Her long hair was up in a messy bun, showing off the graceful curve of her neck. He wanted to reach out and tug her to his lap so he could kiss her creamy white skin.Maybe even put a nice love bite on it to give her some color.
“I love lazy summer afternoons,” she said as she sat in the chair next to his. “The hours just drift like they’re small pieces of eternity dropped into our hands. I’m always sad when the summer ends. It feels like the end of carefree days and easy living. I guess it’s because the heat doesn’t make you want to do anything. When it’s cold out, I always feel so much more productive and invigorated.” Shifting her gaze from the street to him, she smiled.
I’m so into this woman. She intrigues the hell outta me.“When it’s hot as hell, I always want the cold and when it’s cold as fuck, I wish it was hot.” He shrugged. “I like fall the best. It’s awesome to ride your bike over the small roads around the mountains and see the trees lit up in red and yellow with the desert below.”
“That sounds gorgeous. I’d love to see that sometime. I haven’t explored much of the countryside.”
“I can take you when it cools down. Riding with the wind hugging you is the best.”
“I may take you up on the offer.” She sipped her Arnold Palmer.
Did I just ask her to ride on my bike? What’s going on with me?
“You look pretty with your hair up,” a gravelly voice said. Muerto craned his neck and saw Walter. “Oh… Muerto. I didn’t see you with Ms. Raven.”
Huh?“Hey.”
“Are you and Ms. Raven imbibing in some cool refreshments? It’s certainly a hot day.”
Muerto noticed the man’s gaze fixed on Raven, and she fidgeted around in her seat. “Yeah, we’re shooting the shit and having a couple of drinks.” He chuckled when Walter’s nose crinkled. “Did you want anything?”
“No. I just came back from the store and stopped to say hello to Ms. Raven.” With his head bent down, he slinked away.
“What the fuck’s up with him? I know he’s weird, but he was stranger than usual.”
Wringing her hands, she looked at him and said in a low voice, “He creeps me out. He’s always skulking around, popping up when I start to garden or coming up to me whenever I’m outside. At this rate, my vegetables are going to die because he watches me the whole time I’m weeding and watering them. It makes me very uncomfortable, so I just go back in the house.”
“Really? How long has this been going on?”
“Since I moved in.”
“You should’ve told me about it. You’ve got every right to garden and be outside as he does. He shouldn’t be intimidating you.”
Grasping the back of her neck, she said, “It’s not like he’s intimidating me. I mean, I can garden if I want to, of course. It’s just that he unnerves me. I don’t know how to explain it. I guess you have to be a woman to get what I’m trying to say.”
“I get it. I’ll have a talk with him and this shit will stop. I’ll take care of it.”
“No, don’t do that. I don’t want him to think I’m against him. I’m not sure what he’s capable of.”
“What does that mean? Has he done something besides staring at you?”
“I’m not sure. A few days ago, I stepped on a rose that had been left on my porch. As a matter of fact, there were a dozen roses laying on my front door mat. It was the oddest thing. And there wasn’t a note.”
“You think Walter put them there?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know what I think. It was the strangest thing, and no one has fessed up to it as of yet.”
“Maybe some teen in the neighborhood has a crush on you. You’re a very striking woman.”
Smiling, she looked up at him demurely. “Thank you. And maybe you’re right. There’re a couple of high school guys who are always smiling, waving, and offering to help me with my groceries. I forgot about that. I bet you’re right.”
“I’m sure I am. You’re a teen boy’s perfect wet dream with your long hair, cute ass, and sexy curves. Hell, you’re aman’swet dream.” Leaning over, he picked up his glass. “Did I embarrass you? Your cheeks are as red as your paints.” He chuckled when her hands flew to her face.
“You don’t have any filters when you speak, do you? I’m not used to men speaking so bluntly. But thanks for your… unconventional compliment.”
“I just tell it like it is. I find you attractive and alluring. I have from the first day I saw you. That’s all.” Finishing his drink, he wiped his hands on his jeans, then stood up. “I gotta get going. I have to see my sister. We’re planning a birthday party for our mom.”
“How nice. Sounds like it’s going to be a surprise party.”
