“No thanks. Have a good night.” I took my food inside instead of eating outside like I usually would. But then I thought, fuck it, I’m not letting this woman keep me inside.
I headed back inside, and Shyla was gone. Good, easier for me.
Yet why did I feel so shitty inside?
The next morning,after my coffee and daily news, I spent time in the garden and mowed the lawn, did some weeding. As I rounded the front corner, something shiny in the grass caught my attention. I walked over and saw a large notebook, glittery in the sun, the cover reading My Bible.
I peeked inside and saw Shyla’s name, along with her calendar, filled to the brim with events. She was one busy lady.
The book seemed pretty important. I wanted to return it to her but with no interaction, even though I was dying to lay eyes on her, like an addict needing a fix.
I didn’t sleep a wink last night thinking about her. It was driving me literally insane.
I carried the book over to her front door and left it on the steps. She’d see it the next time she left.
But as I placed it down on her welcome mat, the front door swung open and there she stood in all her morning glory.
God damn, she was gorgeous. Her hair up in a loose messy bun and a tight sports bra and legging hugged her delicious curves.
I swallowed hard and cleared my throat.
“Briggs? Hi! Good morning!”
Fuck, she was happy in the morning.
“Hi, I found your notebook in the grass, so I was returning it. I figured it was important.”
“Oh my God!” Shyla squealed and clapped her hands. “I was looking everywhere for my baby!” She scooped the planner up and hugged it tightly to her chest. “You don’t know how badly I live and die by this book.”
I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped. “I take it the notebook is pretty important to you.”
“It’s my entire life planning. Like an idiot, I had a bit too much wine last night and somehow it didn’t end up in the house with me. I’ve been going nuts this morning looking for it.”
“I’m glad I found it then.” I said before turning to go.
“Wait! You must come by for dinner. Let me repay you the favor. Please.”
“No, I couldn’t impose. It’s no big deal. I just wanted to make sure it got to the right place.”
“I was planning a seafood boil. There’re crab legs and lobster. Are you sure?”
My mouth watered. Seafood was my favorite. But I had to say no. A dinner with her wasn’t a good idea. It was opening up a can I didn’t want to open.
Yet seafood and her…How could I resist?
“Okay, if you insist.”
Her entire face broke into the hugest beaming smile. “Great! Come over around six.”
I needed sunglasses for how bright her smile was, but the rush of excitement pulsating through my body took me by surprise. I should’ve dreaded any idea of social interaction. But with her, I looked forward to it.
I didn’t stop thinking about her for the rest of the day.
CHAPTER FOUR
Shyla
Ha.My plan worked.
