“Now,” he says as he moves back a bit and looks me in the eye. “First thing is to get you better and get that homework done. You sit and work while I cut up some fruit for you and if you need help, I’ll be right here.” My smile is genuine as he walks back into the kitchen and I pick up my pen. Maybe this will work out just fine and we won’t get caught. Maybe I’m worrying for nothing. Am I fooling myself because there is such a huge chance we could get caught and then what will happen? The one thing he didn’t say is what would happen if we did get caught and he lost his job. Would we still be together or would he regret his decision to be with me? I’m too afraid to ask. Shit.
After he helped me get caught up on my Calculus homework and fed me some fruit and more soup, he kissed my forehead and said to stay home again tomorrow to rest and he would turn in my homework for me. How can I not want to be with this caring man? This man who wants to look out for me, take care of me and is hotter than any man on the planet? I must be insane and so freakin’ lucky. Who am I kidding? I can’t stay away from him. There’s no way.
By Friday I’m back to my old self. Thank God! Josh came over every day after school, made me different things to eat and I have to say, he’s one hell of a cook. I could get so used to that and already miss him when he’s not here. He and the band are playing at another bar this weekend, but we’re so busy at Randy’s that the time flies. After getting back into the groove, I’m exhausted by the time I get home, but I feel a little better once I’ve taken a shower.
I get all cozy in my bed when my phone rings. Who in the hell could be calling at this late hour? Sluggishly I get out of bed and shuffle to the kitchen. I need to figure out a way to get a cellphone. “Hello?” My voice is already a little hoarse from exhaustion.
“Hey,” his rough voice speaks.
“Hey,” I sigh into the phone.
“I was just laying here missing you.”
“I miss you too. How did your gig go tonight?” I bring the receiver back to the bedroom with me and lay down in bed getting comfy under the covers.
“It was great but it would’ve been better if you’d been there.” Damn, he’s making me swoon.
You know that feeling you get every time you see or hear the person you are head over heels for? The one that makes you eager to see or hear them every second of the day? Yeah, that’s what I’m feeling right now.
“I have an idea!” My heart speeds up, and I try to wait patiently. “There’s a town just about an hour from here and I think we should take advantage of the distance and go out on a date.” Hmmm, I like the way he thinks. “Next weekend. Can you see if you can get Friday or Saturday night off? I’m thinking dinner and a movie.”
“Randy owes me time off,” I respond. Lord knows I never take any off. “It’s a date and a great idea.
He gets quiet and I look to see if he’s hung up but it still shows connected. “Emma?” His voice is quieter, breathless. “What are you wearing?”
I giggle. I can’t help it. We’ve been talking a lot on the phone lately and he’s threatened to buy me a cellphone but I just can’t let him do that. Am I stubborn? Yeah, kind of, but I just can’t have him buying me expensive stuff. “Oh, I’m just laying here in my skimpy camisole and panties.” I giggle again. I don’t even own those kinds of things. I’m in my oversized favorite t-shirt.
“Damn! I wish I was there,” his voice sounds breathless, and it’s making me shiver.
The next week is the longest of my young life. His class is my only saving grace and then there’s Calculous. Ugh! We’ve been meeting for lunch under our tree but not every day. I’m so afraid we’ll be caught, but he thinks I’m too paranoid. He should be more than he is. After all, it’s his job. Friday night finally comes and I’m a nervous wreck. I don’t know why I am because it’s not like we don’t know each other or haven’t been around together. However, we haven’t been officially out together, you know like out together. Shit! I’m so freaking nervous!
I pull my blouse down over the top of my skirt for the hundredth time and sigh. Practically ripping them off, I throw them into the bottom of my closet on top of the growing mound of discarded clothes. I look around again, moving deep into the back of my closet and smile. I remove a dress from its hanger and pull it over my head, walk back out and stand in front of my full length mirror hanging on the back of the door. There. Perfect.
My head snaps to the hallway when I hear a knock on my front door and my heart speeds up. He’s here. My heart about chokes me as I look at myself one more time, brush my hands down the front of my dress and turn around, picking up my shoes from the floor and walk out of my room. I hop as I slip my high heels on each foot and make my way to the front door. When I open it, a small gasp leaves my mouth. The most gorgeous man is standing outside, holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers. He’s dressed in a light blue button down shirt with navy blue slacks. His blue eyes are magnified by his attire.