35. Stefan
35
STEFAN
Standing here, I watch Wren walk off to chat with her brother. Things are changing between us and I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing, but all I know is I want more with her. I haven’t felt like this about a woman since Chelsea, and if I’m being honest, there’s a part of me that’s worried I’ll fuck it all up again. I mean, my nickname is Doucheman, not much hope there.
With a sigh, I unlock the front door and let myself inside. Heading into the kitchen, I grab a beer and pop the top off. Taking a sip, I walk over to the stereo and flick it on. “Can’t get You Out of My Head” by Kylie Minogue is playing and I chuckle. The universe has a warped sense of humor at times.
Opening the slider, I head out to the lower patio. I don’t sit out here much but when I take a seat, I realize I can hear Wren’s conversation with her brother. Not wanting to intrude, I get up to leave but when I hear her say, “We kissed the other day and, Penn, it was the best kiss of my life but I ran away like a chicken.” I’m intrigued so I sit back down. I wish I could hear what her brother is saying but from what I’m hearing from Wren’s side, he’s telling her to go for it and it’s confirmed when she replies, “I wish I could be like you and leap, but I’m scared.”
“I’m scared too,” I mumble to my beer bottle. Realizing it’s empty, I head back inside to grab another one and get started on dinner. I’m chopping up the salad when Wren walks in. Looking up, I smile at her. “All good?”
“Yeah.” She nods. “Want some help?”
Shaking my head, I continue chopping. “Nah. I got this. You just sit your pretty ass down and chat with me while I finish up the prep.”
Nodding, she does exactly that. Sitting at the island, she stares at her hands and bites her lip. Walking over to the fridge, I place the salad back in and grab out the steaks to rest. “Wine? Or White Claw?” I ask her.
“I’d love one of your White Claws, Stefan.”
Shaking my head, I hold back a smirk and grab her drink. Sliding it across to her, she catches it and offers a small thanks as I get to work on the spuds. My gaze keeps flicking to her across from me and I notice she’s looking everywhere but me. Ever since our kiss the other night, she’s all I can think about and since hearing her conversation with her brother just now, I want to take that final leap.
Maybe over dinner, we can share a bottle of wine, loosen up the lips, and I can see where she stands on this issue.
“What’s on the menu tonight?” she asks, snapping me back to the present.
“Ummm, steak, baked spuds, and salad.”
“That sounds delicious.” She takes a sip of her drink and swallows. Her tongue darts out, licking the corner of her mouth. “What’s for dessert?”
Without thinking, I blurt out, “You.”