More Than I Wanted(4)

“Thanks for your time, I appreciate it. I think I’m just not able to get the height. Don’t let me keep you from your friends,” I said, trying to gracefully exit without making a bigger fool of myself.

“Anytime,” he said, dropping the ball and heading back to his friends. It appeared my feelings of lust were unrequited. At least he was nice to look at.

I dropped back into the chair next to Heather. “He’s not interested, I can tell,” I groaned. “Either way, thanks for trying.”

“Sorry, Boo, Maybe we’ll give it another shot later. He’s got a lot on his mind right now,” she soothed. “He’s really a great guy; the two of you would be cute together.”

I sighed, “Yeah, I wouldn’t mind getting naked with him.”

Heather laughed, “Yeah, he’s a looker. The kicker is he has a great personality too. Jake’s another nice guy, but he’s sort of a player. He has a girlfriend, but I have a feeling he takes liberties there, if you know what I mean. I don’t think Austin would be a cheater.”

“Ew, yeah, no cheaters, thank you. I’m not one of those girls who can tolerate that or turn a blind eye.”

“Anyway, what’s going on with Stacy?” The chatter continued, and we covered topics from work to every other topic under the sun. I was grateful they had a spare room I could crash in, because I had way too much to drink.

The group rotated designated driver duties, so as people were ready to filter out, he made sure that everyone got home safely, whether driving them or calling cabs.

I stripped down to my panties and put on a fresh t-shirt that Heather offered. Climbing into bed in the spare bedroom, I thought of Austin. After a long day of laughter, sunshine, and way too much beer and food, I was ready for a good sleep.

I drifted off to visions of the good looking solider, the latest guy to hold my interest. There was something about him, a confidence and swagger, but hidden beneath those layers a look of vulnerability in his eyes. He was gorgeous, but I also wanted to take him in my arms and pull him close to me, telling him it would all be okay. I’m not sure what triggered that feeling, but while he was beautiful to look at, there was also a distance in his eyes. He just didn’t seem interested in me at all.





Chapter 3





“Come over next weekend, it’s all I’m saying. Just be there, you know, dolled up a little bit, and when he stops to pick up Scott – oh what a coincidence you’re here,” she planned.

“It feels lame. Can’t you just give him my number, and if he’s interested he can call?”

“Sure I can do that, but let him see you at your best,” she coaxed. “Trust me, you’re a hottie, and you should let him see that side of you. I’m not saying you aren’t naturally beautiful, but you weren’t able to present your best side the other day after getting banged up.”

I groaned, “It feels desperate.”

“Desperate, or as I see it smart,” Heather laughed, “You decide.”

We talked about what I should wear, so that I didn’t look like I was trying too hard, but allowed me to show off my curves and best angle. We finally settled on a pair of faded jeans and a snug fitting shirt that showcased my assets quite nicely. A pair of boots rounded out the look, and knowing I’d only have a moment or two, I wouldn’t look like I’d overdone it.

As girlfriends do, we discussed whether my hair should be up or down, and every possible detail we could. She was as excited as I was, and it made for a fun way to fill the day with gossip.

It was weird to plan this out, when it was obvious he barely reacted to me at the picnic. What shot did I have anyway? I figured I’d give it one last try since I was attracted to the guy. If he’s not interested, I’ll lick my wounds and move on, but at least I made the effort. It was a rare treat to find a guy that actually held my attention for more than a second or two.

When the weekend rolled around, I was nervous waiting for him to show up. Austin was picking up Scott and a few others to help his sister move into her college dorm. As my phone buzzed, I looked down and glanced the number. Nick, really?

“It’s Nick,” I whispered to Heather.

“Why are you whispering?” She laughed, “And don’t call him back.”

I shrugged, “Scott’s in the next room.”

“He knows you have an ex-boyfriend,” she said. “We all have exes. Even Austin…”

“Oh, right.” I wondered what Austin’s exes were like, and who would ever split up with a guy like that. Maybe he broke up with his last girlfriend, or if she did the splitting up, why? Was there something I should know?