Neanderthal Seeks Human(133)

“Something about the fact that any other color makes the gem a sapphire. But, if it’s red, then it’s considered a ruby.”

I felt my lips curve into a smile. A ruby would be perfect for Janie.

Our attention was drawn to the front of the shop by the jingling of a bell announcing the entry of a new customer. I knew it was her before I saw her. It was the most ridiculous thing, but my heart constricted, then expanded as it always did when Janie entered a room. I’d come to expect the uncontrolled response but hadn’t yet grown accustom to it.

My feet were carrying me to her before my mind grasped their intention; I was too busy noticing that she was wearing a skirt, which likely meant she was wearing thigh highs with lace at the tops. She knew that drove me crazy. I was already plotting to get her alone so that I could confirm my suspicion. Also, she was wearing her hair in a bun and I immediately started formulating plans to hide all her hair ties as soon as possible.

I caught her eye as I approached and, again, my heart lurched when she smiled. Warmth radiated from chest outward and I automatically returned her smile because I had to. I simply did not have a choice.

“Hey.” We reached for each other and her soft palm rested on my cheek briefly as she gave me a small kiss.

It wasn’t enough. It never seemed to be enough.

I fought the urge to deepen the shallow contact and stuffed my hands in my pockets. I’d never been one for public displays of affection before. Now, however, I had difficulty keeping my hands off Janie’s body regardless of where we were. I also had difficulty concentrating on anything or anyone but her.

“Hi.” She responded, her focus split between me and our surroundings. Our surroundings finally won the battle for her attention, “I love this place.” She breathed the words, like she was in awe.

I watched her spin a slow circle. Her eyes brightened as they took in the dually sparse and cluttered atmosphere.

“Why do you love it?” I wanted to know why, I had a sense that I would enjoy her answer. I knew it would be unexpected and unique. Everything about her was unexpected and unique. She was my bright light of eccentricity in a very predictable and ordinary world. She made everything new and interesting- or funny.

Janie issued me a skeptical glare. I’m sure she meant it to look distrustful but instead she just looked adorable and gorgeous. “You’re going to make fun of me.”

I smiled despite myself, something that was becoming very common when we were together. “I’m not going to make fun of you. I really want to know.” I reached for her hand, losing the war against restraint, wanting to feel the warmth of her skin against mine, “Why do you like it here?”

She tilted her head, her big hazel eyes moving over my face then meeting mine, I guessed looking for the sincerity of my statement. I wanted to kiss her again but knew that she would never answer the question if I did.

“It’s actually embarrassing and is about my worst-day-ever, which actually turned into one of the best days ever because it was the first time I talked to you- and looked at you in the eye. Did you know that I had a really hard time doing that? Looking at you in the eye- was hard for me- and, in my defense, there are actually a number of cultures where it is a sign of respect, for example- in Japan- school aged children-”

“Janie.” I moved our hands behind her back, drawing her against me. “Why do you love it here?”

She blinked, her soft mouth parted. She started to blush. It was devastating and made my pulse quicken.

I used to try to make her blush on purpose. I enjoyed flustering her, the way her eyes heated and she would glance at me through her lashes. Janie was brilliant and beautiful. I loved that I seemed to be one of the few who could surprise her enough to elicit an involuntary reaction.

It’s not that Janie was cold; it’s that she was naturally aloof. Whenever I watched her at work or in a group, she seemed to be holding herself apart from the action but it never struck me as purposeful. She appeared to be more comfortable watching. Maybe that’s why her impulsive reactions were so gratifying.

“It’s the bathroom fixtures.” She cleared her throat and lifted her chin, meeting my gaze directly, bravely; “I am a fan of bathrooms. I have found them to be exceptionally good for meditation.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, “Meditation? You meditate in the bathroom?”

She nodded, fighting a smile, “Well, it’s meditation of a sort. I used to wrap all my thoughts up and put them in the box on the shelf in the closet in my head but, recently, I just sit in the bathroom and work through things in there. Something about all the porcelain and tile I think-” She pulled away from me, glancing over my shoulder, “Hey- Elizabeth! I didn’t know you were already here.”