It wasn’t an easy memory to erase.
But that’s what I’ve been trying to do, just like he asked. And we’re doing okay.
Do I still have feelings for him?
Yes.
Do I still want to rip his clothes off his body each time I see him?
Absolutely.
But that gets us nowhere. So I’m focusing on the fact that we’re talking, and I’m happy to have him in my life again even if there is a sense of awkwardness between us.
At times, it’s almost like we’re treading water, figuring out how to be around one another again.
And it’s like he knows I’ve been thinking about him because my phone lights up with his name.
“Hi,” I answer.
“Hey.” His Irish lilt bleeds down the line, making my belly flip. “How are you doing?”
“I’m good. You?”
“Yeah, good. Look, I was wondering if you’re free this afternoon. I’ve just…I’ve got something I want to show you.”
“Sounds ominous. But, yeah, sure, I’m free.”
“Really?”
“Why do you sound so surprised?” I laugh.
“I don’t know. I thought you might be busy or something.”
“The only thing I’m busy with right now is a bar of chocolate.”
“Which chocolate?”
“Galaxy, of course.” I smile.
He makes a moaning sound, and it practically has my toes curling.
“Do you want a moment alone with my bar of chocolate? I can put it on the phone if you want. I have FaceTime.”
He barks out a laugh. “Nah, I’m good.”
“So, what is this thing you want to show me anyway?”
“You’ll see.”
“Aw, come on! You can’t leave me hanging. Just tell me.”
“You won’t be hanging long. I’ll be there to pick you up in half an hour.”
“Then, you’ll tell me when you see me.”
“No.” He laughs. “Thirty minutes, Amaro. Be ready to go.”
I glance down at the state of my unshowered-still-in-my-pajamas self. “Actually, can you make it forty? I need to get dressed.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re naked right now.”
“No!” I blush.
“Thank fuck. I’d have had to drive faster if you were.”
“Oi!” I chastise playfully, liking that we seem to be getting over the awkwardness and getting back to us.
“Forty minutes and not a second later.”
And then, he’s gone, and I’m leaping from the sofa, making a dash for the shower.
I’m dressed in skinny jeans and a T-shirt, hair down and almost dry, rubbing balm onto my lips when I hear a car horn beep.
Going over to my window, I open it up and see a hot-as-sin red Lamborghini parked in front of my building.
Carrick pokes his head out of the window, grinning up at me.
“Two minutes.” I signal to him.
Running around my apartment, I get my jacket, bag, and phone. I grab the bar of chocolate I bought yesterday while thinking of Carrick and shove it in my bag.
I let myself out of my apartment, lock up, and run down the stairs, exiting my building.
“Sweet ride.” I whistle as I walk around his car, getting a good look at her.
She’s an Aventador LP 700-4 Pirelli Edition with a matte black roof and engine hood, so you can see the mechanics beneath. A thin red stripe runs along the black roof, linking her to the Pirelli brand. She’s brand-new, and there aren’t many of her around.
“How long have you had her?” I ask, sliding into the rich leather seat.
“Not long.”
I know they were announced at the start of the year, forecasting delivery for the summer, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d gotten the first one. He’s Carrick Ryan. Having him driving around in a brand-new car is every manufacturer’s dream, irrespective of the level of brand.
“She’s beautiful.” I run my hand over the dash.
“Yeah, she is.”
The tone in his voice turns my head to him. He’s looking at me. No, he’s staring at me.
I swallow nervously and then start rambling, “Six-point-five liter V-twelve engine, delivering six-ninety horsepower, with ISR transmission, pushrod suspension, and permanent all-wheel drive, right? I bet she handles like a dream.”
He’s smiling at me, his eyes all lit up. “She does.”
“She hits one hundred in two-point-nine seconds, right? Maxing out at three hundred and fifty kilometers per hour?”
“Mmhmm.”
“You had her up to top speed yet?”
“No, I haven’t had time to get her out on the track yet.”
“Cool. Well, I’d love to be there when you do.” Then, I quickly worry that maybe I’ve overstepped my boundaries with him. “You know, if I’m around or whatever.”