Chapter Seven
As I lie in another new bed in what will be my room for a while, I think about what a genuinely good time I had tonight watching a scary movie with Nils.
I liked it even better afterward when we talked and joked around a bit.
All in all, I can definitely say I like Nils.
And not just because he’s hot.
He’s a cool person.
Nils is funny, kind of a smartass, laid-back, and nice. He’s clearly a good guy, just like Arden said he was.
I can see why they’re such good friends.
But one thing Arden never mentioned—not that he ever would—is that Nils is waaay hotter in person. It was all I could do to play it cool when I first met him outside in his driveway.
His green eyes really are the color of freaking emeralds, and his messy dark blond hair looks so silky and soft.
He had on a tight dark olive tee that showed off his corded forearms, huge biceps, and wide chest. And don’t think I didn’t notice how big his quads looked in the ripped, faded jeans he had on.
Damn, I’d really like to climb that man like a tree.
And do a lot of sinful things to him.
I sigh.
There will be time for that.
I hope.
For now, I was happy just watching a movie with him. Not only did it allow us to start to get to know each other and bond a little, but it gave me many opportunities to slyly glance over at his yummy body and drool.
Not literally, but in my mind.
He is so sexy.
Clearly my crush on him has gone nuclear.
I really fucking want that man.
And not just as a fling.
That’s right, I’ve decided already that I want more. I knew this could happen after I met him. And it has. My change of heart to escalate my plan from a hookup to potentially more was never out of the realm of possibility. My crush on this man has always been huge.
Only thing is this means my plan to bed Nils just got a whole lot more complicated.
That’s okay. I have nothing but time—time to not only get him to want me but time to allow him to fall for me.
We’re off to a promising start.
I made some headway when we first met out in the driveway. He was totally checking me out. He thought he was being sly, but I caught him on more than one occasion.
I guess my flirting worked. The skimpy jean shorts and low-buttoned blouse I chose to wear didn’t hurt my cause, either.
In fact, my outfit was still working its magic down in the entertainment room. With the way I had my legs curled up under me, which was totally by design, they were on full display.
I saw Nils glancing over at me several times, but more so when we were watching the first half of the movie. Either he had steeled himself or he was really immersed in that stupid flick.
Hmm, I think the former is correct.
Well, if he did steel himself, I’ll be working on that.
I’ll get his attention again.
I have a few days to think of some ways to do so, seeing as Nils will be away starting tomorrow.
Oooh, but when that man gets back, he’d better watch out.
’Cause this is so fucking on!
The next morning, after I take a shower and throw on black leggings and a navy blue blouse, I pad down to the kitchen to find something to eat.
I discover the fridge and pantry are well stocked with lots of options, but I opt for just cereal and a glass of orange juice.
Sitting down at the table, I fill the bowl with cereal, then milk, all the while thinking, Man, the house sure is quiet.
Nils is gone, as I knew he’d be. He told me last night, before we parted ways in the upstairs hallway next to my bedroom, that the team was flying out early this morning.
I replied, “Well, have a good trip and win all of your games. I’ll see you when you get back.”
Chuckling, he said, “Yeah, thanks. We’ll try.” He then shifted from one foot to the other as he ran his fingers through his sexy, mussed-up hair. Hair that I’d like to run my fingers through. After a pause, he cocked his head and with his emerald eyes meeting mine, he added, “Maybe we can have another movie night when I get back.”
Inside, I was all like Yes!
But I kept myself composed as I said, calmly and in an even tone, “Sure, that’d be fun.”
“Great.” He turned to leave. “Then I guess I’ll see you in a few days. Good night, Ellie.”
I popped open the door to my room and murmured, “’Night, Nils.”
Is it crazy that I can’t wait to see him again?
Unfortunately, I have a few days to wait.
And I better get used to it.
It’s going to be like this the whole time I’m here.
That gets me to thinking that having a plan to make Nils mine is not enough. I need something more to do, something productive, something to keep me busy.
Dipping my spoon into my cereal, I say out loud, “I need a job.”
Yeah, that’d be perfect. I can bring in some money and contribute, as well, without dipping into my savings. Despite what Nils said, I plan to help out in some way to repay his kindness. Buying groceries and cooking a few meals would be a good start.
As I eat my breakfast, I think about my job options.
I bet I can get back on with Applebee’s pretty easily. I made good tips this summer. And wouldn’t you know it; I even packed my “uniform”—black pants and a black polo-style shirt with their logo—in case I did decide to go this route.
I’m sure there’s an Applebee’s close by, right?
I mean, they’re all over the country.
I check my phone and discover there’s one only five miles away.
Perfect—looks like I know exactly where I’ll be going today.