Page 38 of The Downside of Love
Swallowing hard, I say, “I didn’t want to walk in on something.” I wince, as if she would be doing something weird. “You know, privacy and shit.”
She playfully gives me a squeeze and then backs away, walking toward the kitchen, her shorts riding up in the back, showcasing her toned legs. What I wouldn’t give to feel them wrapped around my waist, her body writhing against mine, her mouth open and pressed across my lips.
“You text me when you’re on your way, then you don’t have to worry about walking in on anything.” Rolling her eyes, she holds up a glass. “Want some apple juice? I just got a big carton, because I was craving some.”
“Craving apple juice?” I walk over to my little corner where my bed is neatly tucked and drop my bag, tossing my cap along with it and my jacket, leaving me in my sand tee and pants after I unlace my boots.
She shrugs. “I get these weird cravings every once in a while, and it’s always drinks. Is that weird?”
“Depends. What kind of drinks?”
“Juices.” She hands me a cup even though I didn’t mention wanting one. “I usually drink water and tea, so when I get in these moods, I can drink a whole gallon by myself.”
Taking a sip of the sugary drink, I chuckle. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who craves juice.”
She wiggles her eyebrows at me. “Glad I could be your first.” Bringing the cup to her lips, she takes a long pull from the glass and then exhales in pleasure. “Oh yeah, that’s good stuff right there.”
I shake my head at how ridiculous she is.Juice. Who fucking knew? Hell, I’ll get her juice every day if it makes her this playful and entertaining.
“How was your day?” I ask, taking another sip of my apple juice. I mean, it tastes good, but not eye-closing good.
“It was good, busy with the Special Olympics event happening tomorrow.” She leans over and places her hand on mine, sincerity in her eyes. “If I forget to say it tomorrow, thank you again for all your help gathering volunteers. You seriously saved me.”
“It was nothing.” I shrug it off, even though I begged and pleaded with a lot of the people at work and instructors at the Academy to show up with not only tons of volunteers but a color guard and the Academy’s acapella group to sing the national anthem.
“Nothing?” Rory raises her eyebrows at me. “Stryder, you have the entire opening ceremonies planned out. It’s going to be so amazing tomorrow with all those cadets high-fiving the athletes as they parade around the track. I can’t even imagine what their reactions are going to be. And what you did with Blake . . .” Her voice trails off.
Okay, I might have pulled a lot of strings, but fuck, it’s for Rory. So when I thought Blake dropping off some of the guys to parachute onto the field would be good, I made it happen.
“You really made this so special.”
“Hey, anything for your brother.” I smile and look into my cup, feeling fucking shy as hell.When have I ever been shy in front of a woman before?It’s what she does to me though. Every time. Brings me to my knees.
Silent for a second, the sound of my phone ringing breaks up the quiet. “I’m going to make you one hell of a dinner tomorrow,” Rory says as I stand to get my phone.
“Now, that, I’ll accept.”
I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out my phone, the name flashing on the screen causing my stomach to flip.
Hardie.
Fuck.
I press the green button and say, “Hang on a second.”
“Yup,” his voice says before I put it on mute.
Going to the table, I set my glass of apple juice down and say, “I’m going to take this outside if that’s okay?”
“Oh sure. I can leave if you want me to.”
I shake my head. “Nah, I’m good.” I eye some pots on the stove, the smell of spaghetti sauce filling the air. “Eat without me, I’ll be back.”
“Are you sure?”
I’d rather eat dinner with her, but knowing this phone call will probably be long, I nod. “Go ahead.”
I make my way down the stairs of the apartment and onto the street where I take a seat on the curb, the summer light still making the quiet streets easy to see.
