21. Kat
KAT
You left a space beside me,
You left me all alone.
You left a space beside me,
I thought my heart would turn to stone.
You left a space beside me,
Desire creeps in the night.
You left a space beside me,
Lust fills the emptiness up just right.
T he evening skyline is gorgeous. The colors of autumn dance along the buildings and the beautiful hues of orange and soft reds travel up to the bright full moon.
It’s early for the moon to be out, but as I walk away from the townhouse, down the stone steps as the heavy walnut door shuts behind me, I can’t help but admire it. There’s beauty in nature and having the small bit of it above the city is something I’ve taken for granted for so long.
With each step, my boots click on the concrete, until my body stumbles forward and I nearly fall down the last two stairs.
“Shoot!” I cry out as I frantically reach for the iron rail and just barely get a grip tight enough to keep me upright. My purse is flung down to the crook of my arm, spilling odds and ends, including my phone, onto the busy street.
I curse beneath my breath as my cheeks heat with embarrassment and I keep my head down. Most people walk around me, and I’m fine with that. Better than fine. I’m happy that they’re just ignoring me and my clumsiness.
I crouch down low to grab the fallen items, ignoring the bystanders as they steer clear of me but as I stand up, I realize someone didn’t miss my fall and their eyes haven’t left me.
“You okay?” Jacob asks as he comes toward me, nearly out of breath.
His cheeks are slightly red, the chill of the air getting to him.
His hand is cold on my shoulder as he helps me stand upright.
His thick black wool jacket brushes against mine and the heavy scent of pine, a masculine fragrance I love, fills my lungs.
“I saw you from across the street,” he tells me as I blink away my surprise. Not only from his presence, but from my reaction.
I brush the hair from my face and give him a grateful smile as the crowd continues to walk around us. This city doesn’t stop for anything or anyone. Jacob walks with me to move out of the way and stand on the stairs to my townhome.
“Just a clumsy moment,” I say in a breathy voice and reluctantly laugh at myself as I steady the bag back onto my shoulder. This is so embarrassing.
Jacob shrugs and slips his hands into his pockets as he says, “I expected worse.” As he speaks, his perfect teeth show, and I can’t help but eye his lush lips. “Honestly, that was a nice save.”
A warmth flows through me.
“Well thanks,” I say, shifting my weight and shaking my head. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m checking out a townhouse down the street. Moving to the city was definitely the right move for me.”
“And have you thought of the contract at all?” I ask him and then bite the inside of my cheek. “I don’t mean to be forward. I’m just excited to work together.”
I don’t miss how his eyes stray slightly to my breasts when I breathe in deep. He turns away, toward the street to try to play it off and licks his lower lip. Maybe it was a subconscious thing on my part. I almost feel the need to apologize.
“I’m thinking I should get to signing it. I just was hoping maybe we could meet up to go over a few minor details?” he asks as he brings his attention back to me.
I smile and nod my head, my hair falling back in front of my shoulders. “I’d be happy to,” I answer a little too eagerly. His eyes flash with something they shouldn’t, but I ignore it.
“Well, I should get going,” I say and the words rush out of my mouth.
“Me too,” Jacob says and looks back across the street. “My realtor is over there somewhere waiting on the steps to let me in to ‘my dream home,’” he says, mimicking what must be his realtor’s nasally voice, and then he gives me another view of his gorgeous smile.
“If you ever need anything, I’m always home or a call away,” I offer and then bite the inside of my cheek. What the hell was that?
“Sounds good. Be safe,” he says comically and then takes a few steps forward. “I’ll text you,” he says over his shoulder and I simply nod. Not able to speak, just standing there, gripping my purse strap with both hands and wondering why he gets to me so much.
I won’t deny that he does.
That’s not the part that bothers me.
It’s why. Is it him? The timing?
What is it about Jacob that makes me want him, when I haven’t lusted for a man other than my husband in years?