Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,41
session. As much as I bitch about therapy, it really does make a difference in not only my body but my mind.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on with you two?”
Bending forward to touch my toes, I don’t respond and instead exhale to deepen the move. Once he’s assessed that position, I rise, and twist as directed.
“We’re friends.”
Another twist and exhale.
“Arms out in front. Good.” Tapping on his tablet, he twists his lips in thought then looks me dead in the eye. “Friends you say. Look, I like Lis. Gigi loves her and thinks they’ll be lifelong besties or some shit. Based on the conversations she’s had with my wife; she and her kids have had a tough go of it.”
“I’m aware. Does this conversation have a point?” My defenses are up, the need to defend not only me but my knowledge of Lis and her family. He’s acting like I wouldn’t know anything about her.
“Relax man, my point is I’ve not known you long, but we’ve talked enough that I know you aren’t much for relationships. I don’t want to see her hurt.”
His words hit me straight in the gut. I wouldn’t hurt her, and the fact that I even have to defend that fact pisses me off. But, he’s right. My past doesn’t dictate I’d be interested in someone like Lis. A single mom living with her parents while she rebuilds her life has been the opposite of the type of woman I’ve spent time with. Yet, it’s exactly what attracts me to her. She is independent and determined. That is sexy as hell.
Widening my stance and crossing my arms over my chest, I look Brian dead in the eye and make sure my tone is serious but doesn’t reflect my annoyance. “I hear what you’re saying, and I appreciate you looking out for her. I have no intentions of hurting anyone. Besides, who’s to say she won’t hurt me?”
Barking out a laugh, he slaps me on the shoulder. “That girl? She’s too sweet to hurt anyone.”
When we walk out of the treatment room, the topic of our conversation is crouched to eye level with a little girl who is showing her a stuffed toy. Clearing my throat, Lis stands and smiles our direction.
Brian shakes his head and says, “Lis, why don’t you take a break? Come on back, Melissa. Tell me about this unicorn you have, Hayley.”
The trio walks away, and I look at Lis, who smiles. “Walk me out?”
She pushes a button on the phone before stepping from behind the counter. Taking her hand in mine, I walk us out to my truck. Neither of us speak as we go, our fingers linked like it’s the most natural move I’ve ever made. That should scare me. It doesn’t.
Leaning against the truck, I put my back to the building and move her in front of me. I know Brian is busy but that doesn’t mean he won’t get nosy and try to see what we’re doing. This big brother act isn’t as cool when you’re on the receiving end of it.
“How’s your day going?”
Lifting her hands, she picks at my shirt, removing a piece of invisible lint as a bright smile appears. Looking through her lashes coyly she says, “It’s only a few hours into the day but I’ve already had a perfect cup of coffee and a delicious treat, so I’d say it’s pretty damn good.”
“I think you were right about Brian and the coffee.”
Lis’s brow furrows in confusion.
“As soon as he saw I didn’t bring him a coffee, he knew I liked you.”
“Hmm . . . what I’m hearing is that you like me.” Taking a step forward, her hands move from my shirt to my waist.
“I do. I’ll be honest, this is unfamiliar territory for me and as much as I have no clue what I’m doing, I don’t think I want to stop.”
Tilting her head to the side, she searches my face, her eyes skimming across my features. Is she looking for a sign that I’m lying? I’m not. I don’t have a clue what I’m doing but I also don’t think I could stop wanting to get to know her if I tried.
Slipping my hand around her waist, I tug her to me. Resting her hands on my biceps, the smile never leaves her face. That is until I dip my head and capture her lips. She doesn’t hesitate and gives back as much as she takes. Her tongue tangles