Harley’s Achilles(5)
“Do they look done?” he asked.
I cut one of the thicker ones in the middle and took a peek at the meat. “Yup, nice and pink.”
“The potatoes have a few more minutes, I think. I can squish them, but not too much.”
“Squish them, eh?” I grinned.
“You know what I mean.” Achilles chuckled.
I jumped up on the counter and swung my feet out. “Do you even like hanging around me?”
“Well, you’re never boring, that’s for sure. You keep me on my toes.”
“Do you like your job?” I picked up a carrot and munched on the end.
“Yeah. I mean, the hours are weird, but the paycheck is good and I get to see different places.”
“I always wanted to travel when I was younger. Holden and I—” I stopped and swallowed hard.
“You and Holden what? Tell me.” Achilles leaned against the counter.
“We were both going to join the military. I mean, I wanted to, but he begged me not to.”
“Why?”
“Because he said he couldn’t stand it if something happened to me,” I said softly.
“But something happened to him.” Achilles lifted my chin with his fingers and searched my eyes.
“Yes,” I nodded. “Why did you join?”
“I wanted to see the world.”
Achilles removed his fingers from my chin and stepped back. He jerked his chin toward the sliding glass door.
“I’m going to check the potatoes.”
I stared at him. That was the first time Achilles had ever touched me like that. I didn’t know if he knew it or not, but he almost touched my face today at my parents’ house. I was almost positive he wasn’t gay. I think. He looked older than me, too. I wondered how much older.
He brought in the potatoes, and we sat at my little kitchen table and ate. It felt weird to be sitting there with him, although, I had to admit I enjoyed the company. I wanted to know more about him, but was afraid to push too hard. Achilles seemed a little closed off.
“So, how’s the album coming along?” The question startled me out of my thoughts.
“Really good. We’ve got twelve tracks completely done and when Jinx comes back, we can finish the rest.”
“You miss Jinx, don’t you?”
“Yeah. I’m happy for him though. He had it rough in school.”
“What about you?” Achilles asked as he spread butter on his potato.
“I didn’t have a problem with the ladies.” I shrugged. “I guess I have charisma,” I smirked.
“You have something, all right.” Achilles basically snorted, and that made me laugh.
“I know, I’m a pain in the ass.” I leaned back in my chair and let out a sigh.
“No, I wouldn’t say pain in the ass. You are…adventurous?”
“Pain in the ass.” I pointed at him with my fork.
“Thrill seeking?”
“Nice way of saying pain in the ass.”
Achilles chuckled. “You are something else, Harley Payne.”
I tilted my head. “How did you get here? I always see you, but don’t see what you drive.”
“Well, tonight I’ve come in my pickup truck. Normally, I’m on my Tomahawk.”
My mouth fell open. “Excuse me? Dodge Tomahawk?”
“One and the same.” Achilles nodded.
“Well, fuck. No wonder you catch me all the time. How fast does that go? Four hundred?”
“Four-twenty. Zero to sixty in two point five seconds.”
“Fuuuckkkk. I think I just came.”
Achilles cracked up and I smiled. I loved the sound of his laugh. Rich and hearty.
“Do you think I could ride it sometime?” I asked with a grin.
“I’ll take you for a spin tomorrow if you want.”
“I would. I miss being on a motorcycle.”
“Why don’t you buy one? Rebel has one.”
“Because the one I want, I can’t have.” I stood, grabbing my plate from the table. “Are you finished?”
“I am, but I can get my own plate, Harley.”
I took my dish to the sink and ran the hot water. Achilles joined me and placed his plate on top of mine. The heat from his body seemed to fill the air and I inhaled his intoxicating scent.
“Um, do you think you could stay? I mean, here…tonight?”
“Sure.” Achilles nodded. “Let me just grab my bag from the truck.”
“You packed a bag?”
“I always have an emergency go bag in my truck. Clothes, food, water, all the things you’d need if you were stuck.” Achilles motioned to the water. “I think it’s hot. How about I check on the fire?”
“Sounds good. I’ll finish this, then bring the chocolate and stuff.”