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Chapter Eight

In the Blink of an Eye

 

 

We pull up to my house and the front porch light is on. Auggie is home and I have so much to share with him. Evan walks me to the front door and kisses me goodnight. I am happy, truly happy. My heart is singing like it never has before.

I close the door behind me and I stand with my back pressed against it, using it to hold myself up. Slowly, I right myself and wander into the living room where Auggie is watching television. He turns the T.V. off and gives me his full attention.

“Look at you, girl. You are a real knockout. I bet you had him eating out of the palm of your hand!”

“Oh, Auggie, you have no idea. He took me on a yacht. A real, honest-to-goodness yacht. There was a crew, a waitress, a captain, and it was incredible.” I lean back in the couch and give a heavy sigh.

“A yacht? Seriously? Is it his?” I shake my head. “How much money does this boy have?”

“Auggie, it’s not about the money and how much he spent tonight. Honestly, I doubt it was that much, anyway. Adam made the arrangements through one of his contacts. You should be impressed that my boyfriend knows how to network.”

“Jette, did you just call Evan your boyfriend? What happened on that boat?”

“One, it’s not a boat, it’s a yacht. Two, he asked if he could call me his girlfriend. And three, I said yes.” I sit twirling my tulip in my hand while thinking about my new boyfriend.

“So when do I get to officially meet lover boy?”

“Soon, definitely. But I have to work until closing tomorrow, so maybe Wednesday or Thursday?” I’m so tired I can barely get the words out. My eyelids feel like they weigh a hundred pounds.

“Sounds great. That reminds me. Brandon and I are going into the city tomorrow and we’ll probably spend the night, so I won’t be home. You don’t have to leave the light on for me. You gonna be okay? Maybe Evan can crash here tomorrow.”

“I don’t need a babysitter; I think I can handle spending another night alone in my own house. But thanks for worrying about me.” It’s time to call it a night. “Night, Aug, love you.”

“Right back at you, Jepetto.” He turns the television back on and lowers the volume just enough. I change into my sleepwear and send Evan a text.

Jette: Hey chief thank you for an incredible night. XO

Evan: Glad you enjoyed yourself. Running in the AM?

 

Jette: Guess so. Y?

 

Evan: Thought I might join u. ;)

 

Jette: OK 7:00?

Evan: Sounds good. See u in the AM my house!

Jette: Good night bossy man

 

Evan: Good night running grl

 

 

The alarm goes off and I’m greeted by Imagine Dragons today. I shower and get dressed quickly so I can spend a few minutes with Maddy before I go. I’ve decided to leave her home for today’s run. I hope she understands. I want to spend time with Evan and this may be my only chance today. I’m meeting Emmy for lunch before we work tonight. I haven’t worked with Emmy in a few days and we have a lot of catching up to do.



I drive straight to Evan’s and park my car in his driveway right beside his Porsche. There are no other cars here, so I guess that means Adam is in his own place by now.

Walking up to the front porch, I’m momentarily immobilized. Should I knock? Ring the bell? Walk right in? No, I’m not going to make any assumptions by just letting myself in. Knocking would be best. Just in case he’s not the only one in the house, I wouldn’t want to wake anyone who might still be asleep.

The door opens, revealing a shirtless Evan, my favorite kind. “Good morning,” he whispers as he pulls me in for a familiar kiss and hug. “Mmm, peppermint. My new favorite.” His nose is buried in my hair, which is still wet from this morning’s shower. I take a moment to enjoy the closeness his embrace offers. My face is resting on his warm and firm chest that smells delightfully clean and masculine.

“You ready? Let me lock up and we can head out.” He shuts and locks the front door, and then we walk out to the deck. I stand at the railing admiring the view of the ocean while I wait for Evan to finish locking up and setting the alarm. The sun has just finished rising and is casting a beautiful gold and orange hue across the sky. There are numerous fishing boats making their way out to deeper waters to find their catch.

A hand on the small of my back pulls me back to the here and now. “Let’s go.”

Side by side, we begin our slow plodding jog along the water’s edge. I’m used to running alone and losing myself in my own world of thoughts. Right now, I’m aware of the most minuscule details ... the way my hair looks, the way my boobs bounce when I run, how my hands are balled into fists, and how unattractive it is to sweat in front of a man.

Evan is sweating, too. But on him, it’s hot. His skin shines in the early morning light. I imagine other situations where we might both be slick with sweat, hot from exertion, and wrapped in each other’s arms. I’ve never fallen so fast, and so deep.

“Juliette, you look deep in thought. What are you thinking about?” His voice is steady and strong.

Breathlessly, I answer, “Not much ... just making a ... mental list of ... the various ways ... I can get you all ... hot and sweaty.”

“Really? What’s on your list?” How can he sound like he’s taking a stroll through the park when I’m fighting for each breath?

“I’m thinking you could ... come home with me ... and maybe we could ... move some furniture.”

“I’d love to make the furniture move with you, Juliette.” He speaks in his most flirty come-hither voice.

“I do have ... a lot of furniture ... that needs moving.” While this banter is just in fun, there’s a part of me that can easily imagine us ‘moving the furniture’ in every room of my house. And every room in his house.

“Juliette, if I thought for one minute that you were serious, I would lift you up, throw you over my shoulder, and carry you right back to my bedroom.”

“What makes ... you think ... I’m not ... serious?”

“You’re still running.”

Sensing a challenge, I stop dead in my tracks. “Not anymore ... now what, chief?”

“Okay, you asked for it!” He lifts me up and throws me over one shoulder in a fireman carry and begins the hike back down the beach. Once again, I find myself on the beach with my ass in a place where my ass is not supposed to be. This one, however, is not unwelcomed.

“Evan, put me down!” I struggle to swat him on his ass with all the might I can muster, but it’s like hitting a brick wall. Man, that boy has some tight glutes.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a bright flash of light. It seems we are no longer alone. We’ve reached the boardwalk and there’s a man with a camera undoubtedly taking stills of the early morning beach. Quite a show we must be putting on for this unexpected audience.

Gently, he places me back on my feet. “Let’s get going, Juliette. You ready to head back?” Evan’s mood seems darker. Maybe I took our charade a little too far.

I follow his lead and together, we begin our jog back. In no time, we have returned to his beach house. Evan asks me to sit on the deck while he goes in and retrieves some bottled water for us. He reappears and I’m glad to see his face is more relaxed. Whatever dark cloud shadowed his mood is gone now.

“So, are you working tonight?”

“Actually, yes. I have lunch plans with Emmy, and then I’m working until closing. Why? What are you doing tonight?”

“Adam and I have plans, too. How about tomorrow?”

“I’m off. I thought I would do a little baking. Want to come over? You can help. Maybe you can even meet my roommate, Auggie. He’s dying to meet you.”

“I’d really like that. Call me later. I don’t think I could go the whole day without hearing your voice again.” Under the table, he pokes me with his foot. I run my foot up his calf and back down again. All the while, our eyes are locked. “I need another shower. A cold shower.” He stands and adjusts his shorts. It makes me grin.

“That’s my cue, I’ve gotta go. I’ll call. Promise.” Despite my appearance, Evan swaddles me in a tight embrace and kisses me. I wrap my hands around his waist and kiss him more deeply. I break apart from him, reluctantly, and walk out to my car. I turn to look at him one more time, and he’s adjusting his shorts again. I love what he does to me, but I think I love what I do to him even more.

 

Emmy and I meet at Bubbakoo’s Burritos for lunch. A lot has happened over the last few days that I can’t wait to share and get another girl’s perspective. I tell her all about our sunset cruise and our morning jog. Emmy is a good friend and a great listener.

“It’s so cool that we both have new boyfriends at the same time. Maybe we can all go out together.”

“Seriously, Emmy? I haven’t seen you in two days and you drop a secret surprise boyfriend on me? Who is it? How did this happen?”

“You kind of know him. He’s blonde, 27 years old, lives in Derek’s house. Ring any bells?”

“Grant? Is it Grant? What the hell happened?”

“Remember Saturday when we all went to the movies? Well, Grant and I have been texting back and forth since then. I asked him to come over to help me replace a light switch, which just happened to be in my bedroom.” She gives me a wink and a smile.

“So, do you like him? I mean really like him? Does he make your toes curl?” Her last boyfriend was kind of a dud in the chemistry department.

“Oh, yeah! There was some serious toe curling, hip grinding and spit swapping.” There’s not a shy bone in Emmy’s body and I’m more than a little jealous.

We decide to take our men out to meet, but the details will have to wait for now. An hour later, and I’m home again getting ready for work.

I walk in to find Auggie in his favorite position, sitting at the kitchen island reading the news and gossip on his iPad. “Come here, kitten, I found something for you.” He invites me to sit with him as he flips through some web pages until he finds just the right one.

“What did you find, Aug?” Now I’m curious.

“I’ve been thinking about the flower Evan gave you last night, so I looked up pink tulips and guess what it said?”

“I have no idea, just tell me.”

“Well, it says that pink tulips symbolize affection and caring. This boy is good, Jette.”

“What do you mean, he’s good?”

“See, red tulips are a declaration of love, and it’s way too soon for that. Yellow tulips mean ‘I will love you forever’ and that’s too soon, too. Purple symbolizes royalty and wealth. Affection and caring is just right, don’t you think?”

“Auggie, you sound a lot like Goldilocks. One flower was too weak, the other two were too strong, but the pink one was just right!”

“I’m just saying that I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he gave you a pink tulip. Right?”

Actually, he’s not wrong. If he’s correct, then Evan truly is a very thoughtful and resourceful man.

 

The bar is surprisingly packed tonight. Emmy, Derek and I take our usual positions at the patio bar while tonight’s DJ rocks the house. The bar is crowded with college students who like to dance and drink in equal amounts. A middle-aged man who is clearly out of place and obviously trolling for young girls pays for his drink with a ten and tells me to keep the change. Then he winks at me. I just shake my head and walk away.

Now that Emmy is dating Derek’s roommate, all the flirting is directed towards me. Derek is keeping a respectable distance from Emmy now and I think it’s sweet. He and Grant are good friends and it’s nice to see that Derek respects those boundaries.

We keep pretty busy for most of the night. I get to make a few new cocktails tonight and I even entertain the crowd with some well-orchestrated flips and turns. Derek and I dance when the mood strikes and Emmy plays the prudish chaperone trying to keep us apart. It’s a cute Vaudeville Act we choreograph on the fly. The customers are eating it up and the tip jar is getting pretty full.

Sometime around midnight, the DJ announces a song dedicated to the pretty brunette bartender on the patio. He goes on to say, “This one’s for you, Juliette.” Immediately, I look over at Derek.

“Derek, did you do this?”

“Hell, no! Listen to the song, it’s the classic stalker anthem. Not my style, Jette.”

I stop for a moment to listen. The DJ is playing the Police single “Every Breath You Take” and the lyrics are sending chills down my spine. Sting is crooning about how he’s watching every move that I make. I send Evan a text to check and see if it’s him.

Jette: Hey are you here at the bar?

 

Evan: No im home just got in Y? U OK?

 

Jette: Its nothing never mind

 

Evan: Do you want me to come down? I can be right there

 

Jette: No im fine ill call you in the morning

 

I look around the bar but I don’t see anyone I know who could have done this. Immediately, my hands are clammy and I’m feeling nauseous. Why is this happening? I ask Derek to speak to the DJ and find out who requested the song. While I wait, I place my hands on the bar to steady myself and try to calm my breathing.

Before I can relax, he’s back. “He said it was a male customer. Gave him a $20 tip to play the song. The bar’s too crowded to find the guy. It’s probably nothing, Jette. Has anyone given you a hard time tonight?”

“No, not tonight. You’re probably right. I’m sure it’s nothing. Let’s get back behind the bar.” We return to the bar where we left Emmy alone and she attacks.

“Thank God you’re back. Here.” She throws a bar towel at me. “Grant just got here and I’m going to go say hello. Cover for me.” Emmy runs around the bar and leaps into his lap. Her small frame flies gracefully through the air and Grant welcomes her with a grand embrace. She plants kisses all over his face and he is beaming with delight. They cuddle, kiss, and chat for a few minutes until Emmy rejoins us behind the bar.

“That was quite a show, Emmy. It’s getting kind of late now. You guys have plans after closing?”

“Oh, yeah. We’re heading back to his place tonight.” She elbows me in the side. I guess I know what their plans are.

Grant stays until closing and the whole time, they cannot take their eyes off one another. I wonder if that’s what it would be like for Evan and me. I know I would have a difficult time concentrating if he were here with me.

The four of us walk out together a little after two in the morning. My car is parked on a side street a few blocks down the road. The streets are well lit and very safe. Derek insists I let him drive me to my car, just to be safe. I’m actually a little relieved and I accept his offer. I explain where my car is parked, and he takes me right to it. He waits for me to get in and start the engine before he leaves. Derek is really a good guy and I’m lucky to have such good friends.

As he’s pulling away, I notice a paper on my windshield. I hope I didn’t get a parking ticket for being too close to a hydrant or something. I step out, grab it, and quickly get back into my car. It’s a note written in scratchy printing.

 

My hands are shaking. This is not right. I need to get out of here. I check my rearview mirrors and slowly pull out. Just as I do, another car turns its lights on and pulls out behind me. I hit the switch and lock my doors. Then I turn off the radio. I need to concentrate. It may be nothing. It may be something. There’s only one way to find out.

I turn onto Arnold Avenue and begin driving towards the bridge that leads me home. The car behind me does the same. After crossing the bridge, I make a quick turn onto Herbertsville Road, and the car is still with me. I make two more turns down random side streets, and I still have company. This is not a coincidence. I am definitely being followed. Now I have to decide where to go. I can’t go home. Auggie isn’t there, I’d be alone. Besides, do I want to lead him right to my house? No! Evan. I have to go to Evan’s house. My hands are shaking, so I employ the help of Siri to get Evan on the phone.

“Siri, call Evan.”

“Do you want me to call Evan Thomas?”

“Yes, call.”

He answers on the second ring. “Hey, Juliette. Are you just getting out of work?”

“Evan, I need you. I’m in my car and I think I’m being followed. Can I come over?” My voice is shaking and I’m sure he can tell I’m a wreck.

“What the fuck? Are you sure? Come straight here. Do NOT stop anywhere. Do you hear me? Come straight here. How far away are you?” I can hear drawers opening like he’s pulling out clothes to get dressed.

“I’m just going back over the bridge. I’ll be there in two minutes. Evan, he left a note on my car. He said he’s watching me. I’m really scared.”

“Stay on the phone with me. Don’t hang up. Can he tell you’re on the phone? Are you holding the phone up to your ear?”

“No, you’re on speaker phone. He can’t see my phone.”

“Good. Just keep driving. Can you tell what kind of car it is? Is it a truck, an SUV, a car?”

“It’s definitely a dark car. I can’t tell any more. It’s not a sports car or convertible or anything. Just an average small dark car.”

“I’m outside in the driveway waiting. Drive right up to me, but don’t get out of the car. Do you understand?”

“Yes, I’m almost there. Do you see my headlights coming down the road?”

“I’m here and I can see you. Just calm down, you’re almost here. Hang up now, okay?”

“Okay, I’ll be right there.” Evan’s driveway is all lit up and I can see him waiting. I pull right in, and my pursuer slows for a moment, and then speeds off. Evan runs into the street, trying to catch a glimpse of the license plate number. It’s no use. It’s dark out and the car is gone.

I turn the car off and I just sit stock-still. I can’t move. Evan instantly appears at my door, but it’s still locked.

“Juliette, it’s okay, he’s gone. Open the door, sweetheart.” I can’t move. “Juliette, please open the door.” I’m frozen. “Juliette, you have to open the door now or I’m going to break your window. You’re safe. Please.” I find the strength to push the button to unlock the door. Evan whips the door open and is kneeling beside me.

“Juliette, look at me. Are you okay?” I nod my head and swing my legs to get out of the car. Evan helps me onto my unsteady feet.

“You sure he’s gone?” My voice is still quivering.

“Yes, I’m sure. Let’s get you in the house. Can you walk?”

“Yeah. Can we please get in the house quickly?”

Evan rushes me to the house and engages the security system. “Do not open any doors or windows. I just set the security alarm and it will go off if anyone from the inside or the outside tries to open a door or window. Okay?”

We walk to the living room and I’m still slightly trembling. I try to pull myself together and sit on the couch. “I’m getting you a drink of water. Do you want something stronger?”

“No, thank you. Maybe a few aspirin if you have them.” Being here has a great calming effect on me and I can feel myself begin to relax. My pulse begins to slow and my heart rate is returning to normal.

“Here’s your water and two Tylenol.” I gulp them down in one swig. “I’m calling the police, Juliette.”

I don’t know why, but I really don’t want to call the police. Maybe I’m just overreacting and I wasn’t being followed. Maybe it’s just a prank. “Can we wait until tomorrow? Please don’t call yet. I just want to calm down, and then I’ll head home.”

“There’s no way you’re leaving tonight. If you leave, I’m going with you, so what’s the point? Just stay here.” He’s sitting beside me on the couch now. “Come here.” He opens up his arms for me to crawl into. “Tell me what happened. And don’t leave out any details.”

There’s not much to tell. I explain about the song dedication and how I thought for a moment it might be him. Then I tell him how Derek drove me to my car and waited until he thought I was safe.

“Remind me to thank Derek for that,” Evan interjects. I give the final details about the note and the car following me. “Is that everything?” he asks.

“I didn’t leave anything out. What do you think?”

“I think you’ve got a very sick individual latched onto you. Are you sure you don’t want to call the police tonight?”

“No, I’m sure. Can you put on a movie or something to distract me? No slasher movies. Okay?”

“Sure, anything you want. Let me get you something to change into. I’ll be right back.” Evan slips away and returns with one of his t-shirts. “I don’t think I have any shorts that would fit you, so I grabbed the biggest shirt I could find. I hope it’s good enough.”

“This is fine, really. I’ll be right back.” I take his shirt to the bathroom and I try to wash up a little. I really wish I had a toothbrush. Auggie’s list of must-have’s sure would come in handy right now.

By the time I’m done, Evan is on the couch with a blanket, a couple of pillows and a movie has started. He peels back the blanket and I crawl back to my spot on the couch with him. “What’s playing?”

“Well, since I know you’re on an eighties kick, I thought I would put one of my favorites, ‘Big’ with Tom Hanks. Is that all right?” He’s rubbing my back and it feels so good.

About an hour into the movie, I’m finally calmed down enough to appreciate and enjoy the closeness with Evan. I yawn, then he yawns, and I yawn again. Yawning really is contagious.

“Let’s call it a night. Come on, I’ll walk you to my room. You can sleep in my bed. I’ll sleep here on the couch.”

“Why don’t I just sleep in the guest room? I don’t mind.” I know he has a guest room because Adam stayed here for a short while.

“I stripped all the sheets and everything off the bed when Adam left. The cleaning lady comes on Friday and I was waiting for her to put the room back together again. I don’t mind. I’ll be fine. I can sleep anywhere.”

Since I can barely keep my eyes open, I grudgingly agree. “Only if you’re sure.” Evan nods, turns off the television, and leads me to his room. He’s got a large room with simple furnishings and a huge bed.

“Please call if you need anything. I’ll be right in the living room on the couch.” Suddenly, I feel uneasy. I’m in an unfamiliar place and I’m still a little nervous.

He watches as I climb into bed and pull the covers up to my chin. I inhale deeply. His bed smells just like him. He walks over and kisses me good night. “Evan, wait. Can you stay with me just until I fall asleep? I feel safer when you’re around.”

“Okay.” Without another word, Evan slips into bed next to me under the blankets. He’s wearing a t-shirt and boxers. I wonder what it would feel like to have him here with me, flesh against flesh.

He snuggles up next to me and wraps one arm around my waist. I lean into him and pull his hand to my chest. I kiss his knuckles and whisper, “Thank you.” Evan releases a slight groan as he weaves our fingers together.

Our bodies fit together like two puzzle pieces. I hear his breathing slow and I know he’s fallen asleep. His warm breath skims against my shoulder and eventually, I drift off to sleep.

Sometime early the next morning, I wake to find Evan still beside me. He rolls towards me and pulls me closer. I close my eyes and listen. His breathing is slow and steady. He’s deeply asleep. I glance at the clock on the nightstand and it reads 5:41. Just another hour of sleep and I’ll get up. I close my eyes and return to a blissful sleep.

When I wake again, I find myself resting in Evan’s arm with my face lying on his chest. He’s playing with my hair and when he finds a loose strand, he tucks it behind my ear.

“Good morning,” I whisper, looking up at him. He looks down at me with those bright blue eyes. He smiles and those dimples make a return appearance.

“Mornin’,” he breathes. He holds me tightly and I wrap by arms around his waist. His hands begin to explore, but never straying too far. I lie in bliss as he strokes my hip, my back, my backside. As I hold him close, I can feel his arousal as my own desire grows. How nice it would be to wake this way every day.

“I could stay here and hold you forever, but I have to get up.” I watch as he gets up from bed and walks to the bathroom. I hear the shower running and glance over at the clock. It’s nearly eight thirty. Slowly, memories of the previous night’s events creep back into my mind. Back to reality.

 


Date: 2015-02-28; view: 662


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