Page 7 of Here You Are

That’s when the front door to his apartment swung open with a loud couple busting through the door.

Listen, I am a runner, and I am decently fast. But I have never moved faster in my life than I did when I dismounted his lap and returned to the couch in a seated position. Every place that had been sweating earlier was reactivated, and I just knew my face was beet red. The couch faced the TV, away from the dining area where they had entered, so I did not have to make eye contact.

Luke chuckled under his breath and whispered, “I didn’t think they would be here. I’m sorry. I’ll go see what their plans are for the evening.”

He grabbed my hand and kissed it, and then hopped up to go talk to the person I presumed was his roommate and his roommate’s girlfriend. This was my moment to stop panting, stop blushing, and stop perspiring. I gave myself a mental pep talk about how it was going to look weird if I kept sitting here with my back to everyone in the apartment. I put on my brave face and walked into the dining room to introduce myself. Luke saw me and gave me a killer smile, not at all fazed by the awkwardness of the interrupted heavy petting.

“Cassie, this is my roommate Tim and his girlfriend Sydney. She goes by Syd. Guys, this is Cassie, the girl I told you about.”

Tim started apologizing right away. “We’re sorry for barging in. We knew you guys were hanging out here tonight, so we were going to go to Syd’s, but then her roommate made plans with her boyfriend. Roommates? What a pain, huh? Luke, I tried to call and give you a heads up, but you didn’t answer, so I took my chances. Sorry if we interrupted…anything.”

“It’s nice to meet you guys,” I said. “I was actually going to head out, so it’s not a big deal. Thanks for dinner, Luke. It was really great.”

“Hold on, Cassie, you don’t have to leave,” Luke said as I started reaching for my things.

“I really should, but thanks again for a great night.

I started walking to the door, and Luke followed me. He walked out into the hallway with me and shut the door behind him.

“I’m sorry, again. I didn’t expect them to come home. They're really chill and good friends of mine, so you don’t have to feel uncomfortable being here while they’re here,” he explained.

“It’s ok. I should probably go home and take a cold shower,” I wink, trying to give off sex kitten vibes rather than rodent scurrying away vibes.

“When can I see you again?” he asked, pulling me in for a hug.

“I’m pretty busy. I’ll have to look at my schedule, but I think I'm open all weekend,” I answered back.

He pulled himself back from our embrace and then leaned forward for a quick kiss.

“Okay, go hit the showers, and I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Chapter 4

May 2009

Luke decided to come over to my place to hang out. He suggested we go out to get drinks, and I counter-suggested that he come over to my place. I was broke, and any excuse to stay in was okay with me. I’ve been working at the same financial consulting agency since graduating, but I’m stuck in an administrative role and barely making ends meet, even with a roommate. I have the degree and the knowledge, but no one is willing to hire me as an analyst without experience. Unfortunately, I can’t gain experience because no one is willing to give me the opportunity to gain it. It’s a vicious cycle and has me questioning the point of going to college and acquiring a degree. It’s been almost a year since I graduated, so I’ve started looking for other opportunities that will allow me to grow professionally and be able to pay back my student loans.

We made plans to just hang out at my apartment. While I waited, I became increasingly more anxious. Should I set out board games? Assume he is just here to hook up? I decided to get some drinks and snacks ready and grabbed a pack of playing cards in case there was any awkwardness. So far, the only awkwardness when we are together has come from yours truly.

I heard a knock on the door and rushed over to answer it. Before opening the door, I gave myself a quick look to make sure I looked decent. Since we were just hanging out at home, I settled on jean shorts and a plain tank top. I did pick my shortest shorts and a low-cut top to add a little pizzazz. I opened the door and couldn’t help the giant smile that grew across my face. He is so cute, and I have a major thing for him. I’m hoping our frequent hangouts mean he is feeling the same way.

“Hey, babe,” he said as he pulled me in for a hug. I melted into him.

“Do you want to come in?” I asked. “Sure, I’d love to,” he joked while I just stood there in his embrace.

“Come in,” I said as I led him into the kitchen. “I wasn’t sure what you would want to do. I set out drinks and snacks. Do you want anything?”

His eyes traveled slowly over me, and a shiver ran through my body.

“I don’t need a drink or snack,” he said as he slowly walked toward me.

“Do you want to play cards?”

He shook his head.

“Okay.”

“My cold shower didn’t work,” he said. “I can’t stop thinking about the other night. I was hoping we could pick up where we left off at my apartment.” He stepped closer. ”Forgive me for coming on to you the second I walk in the door, but you look so hot, and you smell so good, and if you tell me to settle down and play a game of cards with you, I will. I have some self-control, and I respect whatever you want to do.”