Chapter 37. Brynn
brYNN
I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel. I’m having a sexy weekend with a guy who steals my breath away and holds doors open for me. I keep squashing the pestering thoughts whether any of this is real—and if so, what does it mean?
Then Micah looks at me like no one before him ever has—not even Cody—and I feel like I’m being called out.
As if he knows my secrets. When his khaki eyes seek me out, a tingling sensation runs through my breasts and into my belly, clear down to the warmth between my thighs. I can’t get enough of him.
I pray he doesn’t tell anyone about this. I don’t think he will; it would look bad for him too. He seems to operate outside the fray and agency gossip . . . unless we become the gossip. What then?
He laces his fingers through mine and leans into me on the crowded train as we head back downtown. His chest muscles are like armor against my cheek—my Alexander the Great, ready to protect me.
I’m no longer alone out here.
We exit at West Fourth to a boisterous crowd taking in the basketball game on the corner. A White guy with leathery skin sits on the sidewalk, his legs outstretched on a flattened cardboard box, a plastic bucket by his side. I’ve passed him a million times on my evening commute.
I draw back and look up at Micah. “Some days, I feel like I’m one step away from living on the street like Subway Saul.”
“Who?” He gives me a quizzical look.
I nod in the homeless guy’s direction. “I heard someone call him that once.”
“Huh. I’ve seen him before, haven’t ever really thought of him as having a name.” Micah sniffs. “Anyway, that wouldn’t happen,” he adds, his tone nonchalant.
“Micah, I’m by myself.” I hear the edge in my voice.
“Not now.” He squeezes my hand.
I smile, letting his words wash over me. Today’s been an unexpected, good day. Because of him. Hanging out this weekend has made me feel almost normal again. Maybe we’re meant to happen.
I steal a sidelong glance at him in his T-shirt and shorts.
He’s sexier dressed like this than he is in his skinny tie ensembles.
Acts more his age, too. My belly twinges at the thought of sitting in our Monday morning meeting together.
We can’t act weird or the team will sense this new vibe between us. Especially Priya.
“What do you want to do?” He looks at me, his soft-suede eyes dancing.
Go back to bed, I say in my head.
He kisses my hand.
I guess my face gave me away.