I like it!I’m ready to get to the bank(go to 33)
go back(go to 10)
It takes effort to pull away, to gaze upon the bright rays of Lucky’s interest and not bend toward them like a flower in the sun.It would be so easy to shift closer, drifting on borrowed confidence toward the source.
To be with someone who knew where to find this lighter side of myself, who could tend to it, nurture it, simply with their presence.Lucky is wonderfully passionate, exudes it as easy as exhaling, and I can’t get enough.
I want to know this funny, freewheeling man who has wrapped his body in armor but leaves his heart on his sleeve.Open.Vulnerable.
Kissing him would take no effort at all.
But I can’t.Things are complicated enough; I don’t need to confuse them further.
Lucky says nothing as I stand, but I feel his attention on me as I slink off to the bathroom, tail firmly between my legs.It’s easier to breathe when the door shuts behind me.
I should be making a plan.That’s what capable, independent people who chase their dreams cross-country do, except plans aren’t really my strong suit.
Lucky is in the kitchen when I return.He’s snooped out my one good pan, moving smoothly with his sleeves pushed to his elbows.He looks like he lives here.
“What are you making?”I ask as the smell hits me.
Lucky steps away from the pan to fill a glass of water from the tap, handing it to me, then goes back to stirring.“Stew.You didn’t give me much to work with.”
“It smells good,” I admit.Better than anything I could have pulled together.“Ma’s always been disappointed I didn’t inherit her talent in the kitchen.”
“What, you think all I’m good for is looking pretty?”
I refill my water instead of answering.
“You should move in with me then,” Lucky says, and I laugh until its clear he isn’t joking.“Let me feed you.”
“I just met you.I can’t move in.”
“How else do people get roommates?”
Okay, he’s got me there.
“You’d really be okay with that?Why do you care so much?You barely know me.”
“Since when do you have to know someone to care about them?”
He presents it so simply, and I’m overcome with feeling.I like him.There’s no holding back a hug this time, and he accepts it easily, sliding his arms around my shoulders and holding me close.
“I’m serious,” he says.“Move in with me.”
* * *
Make Your Choice:
move in with Lucky(go to 36)
it’s not a good idea(go to 45)
go back(go to 12)
Are you sure?
absolutely certain(go to 23)
