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Everyone turns to look at me and, thankfully, they’re pretty much all familiar faces because of my job. I’ve also never been one to shy away from attention. It’s easy for me to plaster a big, mostly real, smile on my face and head toward Ida.
The older lady is grinning from ear to ear and she’s practically rubbing her hands together in excitement. Which is a little strange, even for someone who is all about community and volunteering.
Ida shifts slightly and that’s when I notice the woman standing a little bit behind her. Trust me, for Ida to hide most of this woman, ya gotta know she is tiny. Ida isn’t exactly an Amazonian, but this woman is smaller than her.
She has a lithe body and blond hair that hangs a little past her shoulders. Everything about her is delicate and there’s a fragility in her that reminds me of a crystal statue that my mom always had on display when I was growing up. I used to stare at it for hours and wonder how something so breakable could look so strong at the same time. And so beautiful.
I didn’t understand it as a boy and I’m not sure I understand it now.
I study her in profile and am instantly curious about her. I would have remembered her if she had come into The Goose. I doubt she’s new around here if she’s volunteering in town. Well, with Ida involved, I suppose she could be. But it is highly unlikely she’s just passing through.
When the woman turns towards me, my breath hitches and I stop walking for a few heartbeats. Her eyes are blue, but the blue of waves during a storm. Her lips are plump with her bottom one just begging for me to nip at it. I wonder if she would moan or gasp when I do it.
I want to look her over again and again because I know, somehow, I would find something new to focus on every time. The thing is, I can’t seem to look away from her eyes.
There’s something in her eyes that makes me want to wrap her up in my arms and never let her go. It feels like she’s calling to me to protect her and give her a haven, somewhere she can dance with abandon while never worrying about the world encroaching on her.
“Bowen,” Ida coos, “I’m so glad you could make it and only a few minutes late.”
I feel my cheeks heating slightly because Ida is scolding me like I’m a child in front of the most stunning woman I’ve ever met. I’m not usually one to blush or be embarrassed about most things.
“I’m sorry about that, Ida.” I try and come up with a plausible lie, but nothing comes to me. I guess my quick wit has finally failed me. “I’m here now and ready to work.”
Ida’s grin widens. Perhaps it’s because of the way I flexed my arms while telling her to put me to work. I may not have ever been in a committed relationship with a woman, but I’m not daft. Aren’t you supposed to lead with your strengths?
“Oh, where are my manners,” Ida pretends to chastise herself, but I see through it.
From the way the woman bites the edge of her lip and glances away while amusement dances in her eyes, she does too. How is it that I’ve never seen this woman before?
This really is amazing timing. I was just thinking about how it might be time to change and find something real. Then I have the woman destined to be mine placed right in front of me.
If we’re not careful Ida will gobble up all the accolades for us being together. Small price to pay in my opinion.
“Aster,” Ida’s voice becomes gentle and coaxing, “this is Bowen.” The older woman’s eyes come to meet mine as she gives me an encouraging look. There’s something else there as well, like a warning. “Bowen works for Maverick at The Goose,” she tells Aster. She explains, for my benefit, “Aster owns On Pointe, the dance studio in town.”
“Aster,” I whisper her name, needing to feel my lips form it for some reason. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“It seems my work here is done,” Ida’s voice is pure smug amusement.
She glides away from us and is dealing with something else before I even realize it. “She didn’t even give us an assignment,” I grumble.
“It’s okay,” Aster’s voice is gentle, wrapping around me and caressing me, “she told me what she wanted us to do right before you got here.”
She starts to walk away from me and I fucking panic. I can’t let her get away. I need to possess her and make sure nothing touches her. I need to protect her, and that includes protecting her from whatever has caused her to put so many walls around herself.
I can see the shadows of them when I look at her. There’s something full of light begging to be opened in her, but she has it pushed down and caged. Is she afraid of overshining everyone else?
It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case. People like Aster aren’t always encouraged and nourished the way they should be. My gut is telling me it’s something else, something deeper.
“Lead the way, little Spark,” I murmur. “I’ll follow you anywhere.”
Aster’s cheeks heat a little bit before she turns away from me and scurries over to a table. Her movements are fluid and graceful. Knowing she owns the dance studio in town, makes perfect sense now. I think I’ve overheard Mav and Clint talking about her now that more of my brain is starting to come back online.
When we sit, Aster starts showing me how we’re going to assemble the free goodie bags. They’re a standard gift for any child who is getting a gift through the toy drive. I’m thankful for the repetitive task because I need a moment to process. The silence between us isn’t awkward and I don’t try to hide the small looks I keep stealing at her.
She whispers out of the side of her mouth, “Why do you keep looking at me?”
“You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen,” the words spill from me with little finesse. They’re true, so I figure there’s no reason in holding back. “I was wondering how it’s possible that I’ve never noticed you before.”
