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“Yeah, look at us,” he says. Hiseyes focus on mine, and my stomach clenches.
What the hell was that?
I glance to the side and changethe subject. “So, do you ever hear from Amy?”
“No.” His back seems to stiffen.“Not since we broke up. You?”
“Sometimes. Mostly on socialmedia. She’s got a couple of kids, rocking the entrepreneurial momlife.”
“Good. I’m glad.” He gives a wide,genuine smile.
“She didn’t marry Brad, you know.That dude was such a tool.” He really was. Brad, the guy Amy leftChris for, was full of himself and deathly boring. I was relievedhe didn’t last very long as her boyfriend.
Chris chuckles. “I didn’t knowthat, but thanks for telling me.”
He looks at me fondly, mouthquirked up in amusement. Suddenly, the back of my neck feels hotand I am struck with a new awareness—the bob of his Adam’s apple,the arc of his full lower lip, the gleam in his short red beard,the lines of his jaw, neck, shoulder.
Dunnoying Chris is a man. A reallyattractive one.
Wait, what?
What?
Shit.
I clear my throat and change thesubject again. “I take it you bought 3F?”
“Yeah. Did you know theowners?”
“I did. I do. They’re the absolutebest. I miss having them around, but their new place is close tothe Capital Brewery, so all the more reason for me to visit.”
“Oh, you’re a beer girl? We shouldget a pitcher sometime.”
“Maybe.” I still feel verysquirmy. I need to get away before I say something stupid. “Chris,it’s been really great to see you, but I have to put all thisaway.” I raise my arms a bit, drawing his attention to my groceryhaul.
“I’d be happy to—” He reaches tograb a bag, but I move it aside.
“I’m fine, thank you. I reallyhave to run.” I turn around and rush toward the elevator.
“Wait! What apartment are youin?”
Mercifully, the elevator’s here.“I’ll talk to you later,” I say loudly as I get on, since he’saround the corner now. “Welcome to the building!”
“You didn’t even get your mail,” Ihear Chris as the doors close.
****
Scylla and Charybdis claw up mylegs, meowing at the top of their lungs.
“Sorry I’m late again, ladies,” Isay. “I’ll make it worth your while.” I always buy their favoriteon Friday because cats should look forward to the weekend, too.
I kick off my shoes, wash my handsin the kitchen sink, then pop open two cans and scoop out thecontents. Within moments, soft licking sounds emanate from thefuzzballs.
I lean against the kitchen counterand my shoulders relax. When I bought this condo four years ago,after a major promotion, it was supposed to be an investment. Butit’s become a real home, a space my body recognizes as safe tounwind in. Two bedrooms, one of them my office, an open planconnecting kitchen and living room. The sofa looks very invitingright now, but I’m filled with nervous energy and should probablygo to the gym.
My thoughts drift to Chris Dunn,and to how much his reappearance rattled me. Not only is he hot,which for some reason I’d never imagined, but seeing him sent meright back to sophomore year.
That was a shit year.
