Page 22 of Completely Captivated
“Jen, you work in the pediatric department of the hospital.I seriously doubt the little kids are trying to kill you,” Christa snickered.
“Never underestimate them, Christa.They’re devious and cunning.And…cute,” Jen argued, making Christa laugh loudly.
Christa took a seat with Jen as she set her coffee in front of her.“Mmm, that is so good.”
“So, what brings you in today?I haven’t seen you in a long time.Visits from two Millers in the same week…maybe I should go buy lottery tickets.”Christa smiled warmly, genuinely glad to see Jen, and Jen felt her stomach roil in response.
“I actually came the other day, but you were off on some hot date.Who’s the lucky guy?”Jen asked, leaning in and whispering secretively.
“Actually, he’s someone I met here in my shop.He came in every day over the past month for coffee and to have breakfast with me.We really hit it off,” Christa explained, her shyness bleeding through her tone and revealing she was clearly holding back.The intrigue only made Jen more curious about Christa’s new mystery man.
“And?Come on—you know how my brothers tortured me all my life.I know torture tactics!”
“Okay, we spent the whole day together Saturday.He left a little after midnight and then came back yesterday morning to pick me up.We spent the whole day together again, and he left late last night.”Christa was now beaming.Her smile and excitement were contagious.
Jen was genuinely happy for her friend and a little sad for her brother.Her brother who had waited too long to make a move and took for granted that Christa would just wait around for him for however long he decided to take.
“So, tell me about him.What’s his name?What does he do?What does he look like?Is he good in bed?”
Christa choked on her coffee at the last question.“Um, well, I don’t know about the last question, Jen.But his name is Aaron Rivers.He’s an agent—he pairs up models and ad companies, completes the sale, signs the contracts, and whatever else agents do.He’ssohandsome, Jen.He is just…drop-dead gorgeous.He has black hair, and he’s tall and muscular.He has one of those sexy, eternal five-o’clock shadows and the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen.I still can’t believe he’s interested in me, of all people.”
“Why wouldn’t he be?You’re gorgeous, Christa.He’s probably saying he can’t believe you’re interested in him.”
Christa smiled down into her coffee mug.“Jen, I’m really falling for him.I know it’s way too soon to even think about that.I mean, it’s only been a few weeks since I first met him, but I just can’t help it.”
“That’s great, really, it is.But maybe you should take it a little slower?A little safer?”Jen suggested.
“You know, I thought about that myself.That was my first inclination.But I decided I’ve played it safe my whole life.I’ve had a few boyfriends but nothing too serious—nothing long term.I’ve done what was expected of me and worked hard for everything I’ve been blessed with.I really want to let go of the reins I’ve held on to so tightly and justhave funnow.”Christa began getting more animated, more lively, the more they talked.“I want to live a little, take a few chances, and see where it goes.If I get hurt, I get hurt.What’s the worst that can happen?We eventually split up?Maybe.But at least I took the chance tolivewhile I’m young.”
“I’ve never seen you like this, Christa.He’s really good for you,” Jen said thoughtfully.She watched Christa’s face, as she was far off somewhere, reliving a past moment.“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Christa jerked up.Her spine suddenly made of unbending steel, her face serious, and her voice hushed.“Why do you say that?It’s too soon to be in love.”
“No, Christa,” Jen said, shaking her head slightly.“It’s never too early to be in love.You know when it’s real.It’s your mind that tries to fight it, tries to hide the feelings behind logic and reason.It’s your mind that tries to tell you you’re wrong.But the heart—the heart knows what it wants.”
Christa stared at Jen, dumbfounded, for several seconds.“Oh.My.God.Jen.”She leaned back in her chair, dropped her head and stared at her hands for a moment.She had to gather her thoughts.Could Jen be right?Isn’t it too soon?
“You’re right, Jen,” Christa said, feeling better having said it aloud instead of turning it over and over in her mind.Saying the words made it more real—but less of the untamable monster she’d created in her mind.“I think you’re right.I think I’m already in love with him.At least, with how he makes me feel.How he treats me.The way he finds time to spend with me, call me, or text me.”Her smile crept across her face, raising her cheeks and lighting her eyes as she looked at her friend.
Jen decided to test the waters.“You know, I always thought you and Jared would end up together,” she said wistfully.“Then you and I would be sisters.”
Christa laughed at the thought.“Yeah, right, Jen!Jared and I were only ever just friends.Anyway, he never saw me as anything but a little kid.Then he went off to college, and I barely heard from him the whole seven plus years he was away.It’s good to have him home, though.Ihavemissed him.”
“Maybeyoushould askhimout,” Jen pressed.
Jen laughed at the look of sheer terror on Christa’s face.“Um, I don’t think so, Jen,” Christa laughed nervously.“Besides, I’m not really one to date around.I like spending time with Aaron,” she finished with a shrug.
“Sounds like he’s the one, Christa,” Jen replied with sincerity.She could see it in Christa’s face when she talked about Aaron.She was completely taken with him.Jen had picked up Jared’s protective nature over Christa after he left for college.She wanted to test Aaron and see if he was as enamored of Christa.“So, when do I get to meet him?”
Christa glanced down at her watch.“If you can hang around, you’ll get to meet him in just a few minutes.He’ll be here any time now.”Christa beamed.
The bell over the door drew her eyes up, and she saw the most gorgeous man standing in the doorway, looking for her.When his beautiful blue eyes found hers, she felt that same tingle in her stomach and tightening in her chest.He was really there for her.
He strolled to her table and drew her up from her seat, into his arms.They wrapped around her, pulling her firmly against him as he lifted her feet off the floor and claimed the kiss he’d been waiting all day to enjoy.
“Hello, beautiful.How was your day?”he murmured to her, keeping his lips against her cheek as he spoke.
“Mmm…so much better now,” she purred back, melting into his arms and into the warmth of his body against hers.
