by t. h. snyder
“Me too,” she says, smiling back at me.
For a moment we just look at each other and I take her all in. As fucked up as this may sound, I don’t want to let her out of the truck. I want to spend more time with her. Damn it, I want to get to know her better.
She flinches for a second and reaches into her coat pocket.
“Ugh, it’s Riley again. I better get back to the house before he sends out a search party for me. Thanks so much for today, Pete, I really had a great time.”
“No problem, we’ll have to do it again sometime.”
“Yeah, of course. Here, hand me your cell,” she says, reaching her hand out to me.
I dig my cell out of my pocket and hand it over to her. I watch as she types in her number and hits save. She hands me back my phone and I look at the screen. Another smile comes to my face as I read how she entered her contact info ‘Belle 326-555-1212’.
“Thanks, Belle.”
“Don’t be a stranger; we’re friends now and I want to hang out again soon. Just give me a call and we can figure something out.”
“Sounds good.”
She reaches for the door handle. “Wait, sit tight,” I say.
I step out of the truck and run over to her side. Opening the door, I extend my hand to help her down. She grabs onto me, and to both of our surprise, no shock.
“I think we broke the shock factor,” she says, stepping onto the side walk.
“No, I think we’ve just gotten used to the connection we share.”
I watch as her cheeks blush and she gives me a half smile looking up at me through her long lashes.
Is it weird that I don’t want to say goodbye?
Is it wrong that I want to give her a hug before she goes?
Is it too soon if I want to ask to see her again tomorrow?
I don’t want to come across as pushy or needy, but the past few hours have been so much fun. I’ve enjoyed being with her, holding her hand and listening to her tell me about what she plans to do.
There’s a lot we both need to learn and understand about each other, but I know that the more time we spend together the more we’ll uncover.
At this point in the game, this southern belle as piqued my interest. Whether or not we’re only friends, I don’t care. I knew from the moment I saw her the other day that there was something about her. I just couldn’t figure out what it was. Now I think I’ve realized what it was about her that drew my attention.
She’s sweet, caring, and after today’s ‘date’, I’ve found out she’s a lot of fun to be around.
There’s no doubt in my mind that I want her.
I want more of Emma in my life.
The past few weeks have flown by, but I’ve still been able to establish a pretty good rhythm between work, the constant chaos that is Riley, Char and Derrick, and still finding time to spend with Pete.
I couldn’t be happier with the way things have turned out, regardless of how scared and worried I was to come to Boston.
Things at work have been a whole different story. I’m a bit overwhelmed at the office and learning a whole new way to run the projects of the team. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by five guys that know their shit and are helping me along the way.
As for my home life, Derrick and I have fallen into a predictable routine—minus the whole sleeping in the same room and no sex—people would peg us as an old married couple.
We’ve found a pretty nice partnership between the two of us. Lately, his schedule doesn’t get him home in time for dinner most nights; however, we both always make sure to sit down and have breakfast each morning after our run in the park.
I sit down at the kitchen table reading through a current project plan.
“Hey, Derrick. Are you going to be home for dinner tonight?” I ask while finishing up our breakfast of fruit, yogurt and coffee.
“Nah, I won’t be back ‘til late tonight. Trisha and I are working on two new cases with each other this week and I figure we could just get take out and eat at the firm,” he says, scooping a spoonful of yogurt in his mouth.
“That’s silly, Derrick, why don’t you invite her over here after you’re done at the office and you can eat some good home cooked food. I’m sure Trisha would rather eat my cooking than greasy take out,” I say while putting my stuff in the trash and dishwasher.
“Sounds perfect. Thanks, Emma. I’ll see you around seven, is that okay?”
“Yep, see you then. Have a good day, Derrick,” I tell him before heading up the stairs.
Once I’m in my room, I begin to gather my clothes for work and head into the bathroom. Taking a quick shower, I fix up my hair and apply some makeup. I give myself one last glance in the mirror and head back into my bedroom to grab my briefcase and cell phone.
When I pick up my phone I see there’s missed text message.
Pete – Grabbed you a coffee on the way in. Hurry up before it gets cold
I smile to myself thinking of his sweet gesture. Pete and I have gotten to be pretty good friends over the past few weeks. We’ve gone back to the city so he could show me more of the sites, gone to a movie or two and I’ve schooled him on how good a southern belle can be at the game of pool.
I feel like myself again when we’re together. There’s no pressure of a hot and steamy romance, I don’t have to worry whether or not he’ll call me the next day and I can laugh again.
I shoot him a quick text back.
Belle – On my way, keep it warm for me. Be there in 15
I hurry down the stairs and out the garage door to my Mini.
The traffic is light this morning, and lucky for me, I make it over to Taylor & Sons Contracting in just ten minutes flat. I pull into my designated parking spot, grab my bag and head into the building.
I’m immediately greeted by some of the crews walking through the lobby as I make my way toward the elevator. Once inside, I push the button to the third floor and grab my phone to let Pete know I’m in the building and heading to my office.
When the elevator doors open I see him standing there holding my cup of coffee.
I shake my head and smile as I push him out of the way and walk toward my office.
“You know, the guys are getting jealous of me bringing you coffee every day,” he says, grabbing my bag out of my hand so I can unlock my office door.
I push open the door and turn back to smirk at him.
“You don’t bring me coffee every day,” I say, grabbing my bag back from him.
“Actually I do, it just depends what time you get here that I give it to you or not.”
“Aww Pete, you’re too good to me, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, Belle. Here, take your coffee, I have to meet a crew out at a site in an hour. I’ll catch you later,” he says, winking at me as he walks out of my office.
I take a sip of my coffee and plop down in my comfy leather desk chair.
For the next few hours I bury myself in some upcoming projects we have planned down in Jersey.
I’m so engrossed in my work that I completely work through lunch and don’t realize the time until I see Riley walking past my office.
He stops and ducks his head in.
“Hey, what are you doing moseying around?”
“I’m heading home, how late are you staying here tonight?” he asks, looking at his watch.
I glance at the clock on my wall.
“Oh shit, I had no clue what time it was. I’ve been sitting here since eight-thirty; I didn’t even get up to pee today.”
“Em, you need a life.”
I scrunch my eyebrows at him, “I have a life, thank you very much.”
“Well then, clean up and get out of here.”
I stack the papers in a pile and shove them into my bag.
“Okay, loser, walk me to my car,” I say, pushing him out of the doorway.
“So, what do you have planned for tonight?” Riley asks as we head out to the parking lot to our cars.
&nb
sp; “Nothing too exciting. I’m making dinner for Derrick and his associate, Trisha. I told him it would be better than getting greasy take out again at the firm.”
“You’re a good wifey to him, Em, even though you don’t get the benefits.”
“I don’t mind, I’m just glad we get along as well as we do.”
“You’ll be happy again one day, Em. You deserve that much.”
I look up to my little brother and smile.
“Thanks, Riley. I’ll see you later.”
I hop into the Mini and drive home.
The words of my brother hit me hard and it makes me wonder if I’ll ever find my true happily ever after. It might have only been a few weeks since I left Keith, but it’s been months since I felt loved by him.
One day I know that I’ll be happy again, but for right now I’m content. It may not be what I want or what I need, but I just know that when that person comes into my life that I won’t take them for granted.
I pull up to the house and into the garage. I still have an hour or so until Derrick and Trisha get here so I decide to pour myself a glass of wine, kick off my heels and chill on the couch.
My cell phone dings, alerting me of a text message, and I reach for my phone.
I smile at the name on the screen. This man right here, he’s been there for me since the first day I arrived.
Pete – thinking of you
Friendship isn’t always about the person you’ve know the longest amount of time; it’s about who came into your life and never left your side.
She’s on my mind morning, noon and night. I can’t seem to forget about her smile and the way her eyes look up at me.
Just seeing her for a few minutes this morning has started my day off on a better note. I’ve never had this kind of a friendship with a female. I know that I can be myself, focus on my career and at the end of the day I still want to hear her voice.
The way we act when we’re together is so comfortable. There’s never a dull moment. Between our crude banter and the stories we’ve shared of our lives, we can talk for hours.
I don’t know where this is going, but I do know that I don’t want to spend a day of my life without her in it. Even if we’re just friends, I’m okay with that. Well, at least I think I’m okay with that.
For once in my life I’m not thinking with my dick and it’s crazy weird.
The sky is getting darker as I drive home. There was a time, not that long ago, that I hated to be alone in my house after Kathy left. But it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. Yes, the pain of what happened is still there, but when I think about Emma all the hurt goes away.
We haven’t talked about our past relationships too much, but at some point I want Emma to know how much she’s helped me get through this rough patch of my life.
I pull up to my house and open the garage door.
Entering my house, I turn on the lights and hear my cell phone ring. I look at the screen and let out a heavy sigh.
“Hello, Kar,” I say into the phone.
“Hey, Pete, how are you?”
“I’m good, same as I was the other day when you called to check up on me.”
“You could be a little bit more appreciative of the time I take to call and check in on you,” she says in a pissed off tone.
“I know, I’m sorry. Things are good. I’m doing well, work is going well and life in general is good.”
“You’re such a smart ass,” she says with a laugh.
“I know it. So how are you and the crew?”
“We’re all doing really well. The boys were asking about you the other day. Do you think you can take some time off soon and come for a visit?”
I can just imagine the sourpuss look on her face right now.
“Yeah, I’m sure I can figure out something soon. I have enough vacation time.”
“Yay, the kids will be so excited!” she squeals in my ear.
“Don’t say anything to them about it ‘til I know when. I don’t want to disappoint them like last time.”
“Well, that wasn’t your fault, Pete. If the bitch hadn’t screwed things up you would’ve been here.”
“I know, Kar, you don’t have to remind me.”
“Speaking of your love life, how are things going with your new friend Emma?”
A smile comes to my face with just the mere mention of her name. Damn it to hell I’m developing feelings for her.
“Kar, I told you we’re just friends so there’s no love life to even mention.”
“I told you that you’d have a girl on your arm in a month’s time. Was I right or was I right?”
“No, Kar, you’re not right. It’s not like that with us. Emma is a good friend and that’s it. We’re helping one another get through some rough times and it works for us.”
“Mmhmm, have you slept with her yet?”
“Damn it, Kar, would you leave my business to me, because it’s none of yours. If you want to keep prying your nose into my shit, I won’t answer your calls anymore.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she says with a huff.
“Yeah I will if you don’t cut your shit. I’m doing good and that’s all you need to worry about.”
“Okay fine, I’ll leave well enough alone.”
“Thank you. Look, I’m gonna go now. I just got home and need to grab something to eat. Tell the boys I love them and don’t forget to say hi to Greg for me, too.”
“I will, Pete, take care of yourself.”
“Yes, mom,” I reply sarcastically.
“We love you, Pete.”
“I love you guys, too.”
I hit the end button on my phone and set it down on the counter. Pulling a chair out from the table, I take a seat. My head falls between my hands and I run my fingers through my hair.
That sister of mine aggravates me to the point where I could just scream. I know she means well, but hot damn, she needs to cut this shit out.
What the fuck would she do if I told her my life sucked? No, no I don’t even want to think about that because I know she’d fly her ass here in a hot minute.
I stand from the chair and walk to the fridge.
I’m starving.
I drum my fingers against the refrigerator door as I scan the shelves for something to eat. There are some leftover cabbage rolls that Emma brought me the other day. I pull out a bowel from the cabinet and fork two pieces into it. Tossing them into the microwave, I check my phone for any missed emails.
The beep of the microwave sounds off and my stomach starts to growl from the smell of the food. I pull out the bowl and set it down on the table. Sitting down, I dig into the food. Damn the girl can cook; these cabbage rolls are delicious.
I get up to grab my phone off the counter and touch the app to my messages. Scrolling to her name, I send her a quick text.
Pete – thinking of you
I continue eating and watch the screen waiting for her to type back…pathetic, I know.
My eyes light up as her text comes through.
Belle – Oh yeah!
I laugh at her brief response. I can only imagine what she’s thinking.
Pete- Yeah, I just finished eating the cabbage rolls you gave me the other day.
Belle – Yum, they were pretty tasty. I just started up some chicken chili for dinner tonight; you want me to bring you the leftovers tomorrow?
Pete – Hell yeah, you’re a good cook. I’ll eat anything you give me.
A few seconds go by and no text.
A few minutes go by and still no text.
Did she fall into the chili or am I the only loser sitting by the phone waiting for a response text?
Pete – You okay over there?
Belle- Umm, yeah I’m good.
Pete - You didn’t respond so I was just checking.
Belle – Well, your last comment…You have to understand, I’m on my second glass of wine and my mind went immediately to the gutter….sorry
I read her message and m
y message before hers; I don’t get it. Her mind went to the gutter? What the hell….ohh. Shit, how do I respond to that one? Emma and I have never made a sexual comment to each other and now…
Yeah, she may be feeling a bit tipsy, but…shit.
Oh well, what the hell can a little harmless sexual innuendo hurt?
Pete – Watch where you let your mind wander. You never know what may happen.
Belle – umm
Pete – umm what?
Belle – I better go, I’ll call you later before I go to bed
Pete – Ok ttyl
Shit, now all I can think about is Emma in bed, and me eat—…no, I can’t. I get up from the table and head upstairs for a cold—very cold—shower.
After that last text message from Pete I’m not quite sure what to think.
Pete is hot as hell with his dark, messy hair, his bright blue eyes and that sexy stubble along his jaw line.
Well actually, I know exactly what I’m thinking I’d like to do.
There have been so many times that I wanted to…but I didn’t.
I’ve never made the first move with any guy, not even Keith.
Having these thoughts running through my mind, I’m getting a little hot and bothered.
I get up from the couch and walk into the kitchen to check on dinner. My mind is going a mile a minute and right now I could care less about this damn chili.
I’m not crazy to have these thoughts, am I?
Pete and I have gotten to know one another pretty well over the past few weeks. The topic of sex or anything related to sex has never come up. I just assumed he wasn’t interested in me that way. For all I know, he isn’t attracted to me in any way other than a friend.
I don’t know all that much about what happened with his ex-girlfriend before I got to Boston. That’s something that we’ve kind of skirted around. I want to talk to him about Keith—hell, I’m willing to tell him everything about me. I feel that comfortable around him.
I hear the garage door open and a few moments later I see Derrick walking in with a girl I can only assume is Trisha.
“It’s smells good in here,” he says, walking toward the stove.
“Get,” I say, scooting him away.
I laugh at him as he moves away before I can smack him.