tourists in Europe aren’t unusual, though Kyle definitely isn’t the typical tourist.
But walking the market tonight, I see his hulking form ahead of me. He hasn’t seen me yet, and I take advantage, following him along the short aisles, watching him as he studies the loaves of bread like they hold the secrets of the universe.
Maybe they do. The best time to get bread is early in the morning, when you can normally grab a pastry along with your daily loaf, but later on, you can find wisdom in the scraps that are left over. It’s almost philosophical, if I were into baking, but I’m more about eating the daily deliciousness.
The crowds part for him though he seems almost unaware of the stares his very presence brings. His height is unusual, but based on the wide-eyed looks from those around him, they’re more conscious of the dark aura around him. Ironically, the thing that puts them off is the very thing that draws me to him.
I get closer and closer, curious to see if he’ll notice me, if he’ll sense my presence the same way I’m aware of his. Twice, I think he sees me, but then he turns around and continues through the market.
Eventually, I can’t hold myself back and I approach him when he pauses to check out some wooden carvings. I slide up next to him, bumping him with my shoulder.
“Hey.”
He looks down at me with a smirk, setting a wooden spoon back on the stall table. “Took you long enough.”
I pout playfully, trying to look hurt. “You knew I was following you? I thought I was being sneaky!”
He shakes his head and keeps browsing the woodwork. “Not sneaky at all. You might be good at karate, but you’re no ninja,” he deadpans.
“Then why didn’t you say something, Kyle?” I ask, a little hurt that he ignored me.
He doesn’t answer that, instead focusing on the tidbit I let drop. “Found out my name, huh?”
It’s a grunt, an accusation, but I don’t let it hurt me.
“Yep, Strega’s got a big mouth. It’d do you good to remember that,” I advise. “You sneeze, and she’ll call half a dozen doctors for you before you pay for your cappuccino.”
He chuckles, but his returning threat holds more danger. “I think I’ll tell her you said that next time I stop in for coffee.”
My jaw drops, and I can’t help it, I punch him lightly in a rock-hard arm. “You wouldn’t! Please, don’t tell her I said that. Trust me, she’s well aware that she’s the world’s worst gossip, but she’d be devastated if she found out I was telling people that!”
His brow furrows, and he actually looks confused. “That makes no sense. She’d be upset people were gossiping about her when she’s a big gossip?”
I shrug. I guess for all of his toughness, Kyle doesn’t quite understand the fairer sex. “Women’s prerogative. We’re all a little crazy here.”
He blinks like that’s the craziest thing he’s ever heard, and I rush to fill the silent space before he leaves again. “So, what are you doing wandering the market? Anything in particular you’re looking for? Maybe I can help you shop.”
“No, getting some kitchen staples,” he says, lifting a paper bag at his side. “Just grabbing bread and I’m done.”
It’s a dismissal if ever I’ve heard one, but I’m not one for listening to things I don’t want to hear. Maybe it’s from years of tuning out my parents, but I readily tune out his easy rejection of my offer to help. “Good, then let’s grab a loaf of the crustiest, flakiest, yummiest bread in the market, made by a baker I happen to know. And then I’ll make you dinner. I’m quite the cook, and with a good carb haze rushing through your system, you’ll think I’m Gordon Ramsey! Fookin’ brilliant!” My impression isn’t that great, but I figure it’s worth a grin at least.
I realize after I’ve said it that I just asked him out, or well, asked him in? But I don’t care. I’m a big girl and can do scary things like that. Even if it was slightly unintentional. My heart whispers to my mind . . . unintentional on your part, but I know exactly what I’m doing.
Shock dots Kyle’s eyes for a moment before he shuts down, shaking his head. “No. Thank you, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
But now I’m like a dog with a bone. I argue back, “Did you hear a question