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A donut, a bag of baby carrots and a granola bar sit haphazardly on the plate.
“The carrots are clearly for you,” I say to Grant as I reach for the already melting donut. When he doesn’t immediately say anything, I chance a glance at him as I take a large bite. His eyes are darting around us, making sure that no one is spying on us or can hear our conversation. “Don’t worry, no one can see you. The plant at the front hides you from anyone walking down the street, our daily specials chalkboard covers you from the opposite side, and I’m blocking anyone’s view if they’re staring from inside.”
The tension in his shoulders deflates. “You’reblocking someone’s view of me,” he says in a teasing manner. I roll my eyes and grin with him. It is ridiculous to think of my tiny frame blocking his hulking one, but I’ll gladly take on the job. I like seeing this carefree and relaxed side of him.
“Hey. I have a big personality.”
He nods, reaching for the granola bar. Oh God, maybe I should have asked him if he wanted the donut. I immediately dismiss the thought. I was doing his magnificent figure a favor. He didn’t need these carbs. These were my carbs.
“So, what would you like to do tomorrow,” he asks before taking a bite out of the bar.
“Eat my weight in chocolate chips and re-watch New Girl while I cry.” The words are out of my mouth before I even know I’m going to say them. I’ve been thinking about doing all those things though. “Ha ha. Joking.” The bite of donut I have in my mouth gets stuck in my throat and I have to take a moment to compose myself before looking over at him.
Grant is just staring at me, unmoving with a blank expression on his face. I’m seriously doing him a favor right now. Just when I’m about to go off on another rant, because I hate long pauses between people – especially super-hot sport celebrities – I’m cut off by his bark of laughter. The rich sound catching me off guard.
I watch his throat in fascination as the muscles flex with his laugh and the veins pop. I never knew necks could be so…sexy.
“You know, I’ve known you for two days now and I still never anticipate what is about to come out of your mouth. It’s…awesome.” His handsome smile remains in place, even as he shakes his head. “But a relaxing day inside sounds nice. Just don’t expect me to cry.”
I frown in confusion. He really wants to spend the day with me?
“Why?” I ask him. I have no idea why a man like him would want to spend the day with me. Surely there were other women he could spend his time with who would be…more accommodating then me.
Sitting forward, Grant reaches for my hand. “Get that thought out of your head Lexi.”
“What thought?”
“I can see the doubt in your eyes. And the Lexi that I’m coming to know doesn’t doubt herself.” I don’t say anything. “I like you Lexi. I want to spend more time with you. You’re loud and blunt and spontaneous to the point of worry,” his fingers intertwine with mine. “I’m supposed to be dialed in right now, focusing on conditioning and training. Yet all morning you were the only thing I could think about. I love structure Lex, I love plans and following them. I’m thinking though that I could use some spontaneity in the form of a crazy purple haired beauty.”
I’m at a loss for words. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he’d actually think about me again after I was out of his line of vision. I know I have an off-the-wall personality, but people usually don’t come back for seconds. I’ve gotten used to being left alone. Things like this, like what Grant is saying, didn’t happen. At least, they didn’t happen to me.
“Look Grant, I’m really flattered but like I told you before—”
“It’s complicated,” he finishes for me.
I sigh. “Yeah.”
“Then let’s uncomplicated it.”
Shaking my head, I huff at his persistence. “It’s not that easy Grant.”
“Itisthat easy Lexi. You’re smart and beautiful, and so full of sass. This isn’t some game to me. I’m here, just wanting to spend a little time with you to get to know you better. To soak up your radiance.”
Damn. He’s more than a gorgeous face. He is a damn poet. With each word he speaks, I feel his conviction. He hadn’t taken the time to find me at work just to toy with me. He’s here because he…likes me. I’m going to need some time to wrap my head around that.
“I thought when we met you were a man of few words.”
He shrugs. “You make me want to articulate.”
We sit in silence as I try to work everything out in my head. He’s admitted a lot to me this morning, it’s time I do the same.
“I don’t have experience doing,” I motion back and forth between us, “whatever this is. I don’t date. I don’t fool around or waste my time on people that lie to me. Both my parents peaced-out a long time ago and I’ve had to step up and raise my sister. I don’t get into relationships because she doesn’t need to experience watching another person leave us. I want to set a good example for her.”
“The fact that you even think that tells me you’re a great sister.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere Helms. Just not in my pants.”
The slow grin that spreads across his face has me smiling too.
