“Well, we can’t have that, now can we?” Simon straightens. “Best behavior. Promise.”
Simon’s voice is playful as he looks around us. Model trains are set up around the room, with placards providing detailed information. Vintage train travel posters, yellowing at the corners, line the walls. Large Edison bulbs hang over head, giving it an old-timey vibe. The last time I was here was probably in fifth grade for a field trip.
“It’s not too nerdy?”
Simon huffs out a laugh, scrubbing a hand over his face. A shy look comes over his face. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look like this before. Bashful almost.
“Then that would make me a nerd, love.”
“You? With all these muscles?” I poke his bicep. “Please.”
“I wasn’t always like this.” Simon meanders through the small room, taking everything in. “I was a scrawny thing in primary school. Got picked on a lot.”
It tugs at my heartstrings, thinking of Simon getting made fun of at school. It’s hard to imagine given his current job and his protective nature, not to mention his amazing physique.
“I was never the cool kid. I always kept to myself.”
“How’d you meet Pierce and Charlotte?”
This draws a laugh out of him as we move into the next room, which is dominated with parts from actual trains rather than models.
“Pierce and I started playing football together and haven’t stopped.”
“I don’t know how you’re friends with the way you two play together.”
“If you want to call it ‘playing.’ Lousy cheat is what he is.”
“So you play football together?” I steer him back to the topic at hand.
“Ay. After a few nights out at the pub, we became friends. He’s an easy guy to like.”
I walk around one of the engines in the middle of the room. “And now here you are playing bodyguard in America.”
“And following all the pretty girls around.”
“What a sweet talker.” Except his words have butterflies exploding low in my belly.
Simon’s eyes are all over the place, exploring the grand room we’re in, but mine are only on him.
I don’t know how I got lucky enough to stumble upon this man. For the last few years, I was adamant that I didn’t need anyone. Relying on someone made me vulnerable, and I never wanted to feel like that again.
Not after my divorce.
I was fine being on my own. Running Pinstripes & Push-Ups exactly how I wanted without any outside interference.
It should scare me, how easily I can rely on Simon. He’s here without being overbearing or controlling. Quietly supporting me in anything I do.
God, how did I get so lucky to find someone like him when I wasn’t even looking?
It should have me locking up my heart, keeping it hidden away where it can remain safely unbroken. Simon is temporary. Only here for the duration of the wedding and then he’ll be jetting back off to London.
Except seeing the way he’s smiling at the train he’s inspecting has my body automatically reaching out to him.
Neither of us are ready to let this man go.
Shaking myself from the thoughts of Simon leaving, I stand on the other side of the model from him.
“Enjoying yourself?”
