“That’s what I told Athena. But do you really think a person can fall in love that quickly?”
“There are degrees and phases of love. It changes, progresses, matures, but yes, I think instalove is very possible. You seem awfully interested in a subject you often avoid.”
“I guess the convo with Athena got me thinking about it.”
“Are you sure it’s not Stiles that sparked this interest?”
“I told you it’s not serious.”
“I know what you said, but how do you feel?”
“I really, really like him.”
“And how does Stiles feel about you?”
“We don’t talk about that. But he seems to want to spend time with me. In fact, he invited me to spend tonight and tomorrow with him and his grandfather.”
“That, my sweetheart, sounds like a relationship.”
My mother’s comment stays with me long after we hang up. I usually juggle a couple of men without much trouble and move on when I’m done. I wonder what it is about Stiles that makes me not want to juggle or be done. Maybe it’s because I’m intrigued by the way he can go from broody Robocop to dry-humored, caring, hot-blooded male. That duality keeps me wondering about him, about how those two distinctive parts fit so smoothly together that I can barely see the seam. The more I get to know Stiles, the more I want to know. Maybe that’s not casual. Maybe I am falling.
I haven’t really been in love before. I flirted around with the idea and brushed by it with Theodore, but never have I run smackdab into it.
Whatever it is that I’m feeling for Stiles is heady and marvelous. If that comes with risk, so be it. In the meantime, I’m going to keep enjoying the adventure.
I watch out the window for her. My face is all but pressed against the glass as I stare at the road, willing Jordyn to appear. How pathetic. I shake my head.
“Junior?”
I nearly jump out of my shorts when Pops rolls up behind me. I shove my hands into my pockets and turn, feigning nonchalance. “Hey, Pops.”
“Nervous?” he says with a knowing grin.
“Just hoping she’s finding her way all right.”
“I’m betting Jordyn will get here just fine. You, on the other hand, look as anxious as a virgin going on his first date.”
“Whatever, Pops.”
“Nothing wrong with looking forward to a woman’s arrival. I’m mighty keen myself. Been a long time since we had a female presence here. Jordyn’s gonna bring some color and pretty to it.”
“She will, at that.”
“I wanted to pick her flowers, but they might remind her of the dead roses.”
Damn, I should have thought of flowers. “I think she’d appreciate the gesture, Pops.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” I nod and grin back at his excitement.
“Aw’right, I’m going to pick her some then.”
“Be careful.”
“Boy,” he warns and wheels away, leaving me posted at the window.
Ten minutes later, Jordyn’s lipstick-red Miata pulls into the drive. Determined to play it cool, I wait for her to cut the engine and open the car door. She’s wearing white jeans ripped at the knees, Converse sneakers, and a vibrant mint-green top ruched just above the waist, teasing with a sliver of bare skin. It’s an outfit that borrows from the casual and the sexy, and it makes my mouth water. Though truthfully, Jordyn could have on a brown paper sack, and my reaction would be the same.
