Page 69 of Rough

Standing naked from the waist down, I picked the darkest pair of jeans and pulled them on.

They were long enough, but very low-waisted. The inseam hit me hard in the nuts, and the thighs were so tight it looked like I was trying to smuggle a banana.

I pried them off, kicked them aside, and glanced around. So far, no one was the wiser.

The next pair, another dark pair with horizontal streaks in the fabric of the upper thighs, were modern looking and fit nicely.

I slipped on my boots and checked the length.

Perfect.

I tried on the first tee shirt, a black V-neck. It was fitted, and the perfect size. After getting my wallet and knife from my old jeans, I folded them and tucked them under my arm. A quick survey of the store produced no stares.

No sales lady, either.

After tossing two $100 bills on the floor by the stack of clothes, I rushed out to my bike. Seven minutes later, I was parking the bike in front of Tegan’s apartment.

With two minutes to spare.

***

I stepped to the door, inhaled a deep breath, and knocked twice. It opened.

She stood with her purse tucked under her arm, grinning.

“I like your jeans, are they new?”

“Yeah.”

I stared at her.

I couldn’t help it.

Her hair was curled and pinned up, but not in tight a bun. Strands of twisted locks dangled loosely on each side of her face, and a few fell across her forehead. Her jeans were tight from her hips to her ankles, accentuating every curve her body so gracefully formed. Her tee shirt was adorned with a few random shimmery jewels throughout the intricate design, and hugged her like a glove.

On her feet, a worn pair of sneakers.

She was breathtaking, but her shoes looked out of place.

“Is everything okay?”

I looked up. Her brown eyes looked innocent, yet inviting. “Do you have any heels?”

“I do. I mean. I wanted to wear them, but I can’t really. Not on the bike.”

“Can you put ‘em on?” I asked sheepishly.

She motioned toward the living room. “Come in.”

“I’ll just wait here.”

“You sure that I can wear them?”

“It’ll be fine.”

She disappeared into her bedroom.

I took off my kutte, folded it, and walked into the kitchen. After placing it in one of her cabinets, I walked back to my spot outside and turned toward the door.