“Tell me. It can’t be worse than any of the other embarrassing stuff you’ve done in front of me.”
“Okay.” She sighs, shaking her head. “But don’t laugh.” Drawing in her legs, she crosses them in front of her and turns toward me. “I must put it into context that I asked you right after we went to the fundraiser. That was before the last week of texting constantly.”
“Right.” I dig into my bowl and shovel a handful of popcorn into my mouth. I’m famished as I drove straight through all night without stopping because I couldn’t wait to see her.
“I was going to ask if you had felt the chemistry I did.” Her cheeks blush. She doesn’t take her eyes off of me. “I assume since we’re both sitting in the Coffee Loft hours after close, getting ready to watch a movie, you felt something.”
If she only knew. She’s all I’ve thought about, and I couldn’t wait for a chance to tell her this. I haven’t stopped thinking about how she felt in my arms when we danced, and how stupid I was that I didn’t kiss her.
I can’t tell her that though!
I’m determined to make her like me, I put on my best flirty smile. “I would say your assumption is correct.”
“Good.” Her smile colors my heart neon pink, as it feels as if it’s glowing in my chest.
“Shall we watch our movie?” Getting back up on one knee I reach behind me and switch on the projector. The film begins when a lady flashes on the screen. Once I’m happy with the picture alignment, I sit back down and take her hand in mine. We both freeze, sharing a look, before we return our gazes to the screen and watch the movie sitting shoulder to shoulder like this is the most normal thing in the world for us.
My eyes are heavy as tanks when the movie ends. I can barely stay awake. It’s been many dreadfully long days in a row, and as much as I want to stay and talk to Portia for hours, my heavy eyelids have another plan. “I’m really sorry to bail on you, but can I take you home now?” I already got off the floor, doing whatever I could not to pass out. “I can barely stay awake, and I have to come back to this place in like four hours.”
“Sure.” She rises to her feet, standing so close to me, I can smell her. She smells like every summer sunset I’ve ever watched, and it warms my skin to be near her.
I take a few minutes to pack away the projector, so I don’t have to mess with it in the morning. When I return from stowing it in my office, I take her hand in mine again, and we walk together to my car in silence. It’s the most comfortable silence I’ve ever had. Even though we aren’t speaking, it’s a moment that feels we are creating a bond.
I drive home, the music plays quietly on the radio, and my mind drifts over all the events of the week. Everything from my grandma, to El, to my money issues, and back to land on Portia. It’s been one giant roller coaster.
I don’t doubt I’m exactly where I need to be.
I park and drop a giant sigh. “I’ll walk you up the stairs.”
“No, you look exhausted.” She waves her hand dismissively at me. “You don’t have to. Trust me, I don’t even want to walk up them again.”
“No, I insist. This is our first date, and I’m all about doing things properly.” I open my car door, running to open hers before she can, and we link hands while strolling toward her building.
“I feel like this is boot camp,” I joke as we embark on the first set of stairs. I know if I want to do any talking, it’s best to get it out now, because I’m going to be out of breath in the next couple of minutes.
She laughs but doesn’t reply and we take our time ascending the stairs together. We reach the last landing, and I’m breathing heavily as I walk her straight to her door. She places the key inside, unlocks the door, and pauses, turning back to me. “Thanks for the sweet movie. I’m glad you asked me to go out.”
“Ah. You’re welcome.” This is it. This is where we share our first kiss. Her eyes lock on me, and she doesn’t even try to go inside her apartment. I’m so ready for this moment. I’ve been ready for this moment since the fundraiser.
Something doesn’t feel right!
It’s not that I’m exhausted. At this moment adrenaline is pumping through my veins, and I’m fully alive. It’s that I know in my heart Portia is special. She will be that girl who consumes me, and suddenly I don’t feel enough.
What do I really have to offer her?
I’m practically homeless and barely have a functional business. The customers I do have are all thanks to her. I honestly have not even kissed a woman in well over a year.
Man, I want this to be so special because she’s amazing, but I really don’t think this is good enough for her.
Instead of leaning in, I chicken out, stuff my hands in my pocket, and smile. “Can I take you to lunch tomorrow?”
“Can you get away from work?”
“Yeah, El came back with me to help out until I get people hired. She said she would come in at noon.”
“Sure.” Her lashes lower, and she stares at my lips. I can’t do this anymore. The look she is giving me is making me weak, and I hold my hand up and wave. “Alright, night!”
“Oh.” She straightens her posture, turning toward her door. “Okay. Night.”
