Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Briggs
Did she have to be so damn beautiful?
Dammit, she was driving me nuts. From being incredibly annoying to constantly pushing herself into my space, I wanted to run the other way. But on the flip side, I wanted to hold her down and kiss the shit out of her. All of it made me want to punch the fucking wall.
My emotions battled each other, back and forth, curiosity, annoyance, attraction, irritation, swirling all together into one combination powerful enough to make my head explode.
I could’ve at least said good morning to her earlier, but I sat there like a grump instead. She probably wanted nothing to do with me at this point.
Shyla.
Her name rang through my head for the millionth time. She didn’t even know my name, yet I couldn’t stop saying hers.
The day went on and I continued with my usual routine.
When dinner time rolled around, I fired up the grill and prepped my steak and veggies, sprinkling them with seasonings.
I had taken a liking on how to cook different dishes, something my grandmother taught me long ago, along with stretching your dollar.
My grandmother was the most frugal woman I’d ever known, her tips always helpful on how to save a few pennies.
I missed her so much it hurt. Not to mention seeing her all over this cabin.
I hadn’t been able to redecorate her passed years ago and I probably never would.
My grandmother made this place into something special, and I wanted to honor her memory with it.
But I also didn’t want to fill it with any more of my hurt than it already had. Which was why I let no one in. Couldn’t get hurt that way, right?
“Looks like we’re both grilling tonight!” Shyla’s voice carried over the wind and I froze. She was around. Again.
I couldn’t keep running into her like this. Soon I wouldn’t be able to say no to her. I could already feel myself turning into putty in the woman’s hands, and I hated it.
Tipping my spatula towards her, I hoped it would be enough interaction for her but no, she strode over to her fence, abandoning her grill. “Making anything good?”
“Steak and veggies.”
“Yummy. I’ve got barbeque chicken and pasta salad. We could combine our dinners into one big feast! I bet it’d be delicious.” Shyla said, her hands on her adorable hips and I almost said yes.
Almost.
“Let me know if you change your mind….wait, I never caught your name.”
That’s because I never gave it.
“Briggs.”
“Okay, cool, nice seeing you again.” She waved and walked back to her grill.
At least, Shyla wasn’t engaging like she did last night. That was a relief. I turned my attention back to grilling my dinner. It didn’t take long to cook my steak rare and my veggies crisp, plating myself some food.
“Once last chance to share! The BBQ chicken is delicious!” Shyla’s voice ran through me like a hit poker of fire. Damn, I spoke too soon. The chokehold this woman put me in again and again.
“No thanks. Have a good night.” I took my food inside instead of eating outside like I usually would. But then I thought, fuck it, I’m not letting this woman keep me inside.
I headed back inside, and Shyla was gone. Good, easier for me.
Yet why did I feel so shitty inside?
The next morning, after my coffee and daily news, I spent time in the garden and mowed the lawn, did some weeding. As I rounded the front corner, something shiny in the grass caught my attention. I walked over and saw a large notebook, glittery in the sun, the cover reading My Bible.
I peeked inside and saw Shyla’s name, along with her calendar, filled to the brim with events. She was one busy lady.
The book seemed pretty important. I wanted to return it to her but with no interaction, even though I was dying to lay eyes on her, like an addict needing a fix.
I didn’t sleep a wink last night thinking about her. It was driving me literally insane.
I carried the book over to her front door and left it on the steps. She’d see it the next time she left.
But as I placed it down on her welcome mat, the front door swung open and there she stood in all her morning glory.
God damn, she was gorgeous. Her hair up in a loose messy bun and a tight sports bra and legging hugged her delicious curves.
I swallowed hard and cleared my throat.
“Briggs? Hi! Good morning!”
Fuck, she was happy in the morning.
“Hi, I found your notebook in the grass, so I was returning it. I figured it was important.”
“Oh my God!” Shyla squealed and clapped her hands. “I was looking everywhere for my baby!” She scooped the planner up and hugged it tightly to her chest. “You don’t know how badly I live and die by this book.”
I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped. “I take it the notebook is pretty important to you.”
“It’s my entire life planning. Like an idiot, I had a bit too much wine last night and somehow it didn’t end up in the house with me. I’ve been going nuts this morning looking for it.”
“I’m glad I found it then.” I said before turning to go.
“Wait! You must come by for dinner. Let me repay you the favor. Please.”
“No, I couldn’t impose. It’s no big deal. I just wanted to make sure it got to the right place.”
“I was planning a seafood boil. There’re crab legs and lobster. Are you sure?”
My mouth watered. Seafood was my favorite. But I had to say no. A dinner with her wasn’t a good idea. It was opening up a can I didn’t want to open.
Yet seafood and her…How could I resist?
“Okay, if you insist.”
Her entire face broke into the hugest beaming smile. “Great! Come over around six.”
I needed sunglasses for how bright her smile was, but the rush of excitement pulsating through my body took me by surprise. I should’ve dreaded any idea of social interaction. But with her, I looked forward to it.
I didn’t stop thinking about her for the rest of the day.