Page 152 of Stage Dive: Short Stories & Novellas
There was definite sniffing of the item of clothing earlier.I got high off the scent of his cologne, and I am only mildly ashamed.It would be great, however, if I could stop embarrassing myself by doing these sorts of things.My luck with men and ability to be cool are on the same low level these days.“I, ah, was cold.Let me give you this back.”
“No rush.”
But rush is exactly what I do.I tear the item of clothing off over my head, where it of course gets caught on my ponytail.Dignity and poise are for other people.It might explain why I spend so much of my time hanging out with toddlers.They do tend to be simpler and more straightforward than most adults.They also are not the least bit cool or have a clue about social cues and manners.They make choosing chaos a valid lifestyle choice.
When I finally emerge, he’s standing there giving me a smile.The same smile that befuddled me for the better part of yesterday.It would be nice to say I am now immune, but alas.Beneath his hoodie, I’m wearing a white tank and pajama pants, and not much else.It would be so great if my nipples could not be hard.I would really appreciate that a lot.
I hand the sweatshirt over.“Here you go.”
“Thanks.”He gives me a long look.“Jude, you mind if I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Something Frankie said got me thinking.Were we on a date earlier?”
“Oh,” I say with much wisdom.“That.”
“It’s just that you were all dressed up and ordered in sushi and it felt like maybe it was meant to be something special.Something more than just two people sharing a dinner and getting to know each other.”
My mouth opens, but nothing comes out.Nada.Not a word.
And he just waits.
I haven’t given it a great deal of thought.But I think it probably would be easier to talk to the man if he was wearing more clothes.There is, however, no polite way of telling him to cover his man chest.Not in a way that wouldn’t lead him to believe I have issues regarding the ogling of said man chest.Because keeping my gaze on his face is a chore.Though the light from the fridge casts his cheekbones and jawline in the most interesting shadows.He is a work of art.Honestly.
I wince.“You’re just going to stand there silently until I answer, aren’t you?”
He nods.
“Great,” I mumble.Then I squeeze my eyelids shut tight, take a deep breath, and open them once again.“Okay.Here’s the problem with me giving you an honest answer, Dean.This is embarrassing.We only met not quite twenty-four hours ago.We don’t know each other.And your supermodel girlfriend showed up and I assume wanted to talk to you about the chances of getting back together.That is why she asked to talk to you in private, right?”
He hesitates but then nods again.
“Right,” I mutter.
The way the line of his muscular neck moves as he swallows shouldn’t be so sexy.“Frankie and I aren’t getting back together.We want different things.We’ve tried being together a couple of times now, and we work as friends, but that’s all.”
“Okay.”
He takes a small step forward and speaks softly.“You going to answer the question for me now?”
“I’d really honestly rather not,” I say and drop my gaze to the floor.“It’s kind of embarrassing.”
“I kind of need you to.”
“Need is a strong word.”I glance up.
“I feel it’s accurate in this case.”One side of his lips rise.“Please, Jude?”
Ugh.“Yes,” I finally admit.“You would not be wrong if you took my actions as being somewhat date-like.”
He takes a step closer.“You usually spring surprise dates on people?”
“No.I’m sorry.I haven’t actually been on one in forever.It’s why I’m so bad at all of this.But…”
“But?”
“Nothing.”I sigh.“I answered your question.My middle of the night snack is waiting.Are we done here?”
