflicting feelings that are starting to surface the longer I’m around someone I thought I knew but definitely don’t.
“I’m going to take that as a yes, you’ll grab cowboy sushi with me. How does tonight sound? Or maybe this weekend sometime?”
“I have plans this weekend.”
“And tonight?” he pushes.
“I…uh…I don’t know if I can do tonight, either. I’m sorry, Conner. Maybe some other time.” Rushing to Forever Grey, I open the door before he has a chance to interrogate me any further then drop off Bonnie without even bothering to say goodbye to Suzette as she grabs the leash from my hand.
I gotta get out of here.
Chapter Thirteen
Levi
“Dude. Charlie in those running shorts? Best sight I’ve seen in years. I shit you not.”
An image of my best friend in running shorts comes to mind, but instead of it being clouded with my usual best friend filter that I always try to keep in place, I see her as the woman she is.
Yeah. She’s fucking gorgeous.
“I’m glad you had a good time,” I reply, fighting the urge to be jealous. And failing. Bailing on Charlie sucked. I’ve been anxious all morning, riddled with guilt, and I missed my morning run with my best friend who looks phenomenal in exercise clothes. Yet, this asshat got to see her up close and personal. I grit my teeth and turn back to my paperwork.
“I did have a good time,” Conner replies. “Until she turned me down.”
Curiosity sparked, I peer up at him as he crowds my desk. “What do you mean?”
“This isn’t going to work if I can’t convince Charlie to even give me her number.”
“And how is that on me?” I ask, annoyed about the whole situation. I’m not exactly in the mood to hear Conner bitch and moan about his run-in with Charlie just because he couldn’t get her number.
Hell, the chase is half the fun, isn’t it?
“It’s on you because we have a deal,” Conner explains as if he’s talking to a toddler. “I need her to give me a real shot. And right now, that isn’t happening.”
“And what would you suggest I do?” I grit out, dropping my blue ballpoint pen onto my desk to give him my full attention. I can’t concentrate when he’s driveling on, anyway
.
“Talk to her. Figure out why so I can change it. Or even better, just give me her number, so I don’t have to keep running into her at random places.”
Nostrils flaring, I release a deep breath and say, “Fine. I’ll talk to her. Now leave me alone so I can get some shit done.”
He flinches at my aggressive response before staring at me like I’m a damn alien.
“You’re pissy this morning,” he notes after a few tense seconds. “What’s up?”
The metallic tang of blood explodes in my mouth from biting my tongue so hard to keep from yelling at him.
You trying to screw my friend, asshole. That’s what’s up this morning.
“Nothing,” I mutter. “Just a long night and a shit ton of work to do.”
“I get it, man. But remember, if you can get Charlie to give me a real chance, the job will be yours, and you won’t have to stress so much.” He slaps my back. “I’m gonna go get to work. Talk to Charlie. See what you can find out.”
Then he leaves with nothing but the smell of his cologne burning my nose and the bitter taste of acid flooding my mouth.
I can’t believe I’m doing this.
Pulling out my phone, I type up a quick message.
Me: Hey. What are you doing tonight?
She doesn’t respond for a few minutes, so I attempt to concentrate on a report that’s due this afternoon. However, as soon as my phone vibrates, the financials are forgotten, and I read her response.
Charlie: The usual. How was your meeting?
Me: Fine. I think the big guys are trying to see how we handle pressure, and they’re doing a great job throwing it at me.
Charlie: Lol. You’ll be fine. I have no doubt. Have you talked to your mom lately? I think I want to go see her soon.
Me: Want me to pick up food, and we can meet at her house, then we can go back to your place and watch a movie or something?
Charlie: Ooo…I like that idea. But only if you let me buy.
Me: No deal.
Charlie: Come on, Levi. You aren’t trying to get in my pants, remember? Which means you don’t need to pay for my food all the time. I feel guilty. Especially when I know there’s so much financial crap going on with your mom.
I shift in my seat as an image of her tight ass in a pair of cotton shorts like the ones she was lounging in the other night comes to the surface. She’s right. I’m not trying to get into her pants, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the way she fills them out. After adjusting my NRB––or at least that’s what I tell myself it is––I type a response.
Me: My mom raised me to be a gentleman to ALL women. Even the ones that I’m not trying to get into their pants. And I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation. When have you ever had to pay for anything with me? It’s non-negotiable. And I’m fine. The internship pays really well, and once I get the official position, money won’t be a problem for my mom, either.
Charlie: You sure? I really can help, Levi.
Me: Positive. I’ll see you tonight at my mom’s. How does 6 sound?
Charlie: Works for me. See you then!
Me: See ya.
Chapter Fourteen
Levi
Shit. I’m late.
Fisting the paper sack in my hand, I stomp up the steps to my mom’s house. I texted my mom to let her know I wasn’t going to make it until six forty-five, and because she’s a saint, she told me there wasn’t any rush.
Still, it doesn’t stop the guilt from taking up residence inside of me.
Twisting the handle, I push the front door open and hear Charlie’s tinkling laughter echoing through my childhood home. The sound makes me pause.
Tinkling?
I shake my head to disperse the thought.
“Hey, Mom!” I call out, rounding the corner to the family room that connects to a tiny kitchen.
“Hey, you!” She goes to stand from her recliner, but I stalk closer before she has the chance and plant a chaste kiss against her cheek.
“Sit. I’ll go dish up in the kitchen and bring it to you.”
“I’m not an invalid, Levi. I can stand and help you,” she argues.
Charlie interrupts, “You do plenty for us, Ms. McCoy. And like you were saying, you’ve had a long day. Let us help you out once in a while, will ya?”
Waving her hand through the air, she says, “Fine. But only because you’re both more stubborn than I am.”
“Debatable,” I joke as I retreat to the kitchen. Charlie follows behind and opens the cabinet holding the dishes before setting three onto the counter.
“Sorry, I’m late,” I apologize.
“No biggie. Your mom is awesome. It was nice to catch up. I’m glad the MRI results came through, and that it’s not as bad as they’d initially assumed.”
“I still want to talk with the doctor, though. I’m afraid she’s downplaying it so that I don’t worry.”
Charlie stops digging in the utensil drawer and turns to me. “Do you really think she’d do that?”
“You know my mom as well as I do. She’s always looking out for those around her and doesn’t spend enough time taking care of herself.”
Nodding, Charlie agrees, “Good point. Definitely let me know what the doctor says, okay? She’s as much my mama as she is yours.”
“I know. And I’m pretty sure she loves you more than me.”
With a light laugh, Charlie smacks me in the arm. “Silly, Levi. Everyone loves me more than you.”
The innocent ribbing is enough to ease the ache in my chest that tightens anytime I talk about my mom, and I grab onto it with both hands.
“Yeah, they do. Remind me to bring that up later.”
Her brows furrow. “Huh?”
“I’ll tell ya later tonight. We’re still good for a movie, right? I need some time to unwind.”
“Roommate woes and you’re looking for a place to hide out?” she teases, hitting the nail on the head before she hands me a giant spoon and fork to dish up our dinner. Taking them, I divide the alfredo and salad into even portions and set them on the plates Charlie had set on the counter.
“No roommate woes. I just miss you, and I know you’d just refuse to come over if I offered.”
“Good point,” Charlie acknowledges. “And I’ve missed you too.”
We saw each other yesterday, but as soon as the words I’ve missed you too slip past her lips, I can’t help but imagine what they would taste like. With a shake of my head, I dismiss the thought immediately then set the serving utensils into the sink. I reach for two plates, and Charlie grabs the third along with a glass filled with tap water for my mom. She insists on doing her part for the environment by not buying bottled water because she’s thoughtful as shit.
“Thanks, Charlie,” Mom says as she takes the plate and glass of water from her.
“You’re welcome.”
Side by side, Charlie and I sit on the couch then dig into our meals while the muted television causes lights and shadows to dance along the walls. As I stab a piece of lettuce onto my fork, a soft moan makes my ears perk up. In search of its source, I turn to Charlie and watch her puckered lips slurp up a noodle like in the movie The Lady and The Tramp. Her eyes are glued to her plate as she twirls another piece of pasta around her fork, but the same soft moan slips out of her for a second time.
How have I never noticed how plump her lips are? Or how sexy her little moans are? Has she always done that? I feel like I would’ve noticed before.
I blame Conner for his comment earlier about her ass. I’m usually able to keep my attraction in check, but lately, it’s felt like an uphill battle. Clearing my throat, I reach for the remote control on the wooden side table tucked between the couch I’m sitting on and Mom’s chair.
My finger searches for the unmute button, and I breathe a sigh of relief as soon as Jack MacCoy’s voice from Law and Order floods the room. When it changes to the credits a few minutes later, my mom shows me the palm of her hand, silen
tly requesting the remote. As soon as she gets it, she turns the volume back down.
“So, how did your morning meeting go?” she asks.
“Fine,” I return before changing the subject to something a hell of a lot more important than my day job. “How have you been feeling?”
“Fine,” she responds just as cooly.
“Mom.” I stare at her point-blank to let her know I’m serious.
With a huff, she sets her plate on the side table before giving me a few more details I’m desperate to hear. “They don’t think the tumor is cancerous, but they won’t know for sure until they remove it. However, it’s bigger than expected, which is concerning to the doctors because that means it’s been there for a little while, and I just never noticed it.”
A soft gasp escapes a shaken Charlie, her hand covering her mouth at my mom’s news.
“But I thought you said it was good news,” Charlie murmurs, hinting at a conversation she’d had before I’d gotten here.
“Well, I mean, I guess it all depends on how you look at it. Yes, it’s bigger, but I shouldn’t have to deal with radiation or lose my hair. That sounds like pretty good news to me, doesn’t it?”
“But it definitely has to be removed?” I probe in an attempt to get my facts straight.
“Yes. Even though they believe it’s benign, and the MRI results were pretty positive, the size is troubling, and they want to get it under control as quickly as possible.”
“Have you scheduled the surgery yet?”
She shakes her head. “Not yet. I’m still trying to figure out the logistics of everything. But when I do, I’ll let you know.”
“The logistics of what, Mom?”
“Payment plans. I’m getting everything taken care of, though, I promise,” she tries to reassure me.
Not in the mood to fight, I say, “Just…keep me updated.”
“I will.” She pushes herself up from her recliner then picks up Charlie’s plate. “Levi, will you help me with the dishes?”
“Sure.”
“I can help,” Charlie volunteers.