Chapter 7 Dave
This is bad. First, I discovered Kris’ latent sex appeal. Then I saw his secret soft side. And now, I’m finding out he’s brave as well. It’s horrible and I don’t like it one bit. Because I’m starting to like him. And I don’t want to like him. He’s my annoying co-worker. If he becomes my sexy, kind, and brave co-worker, I’m in trouble.
I’ve been wiping the counters for the past hour, trying to slow my heartbeat after watching Kris confront those assholes. It probably wasn’t that dangerous. Kris might have even made it worse. But the way he flung himself over the counter like an Olympic gymnast and ran towards danger? It moved me. More than that, it made me feel things. Deep, warm, things.
“I think you’ve got that spot clean, boss.” Kris’ voice breaks into my thoughts. I blink and notice his wry smile as he walks towards the back. “Jer and I are going to leave. Are you heading out soon?” He sees my expression and stops. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Just thinking about my screenplay.”
Kris smiles.
“Got your head in the clouds? I get it.” He turns away and opens the door. “You can head out with us if you like.”
“No, I’m good.”
I hear him say, “Rock on,” as the door closes behind him. I bet he would have walked me home if I’d asked. Holy crap, it’s worse than I thought.
I wait until he and Jer are gone to wrap up and head out. I decide to walk home despite the lingering threat of angry frat guys. Honestly, I could probably have taken one of them in a fight, but I try to avoid conflicts at all costs, unlike Kris. I walk through the darkening streets towards my apartment, trying, and failing, not to think about him.
Kris was heroic today. Hot. I’ve never been that into macho guys. Like, we get it, you’re a big tough guy. But Kris was giving off this primal, protective vibe that hit me hard. I want that. I want him on my side. He’s not a nice guy, but he’s a good guy who fights for what’s right. What if he cared for me as much as he cares about the cafe?
I wonder if all the feelings swirling through me are the after effect of too much adrenaline racing through my blood. Maybe my blood sugar's a little low? I need an apple. Or some green juice. Something, anything else to focus on. Politics? No. My future? Yuck. What else isn’t sexy at all? There’s always my screenplay. Uggh. I turn the corner to see my building looming in the dark.
It wasn’t a total lie earlier when I said I was thinking about my assignment. I’ve been trying to figure out how to inject more personality into all the characters, not just the female lead. I take the stairs slowly as my mind turns.
What if Jaxon was more like Kris? I laugh because it’s hard to picture Kris in anything but his skinny jeans and motorcycle boots. But maybe he’d make a good astronaut, at least a good movie astronaut. Instead of being earnest and upstanding, Jaxon could be cocky and brave. He could have a dark side, with mischief in his eyes. Jaxon could fuck.
A shiver runs through me. How funny would it be to have Jaxon put the moves on Chip the cadet instead of his fiancée? Now that’s a movie I’d go see. I can imagine pitching it: It’s a cross between Alien and Gravity, but with lots of gay sex. Not the kind of movie that studios throw millions at, but I don’t want to stop.
Imagine Jaxon cornering Chip in the engine room for a searing kiss or Chip blowing Jaxon in the captain’s chair. Maybe they get trapped together on an escape pod. There’s only one bed! What if evil aliens attack and Jaxon kicks the shit out of them? Of course, Chip’s going to show his appreciation by riding Jaxon hard all night.
My skin is prickling now. I will not think about how I’m picturing Kris as Jaxon and myself as Chip. That would be gross. He’s my coworker. Except I’m pretty sure he wants to fuck me, so it’s not really gross, right? Kris is always giving me these charged looks. And there are the things he says, and the little touches. It’s like we’re playing a game of chicken and we’re each waiting for the other to crack and admit they want the other one. But I don’t want to admit it first, so we keep circling each other like hounds.
Imagine Chip confessing his true feelings and Jaxon inviting him to sleep in the captain’s quarters forever. Gah, somehow, it’s even worse. Not just filthy sex, but feelings. Romance. I trip over a crack in the stair. I’ve never imagined romance, or God forbid, love as part of my life. I just didn’t think I was built for that. But maybe I was wrong. To have these feelings for Kris, well, it’s unbelievable and kind of terrifying.
Hell. I need a distraction from my distraction. I open the door, head inside, and undress for the world's fastest shower. Cold. I need to make several salads. One for tonight, two for lunch later this week (for me and Kris), and maybe I should make one for Kris’ friend too. He looked like he could use something besides donuts. I’ll use my best superfood mix and add some chicken breasts and broccoli for more nutrients. Do I have brussels sprouts? I should stop by the store later.
Even with the tiny bit of medical school I had, I could see that Jer wasn’t healthy. His color was off, and he looked exhausted just from sitting. I’ll talk to Kris after our day off and make sure Jer’s getting the proper care. Now that I know Kris better, I think he’ll actually listen to my advice. Because Kris has a good heart and is not just a sexy, selfish bastard. What a horrifying development.