Page 9 of Only You

“For the last time, I’m not gay!” Jack insisted.

Two guys at the neighboring table snickered. Leaning in, Kayla whispered, “They beg to differ.”

Jack frowned at her. “That’s it. I’m leaving.”

She reached over and squeezed his hand. “Sorry, sweetie. I didn’t mean to offend you.”

He gazed at her hand for a moment, and she quickly pulled it away. She and Jack rarely touched, unless it was by accident or on a special occasion. A brief hug or kiss on the cheek was acceptable only at those times. Today is not a special occasion. Kayla hurriedly finished her sub and decided to save the rest of the chips for later. “I’ll walk out with you,” she said.

As they left, Jack opened the door for her, and she slipped past without touching him. In two years, she’d perfected the move, but now she might have to unlearn it. Jack was right. This was going to be more complicated than she’d thought.

They paused beside their company cars. “So, when are you moving in?” Jack asked.

“I was thinking Saturday,” she replied.

“This Saturday?”

“Won’t your parents be here soon?”

“Oh. Right,” Jack said. “Do you need help to move?”

“I don’t think so. I’m not bringing any furniture, so it shouldn’t be that bad.”

“I’ll gladly help if you need it,” he offered, sounding more formal than usual.

“I’ll be okay,” she assured him.

“What time on Saturday?”

“I’m not sure yet. Do you have plans?”

He shook his head. “Just call me before you come over.”

“Okay.” They eyed each other with uncertainty.

“You can still back out, you know,” Jack finally said.

“Do you want me to?”

“No, but I was just offering it up.”

She smiled. Even under duress, he was unfailingly polite. “Jack?”

“Yeah?”

“Remember when you said practice makes perfect?”

“Yeah.”

“We should probably hug goodbye … for practice.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Oh. Right. Good idea.”

They each took a step forward and paused. Standing this close, Kayla perused him like she was seeing him for the first time. Jack was tall—six feet one inch according to him—and lean, but not skinny. He loved sports and played golf, tennis, and basketball for fun. His body was all lean muscles and long limbs. Jack had medium brown, wavy hair, and lighter brown eyes with flecks of gold in them. He was clean cut, and a meticulous dresser, especially at work. Other male coworkers dressed similarly, but none appeared as neat and tailored as Jack. And when he smiled, it was like being warmed by the sun.

“Ahem,” Jack said, breaking into her thoughts. “Are we hugging or not?”

“Yes,” she said, bobbing her head. The next thing she knew, his arms went around her, and his hands rested lightly on her back. She returned the gesture, their chests brushing in the process. Kayla was acutely aware of the warmth of his body and his clean, fresh scent before he pulled back.