There’s a soft knock at the bathroom door.I grit my teeth, walk over and lean against it letting out a long sigh.
“I can hear you over thinking in there.”He states softly.“Are you okay?”
I push back off the door, shake my head toward the sky then yank the door open.He’s standing there, his hands in his pockets, shoulders hunched, those whiskey eyes locking onto mine in question.
“Is this a normal thing for you?”I blurt out.
His brow shoots up, one hand escaping his pocket to rake through his hair as he chuckles.“Which part?”
“Oh my God.”I sputter, forcing myself around him as I plow back out to the living room where I don’t feel so claustrophobic.
“Hey.”A light grip surrounds my forearm to spin me around, his free hand wrapping around my other arm to hold me in place.“You freaking out?”
I nod frantically; my eyes wide.“Uh-huh.”
“Stop.”He releases one arm and raises that hand to my face to caress my cheek.“Take a breath.”
I draw in a deep inhale through my nose, my chest expanding, then release it slowly, never breaking eye contact with him.
“I’m just a guy.And I met a girl I actually want to spend some time with.”His thumb sweeps over the skin on my face.“That’s it.We aren’t doing anything wrong.”
“But-” I start to protest, which he promptly stops by covering my mouth with his.He breaks away after a few seconds.
“No buts.”He surprises me by sliding his arms around me, enveloping me in a hug.“Stop overthinking this.Let’s just go.”
I lift my arms from my side to wrap them around his back.My head rests against his chest where I can hear the steady thump of his heartbeat.It calms me.Reassures me.It’s slow and steady, not the slightest bit erratic.
I loosen my hold to step back from him, his forearms adjusting so they’re resting atop my shoulders.I raise my head until my eyes meet his.
“Where do you want to go?”I ask sheepishly.
“I could eat.”He suggests on a shrug.
I think about this for a minute, an idea springing to mind.“Are you hungry or starving?”
“Hungry.”
“Okay, I know a place.”I offer a small smile.“I think it’ll be perfect.It’s quiet and out of the way so hopefully no one will know who you are.”
“Sounds great.”He steps back and slides his phone out of his pocket.“Want me to call us an Uber?”
“I can drive.”I assure him, walking to the hook where my keys are hanging.“Let me just grab my purse.”
“You sure you don’t mind driving?”He strides over to the couch, swiping his ball cap to pull it onto his head, the bill facing backwards.Jesus Christ that’s hot.“I can always call one of my drivers.”
I pause, my brow rising in disbelief.“What happened to you’re just a guy?A regular guy.”
“Got it.”He back pedals.“No car.You drive.”
“Much better.”I roll my eyes, smiling.“It takes about forty-five minutes to get there, but I promise it’ll be worth it.”
“I call DJ.”He blurts, a wicked grin lighting up his face.“I’m going to get you to like at least one of my songs before the end of the day.”
“Good luck.”I chuckle, but more than happy to let him try.
I don’t dislike rock music, or any other kind of music for that matter.I just prefer country.I love the song writing, the stories most of them contain.
I lead him out the door, making sure it’s locked behind me, and then head in the direction of my car.I click the button on the remote to unlock the doors, a loud chuff of laughter sounding next to me.
