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Okay. What would you like to talk about?
She blinked at the dark opening to the bathroom that seemed to be watching her. Can youcan you just talk?
Sure. Ill be happy to do that. Just like that, he started talking. You know, I was still hoping youd call, even though Id decided you werent as interested in me as I was in you.
She stood up, made it two steps toward the bathroom. A s she drew in some deep, calming breaths, she remembered the way hed looked at the wedding. Beautiful in his tuxedo, his dark hair brushed back but too silky and fine to prevent several tempting strands from tumbling over his forehead. A childhood friend of Marguerites, hed walked Chloes boss down the aisle to Tyler, then had taken a seat in the front pew next to Komal and Mr. Reynolds, more of Marguerites eclectic assortment of chosen family. The front row of chairs had been close enough to the altar that the tips of Brendans polished shoes had nearly been under the hem of Chloes dress as she stood up to do her part as bridesmaid.
Shed noticed he had a lean swimmers body. Marguerite said he swam every day and that he taught drama at the commu
nity college. She remembered the shades of gray, green and gold of his hazel eyes. She visualized them now as she took another step. She really needed to go to the bathroom.
No. I was interested. A m. Can youkeep going?
But then, he continued, I thought, well, she and Gen are taking care of the tea room while Marguerites on her honeymoon, so maybe its that.
Maybe shell still call. So here you are. She could hear the smile in his voice as he tactfully avoided all the months where Marguerites honeymoon wouldnt have been an excuse. Im so glad you did. Ive been thinking a lot about you. You made a big impression.
She stopped again. One small step from the bathroom, she stared at it. Maybe she could hold it until daylight. Too many shadows. A bigger impression than Im making now?
If I could have picked one person in the whole world to call me at three in the morning, it would have been you.
Why? She imagined him lying on his back in his bed. He slept shirtless, she was sure, and maybe hed have one muscular arm propped behind his head, the other holding the phone. How delighted those sheets must be, sliding along that lean, bare body. Maybe he slept naked.
Okay, that was more like herself. She was at the threshold. Quickly, she groped around the corner and snapped on the light. She let out a short scream.
Chloe? The instant, urgent concern in his voice jerked her back.
Its okay, she gasped. Just clotheshanging in the shower. Looked scary.
Oh. She heard him draw a steadying breath as well. Well, cotton blends can be menacing. Im convinced my shoes come out of the closet at night and form a ring around my mattress, stare at me through their eyelets, like spiders waiting to pounce.
It startled a giggle out of her. You do not think that. Youre trying to make me feel better about being a big chicken.
On the contrary. Youre a petite, cute chicken.
Ugh. She wrinkled her nose. People always call me cute.
Try being a guy born with the innocent expression of Beaver Cleaver. I thought the longer hair and a bit of stubble would help, but all the hair does is make women want to pet me like a golden retriever. The stubble itched.
I didnt think that at all. When I saw you, I thought you were a handsome guy.
Yeah, but if a bunch of terrorists had crashed the party, you all would have flocked behind Tyler and that other guy, Mac.
Thats because Tyler is ex-CIA or some other freaky secret agency thing, and Mac is a homicide cop.
A nd because they look manly and heroic.
She smiled. Youre being very manly and heroic right now. But I know what you mean. Just for once, Id like a guys first impression to be how sexy I am.
I thought that. I would have jumped you at the wedding if you hadnt been on crutches. It didnt seem very sporting.
She laughed outright. Im going to put you on hold a second, okay?
A re you all right?
YeahI just I need to go to the bathroom. Can you wait a second?
A s long as you need. But come back soon.
