I Crave You - C.C. Wood Page 0,34

the day off. I can do this. I'm just not used to it yet. For the last six years, I've been able to work from the comfort of my couch, or bed, or by a pool somewhere with good wi-fi."

"Okay, okay. Why don't you go wipe that scary mask off your face and take a nap? I'll wake you up an hour before we have to leave for my parents'."

"Scary mask?" she asked, frowning at me.

"You're still wearing your make-up," I explained.

"Shit," she sighed. "Yeah, I'll go do that now before a huge zit decides to develop in the middle of my forehead."

I shook my head as she vanished down the hallway toward the spare bathroom. The morning was still cool, so I carried my yoga mat onto the covered back deck and unrolled it. This deck was one of the main reasons I bought this house. During the warmer months, which took up nearly nine months of the year, I spent a lot of time out here when I was home. I would drink my coffee at the little table in the morning before I headed to the shop. Or have a glass of wine and read on a lounger in the evenings if the mosquitos weren't too bad. And since I'd decided it was time to get into better shape last spring, I would work out on the deck. Yoga, weight training, even this weird suspension trainer that Sierra bought me for my birthday a couple of years ago when I mentioned wanting one but not willing to pay the hefty price tag myself.

I unrolled my yoga mat and started a series of poses that I'd learned a couple years ago when the local gym held classes. The teacher had since moved on, but I found that I was a lot less stressed and it eased the minor aches and pains I experienced from being on my feet for so long each day so I tried to practice at least twice a week.

I was just finishing up when Sierra stuck her head out of the back door. "I'm gonna lie down for a couple of hours now. Don't forget to wake me up in a few hours."

I settled on the mat with my legs crossed. "How about I tell Mom that you were up late for work and that you'll come with me next time?"

"You'd do that for me?" she asked.

"Of course."

"You are a goddess. A gift! Okay, I'm going to bed before I fall asleep standing up. I'll be sure to be at the shop by two."

"I can—"

"Zip it. You're taking today off. No arguments." She pointed her finger at me with a stern expression on her face. It would have been a lot more effective if she didn't nearly fall over when she shook it at me.

"Yes'm," I agreed. "Now, go to bed."

Sierra gave me a thumbs-up and disappeared back inside.

I stretched out on my back and closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing.

As soon as I relaxed, my brain immediately veered toward Brody. Last night had been a lot of fun. It was all of my high school daydreams come true. He still teased me, but it was fun and light-hearted rather than painful. He also insisted on opening the car door for me, paying for the movie and snacks, and he actually touched me several times. Mostly by putting a hand on the small of my back when we were walking somewhere or on my arm when he wanted my attention.

Yeah, I knew exactly how I sounded. Like my fifteen-year-old self. I probably should have been ashamed, but I was in too good of a mood.

And I would get to see him again today.

I kept my eyes closed and smiled. Maybe this wasn't the fairytale relationship I'd daydreamed about as a teenage girl, but it was still nice. Even when Brody got on my last nerve or hurt my feelings, I would watch him laugh and joke with my brother and the rest of my family and wish he treated me that way.

Now, I had what I wanted. In a different way.

I inhaled, slow and deep, and held my breath for just a moment.

Then I exhaled.

Three hours later, I stood in front of my closet with my hands on my hips. While my brain understood that Brody was a friend and nothing more, my vanity insisted that I still look hot for Sunday lunch with my family.

I glanced down at my bra and panties,