I contacted my professor last week to see what I could do to improve my grade, but she wasn’t helpful. She made it seem like I was annoying her by asking for help in a class that should have been an easy A. She referred me to the tutoring center, but their hours didn’t work with my schedule. Also, the idea of someone younger tutoring me was…embarrassing.
I let out a deep breath and close my laptop a little harder than I planned to. The commotion snaps Milo’s attention to me, and his piercing green eyes are full of curiosity. I muster up a warm smile and say, “Mommy is just a little frustrated.” He stares at me for a second before mirroring my smile and going back to playing with his toys.
When I attempt to shift my focus back to my laptop, I’m interrupted by a knock at the door. I crane my head toward the front entrance and feel my eyebrows scrunch together. It’s late for unexpected visitors.
I peek over at Milo while making my way to the door. He’s still completely engrossed in his toys, not bothered by the unexpected interruption.
Before opening the door, I look out the window to make sure it’s not a psychopath or a door-to-door salesman, which would be incredibly odd for this time of night. Instead, I’m met with two dark brown orbs that make my stomach feel like it just took a ride on a tilt-a-world.
I swallow hard and count to five before unlocking thedoor and pulling it open. My mouth goes dry at the sight of Henry standing in my doorway in a T-shirt and gym shorts. His typically polished look has been traded in for something more casual and, unfortunately, more distracting.
Why does he have to look good in everything?
“Hey,” he greets me, dimples coming out in full force.
“Hi,” I reply quietly. Once my eyes adjust to the soft glow of the porchlight, I notice a book in his hand. Without questioning his motive, I ask, “What’s up?”
Henry flashes me a smile and leans to one side. “I remember you saying you’re taking an English class this summer, and I thought this might be helpful. It’s a writing guide I usually include in my syllabus for my classes.”
A weak ache settles somewhere deep in my bones. My lips part, not sure whether to smile or curse him out for being so sweet. “Thank you. I?—”
Right when I’m about to manage a full sentence, Milo crashes into the back of my legs, eager to see who our visitor is. He uses my body as a human shield and pops out behind me to get a closer look.
“Hello, Milo,” Henry gleams. “I brought you something too.”
“You did?” I question, the words mindlessly slipping out of my mouth.
“Yeah, I hope that’s okay,” he says, pulling something out of his pocket. “I know it’s late, so you have to ask your mom before you can have these.”
A smile sneaks up on me when I look at Henry holding out a package of gummy bears. Something starts to thaw inside of me.
When I look down at Milo, he’s already popped out from his hiding spot and has fully accepted Henry’s gift. Apparently, my child is easily won over with sugary treats.
“He’s quick,” Henry jokes, holding out a hand to my son. “How about a high five?” Milo’s face lights up as he slaps hisfree hand against Henry’s with a loud thump. Five seconds later, he takes his prize and runs back into the house, perfectly content with the new neighbor’s peace offering.
“I think you’ve just made a new friend for life.” I laugh, trying to cover up the loud thumping of my heart. “Thank you for the gifts. That was very thoughtful of you. Do you want to come in? I’m sure Milo would love to show you his tractor collection.”
Henry pauses before speaking again, thoughts stirring behind his eyes. “I was actually on my way out for a quick jog. I just wanted to drop that stuff off and maybe grab my pants while I’m at it.”
Realization slaps me across the face when I think about his pants that have been sitting on my dryer for over a week. “Oh, crap. I completely forgot I had them.”
Before he can respond, I jog to the other side of my home to grab his pants. When I return, his tall frame is leaning against the door, much like his brother the first night we met. His arms are crossed, showing off his toned biceps, which sit tight against the sleeves of his T-shirt.
I lick my lips and swallow the saliva threatening to spill over. “Here you go,” I say, pressing the pants into his arms and taking the book from him. Our fingers graze for only a split second, but it’s enough to send whispers of electricity over my skin.
“Thank you, Emma,” he says, letting my name roll off his tongue. His eyes stay glued to mine, causing heat to dance across my collarbone.
I bite my lip, trying to keep my mouth from saying something stupid. The motion causes Henry’s line of sight to creep lower, carefully admiring my lips. Now I can feel my pulse pumping through my body in perfect time. I need to say something. Anything.
“I’ll see you on Wednesday then,” I say, eager to jump into a cold shower.
“Yeah,” he replies, his eyes hovering on my lips before moving back up my face. “Have a good night.”
Right before I’m about to close the door, Henry stops me. My entire body goes still, expecting him to step forward. But he doesn’t, and that sends an icy feeling down my spine.
“If you have any questions about the book, let me know. I’d be happy to help.”
I nod, gripping the book tighter. “Yeah, okay. Thanks again.”
