Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,64
my arms. I don’t see selfish or hateful. She isn’t cruel or spiteful like she’s made herself out to be. The Lis I know is the complete opposite, and I wonder why she’s not shown this version of herself to many people.
A crashing sound jars me awake. Startled, it takes me a few beats to figure out where I am. Lis’s bedroom. Clanking and a string of swear words put a smile on my face. With my brain a little foggy, I look around for a clock but don’t see one. Lis wouldn’t let me sleep too late since it’s picture day and we both have to be at the field this morning.
I throw back the covers and place my feet on the floor. Running my hand down my face, I’m slow to move. Once the initial fog lifts from my brain, I push up from the bed and search for my boxers and shorts. Slipping both on, I meander down the hallway, a much slower pace than I initially took last night. Following the aroma of cooking bacon to the kitchen, I pause before making my presence known. Standing at the counter dressed in only my T-shirt is the woman who has single-handedly flipped my simple world upside down. Those legs just may be the death of me. It’s a quiet groan of appreciation but enough to startle Lis. With a spatula in her hand, she spins and screams.
“Sweet hell. You scared the shit out of me.”
“Expectin’ someone else, darlin’?” I may have added a little extra drawl to my question, which is fine because I’m rewarded with a hooded gaze that says we may be having more than bacon for breakfast.
“You can’t darlin’ me this early. And half-naked. We don’t have time for whatever scenario you’re piecing together.”
Stalking toward her, I cage her against the counter and squat to eye level. “Baby, there’s always time. But, you’re right. Once we get started, we may not stop. Besides, I only had the one condom. Is there coffee?”
Nodding, Lis points in the direction of a waiting cup and coffee pot. I pour myself a cup of fuel as she spoons a potato and egg scramble onto plates and places a few slices of bacon on each. We both take a plate and settle in at the island.
“This is delicious, thank you.”
“Don’t get too excited. It’s the only thing I can make.”
“I do recall the burnt popcorn.”
She smacks my arm playfully and we both laugh. After a few more bites and a sip of coffee, I touch on a subject I’ve been thinking about all week. I’m not sure how she’ll respond. Some women would say it’s too soon, but I hope after what we shared last night, and as close as I think we’ve become, she’ll be on the same page as I am.
“So, today we’ll be at the field.”
“Uh huh,” she murmurs before taking a sip of her coffee.
“I was thinking maybe after we could do something.”
“My parents won’t be home until tomorrow evening. They can’t watch the kids.”
Sliding my hand up her thigh, I pull her attention from her plate. Realizing I’m trying, and failing, to ask something she turns to face me.
“I know. I thought we could do something with the kids.”
Eyes wide, she begins to choke. Smacking her on the back, I jump from my seat and rush around the counter to get her a glass of water. When I return, she takes a sip and then a few deep breaths.
“You want to do something with my kids? Connor, don’t you think it’s a little soon for that?”
Shrugging I say, “For me? Not really. Is it for you?”
I watch as she looks off in the distance, taking another sip of water. That thumbnail slips between her teeth again. I’m beginning to see the pattern with that nail. It’s a tell that her mind is working double time. Nervous energy rolls off her in waves.
“I understand.” As much as I try to hide my disappointment, I hear it in my tone.
Looking at me, she offers a small smile and says, “Connor, I’ve never done this before. I was with the same man for ten years. We met when I was a freshman in college. He’s all I knew. All my children know.”
Now I feel like a dick. Of course it’s too soon. Maybe not for us but for her kids. I need her to know how I’m feeling. As much as talking about emotions makes me uncomfortable,