Whatever it is, I did research. I spent hours trying to find the best way to help him. I might not be able to help him get over his fear, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
And as shitty as this might sound considering the circumstances, I’ve found a little purpose in my life.
He was and has been there for me. The least I can do is return the favor.
“Did you just call me Danny?”
“Yes, but I think I like Garcia better.”
A smile grows on his face. Bright and sweet like he is. “I think I prefer that too. You’re the only one who calls me Garcia, anyway. So it can be our thing.”
My heart stutters. “No one else calls you that?”
“No, I’m either Danny boy, Danny, Sparky, and occasionally when I get in trouble,Daniel Jesus Garcia.” He says those last three names in Spanish.
My lips twitch. “Occasionally?”
“I got drunk freshman year and found myself laying on my parents’ lawn. I guess I gave the Lyft driver their address instead of mine. Angel was there with me, so he also got chewed out.” He chuckles as if he were remembering the moment. “But that’s the last time in a while I’ve been called that.”
“And Sparky?”
He waves his hand in the air. “I spark energy everywhere I go.”
Yeah…that seems pretty accurate.
I can’t help but smile a little at that and I don’t miss the way his eyes drop to my lips. “Cute.”
“You called me cute; you can’t take it back.”
“Are you always misinterpreting things? Because I can help you in the water, but I fear I won’t be able to help?—”
“I know exactly what you meant. Don’t deny it, Jos, you think I’m cute.” His eyes twinkle with mischief.
“No, I think you’re hot, but if you prefer cute then…”
A splash of pink colors his cheeks and his smile drops before he picks it back up. “No, no. I like hot. So, you think I’m hot?”
“And shallow.” He’s far from it. In fact, sometimes, no most of the time, he feels too good to be true. He grins, not believing I actually mean it. “Okay, we need to stop wasting time; it’ll get dark soon. Do you still want to do this? Don’t feel pressured or obligated. I’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with.”
He goes silent, eyes shifting to the pool and back up at me. “Are you sure I won’t be bothering you?”
“I have no life, so I promise you’re not.”
“You understand I’m going to consume your life? It’s going to get so bad, you’re going to get sick of me.”
It’s only been a month since he stopped me from ending it all, but since then, my days have revolved around trying to keep moving, and thinking of him.
I wish I could make my brain cut the wire that seems dead set on being attached to him. I didn’t even think of Bryson this much when I was dating him.
“That’s not going to happen.” I slip my hand away from his and note the way his palm remains in the same position as if he were still holding my hand.
He follows my line of vision and tucks his hands in his shorts’ pockets. They’re shorter than most shorts guys wear, exposing his thick, muscular quads. And he has the right amount of hair on his legs.
Why is everything about that…attractive?Jesus, get a grip.
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” He shrugs blithely.
I refrain from rolling my eyes and smiling. “I got you something.” I pad over to the chaise lounge chair and pick up the foam board and goggles. When I turn, I find him already behind me, just a few feet away. “It’s something I get for all my clients.”
