CHAPTER 11 #2
“So, I guess you could say I'm nervous because I like you, just a little.” She nibbled on her lip.
The tension between us was palpable. She placed her hand on my thigh and I nearly whimpered in public.
I grabbed the back of her neck and turned her lips to mine.
But this time I placed delicate kisses on her.
First her mouth and then her cheek, then her eyelids after I removed her glasses, the softest thing I had ever felt.
We were in that haze. Everything was new. Each touch a sparking wire that I would gladly electrocute myself on.
“Here you go. Here are your pancakes. Did you want syrup with that?” The waitress came over, interrupting the way I was smelling her hair.
“That would be great thank you.” Her voice was hoarse.
“Ketchup?”
I just nodded.
She fed me pancakes after I told her how good they looked. She batted her eyelashes at me. I wiped syrup from her lip with my finger and licked it off as her eyes watched me. Her face scanned me up and down like she wanted to memorize my face, my body. She placed her head on my shoulder as we ate.
I was in love.
Was it too soon? Sure. But why wait when you found something you desired? Who made you feel desired and giggly all at the same time.
“What made you want to be a carpenter?”
If I didn't change the subject I would have told her right then and there. Then she would be the one running away and I couldn't have that, not when I just found her.
“Well, my Dad had daughters and there was no way he was going to let them out in the world without real world skills. So I became his right hand gal while Sarah, well, she always told him she had her period to get out of it.”
“And you started your own business?”
“I'm not really someone who can have a boss. I am a boss. Do you want a sip of my hot chocolate before I finish it?” She held the cup to my lips and helped me take a sip.
“That's pretty impressive. Oh, thank you.” She warmed me with how caring she was.
“Yeah, you know, I pull in about 60k a year. Don't be jealous with all the money I make.” She nudged me with her elbow.
“Oh, but I am. I wouldn't even know how to start a business.”
“Well, I started with old pieces on the side of the road and refinishing them and selling them on Craigslist. This was before Instagram and tiktok and all that stuff. Then I started making my own stuff and still re purposing. I make a living.” She shrugged again. “Why did you become a hockey player?”
“My Dad is in the military and we moved a lot. So, every new school I would jump on the team and have friends built in. But professionally, I like taking care of people.”
Lucy gave me that look, an arched eyebrow over probing eyes.
“I know by taking care of people I kind of have to be rough. But I like that act of service, you know, putting myself on the line to help others. I know it's just a game, but I have a purpose in it.”
“That's kind of beautiful actually. Acts of service.” She scratched my beard with her fingers. I placed my hand over hers and brought her palm to my lips to kiss.
“Come on, I want to take you somewhere.”
“OK.” She yelped and wiped her mouth with a napkin.
I flagged down the waitress and asked for the check.
“Your breakfast has been paid for already.”
It had happened before. A fan doesn't want to be rude but also wants me to know they paid for my food so I walk over and thank them.
“By who?” I looked around the room for the obvious sign someone was waiting for me to be told.
The waitress looked to Lucy and back to me. She was unsure of what to say. I looked at Lucy who was avoiding my gaze.
“Did you pay for brunch?”
“I knew you wouldn't let me. Come on let's go. You said you wanted to take me somewhere.” She smiled at me like she had done the naughtiest thing in the world.
“You're going to get it later.” I looked down at her when we stood from the booth. The waitress had already left.
“No, you're gonna get it later.” She rolled her eyes at me.
And once again I was rubbing my chest.
◆◆◆
“I can't believe it was closed!” I felt like an asshole.
“Oh, calm down. You didn't know it was under renovations.”
The furniture museum of NYC was my big gesture to show Lucy I took interest in her hobbies. And it was closed down. Nowhere in any of my internet searches said the place was shuttered for two months.
“I know, but still. I thought you would be impressed.”
“I still am, promise.”
We walked into my apartment. The curtains were open and the impressive views of Manhattan on display. I had made sure I cleaned all day after practice so the place smelled nice, instead of gym shorts. I even fluffed the pillows my mother embroidered for me on the couch so it looked inviting.
“Welcome to my home.” It was awkward when I said it but I was actually getting nervous with her here. So many times I had fantasized what I would do to her when we were alone together, but now that she actually was here I felt awkward.
“Very nice. Am I going to get the tour?” She looked me up and down.
“Of course. This is the living room and the open floor plan dining and kitchen.
Stainless steel appliances and a very fancy coffee maker that came with the place even though I don't really like coffee.
Off the kitchen is the guest bath and if you'll follow me down the hall, I will show you the rest.” For some reason I was stretching out my arms like Vanna White at every new location.
“In here is the gym I have set up in what would have been the second bedroom. Even though the building has a gym, I just like being alone.”
“Very nice.” She nodded her head at my every word.
“And in here is my bedroom.” I caught her eyes flash with light at my made bed. She was thinking things but saying nothing. “Last but not least is the master bathroom with a full shower and a Jacuzzi tub.”
“OK, I don't want to know how much you paid for this place but it is worth it for that tub.” She sat on the edge and ran her fingers along the tiles.
“Well, you can use it any time you want.”
Her eyes flashed again.
“Anytime I want?” She wasn't coy. She wasn't shy. She told me that before.
I had inklings, but got the confirmation when Lucifer began to strip right in front of me.