Blood Luster

Chapter Three

She woke to the sound of pans clattering. Unsure of how Ricky would act around her, she decided to lay in bed for a few moments and soak in the peace and quiet. Ricky had agreed to slow things down and attempt to just be friends, but she knew that would be hard for him. From the moment he saw her at Mill's Convenience, she could see the hope in his eyes. She had made it clear she'd be returning to New York, regardless of if he was ready to accept it. After collecting her thoughts, she dragged herself out of bed, down the stairs, and into the kitchen.

"Good morning, sunshine," Ricky said, smiling.

He's obviously trying to keep things from being awkward.

"Good morning," she responded, groggily.

"I made you breakfast. Follow me."

He walked into the dining room, and she followed him.

"Thank you, that's very sweet." She plopped down in a chair at the table.

"How did you sleep? Besides our 2 a.m. encounter," he asked, smiling.

"Good. Your spare bedroom has a comfortable bed. If I didn't struggle sleeping in strange places, I probably would have slept all day."

"I'm the same way."

Things felt different this morning. They barely spoke while eating breakfast and when they did, it was small talk. She had expected things to be uncomfortable, but it was almost as if they were pretending nothing had happened. As though seven years hadn't passed and the events of yesterday hadn't happened. She knew getting some space from him would be good for them both, it was ironic since they hadn't seen each other in seven years.

"I should probably be getting back to the motel; can you take me?" she asked.

"That's fine. I have some stuff that I need to get done today too. Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" He stood and grabbed both plates from the table, then walked into the kitchen.

"I can't tonight, I have too much to get done today. Would tomorrow night work for you?" She followed him into the kitchen.

"Absolutely. Is everything okay? You seem off this morning," he asked.

"I'm just tired, thanks for asking though."

"Okay," he responded, wearily.

They both knew it wasn't because she was tired.

***

"I'm ready to –"

She tripped on the last step, then just as she was about to faceplant she felt arms wrap around her waist and pull her up. Her face was buried in a hard, chiseled chest and the smell of fresh citrus aftershave swept through her nose.

Oh shit.

As she looked up, she was suddenly face to face with Benjamin. If he kept looking at her like that, as if she was the only girl on the planet, she'd stop breathing.

"Oh, I'm—" she stuttered. "I'm sorry."

"It's not a problem." He flashed a boyish grin.

He still had his arms wrapped around her waist and his face was close enough to kiss him with minimal effort.

"I have to –"

Before she could finish her sentence, he unwrapped his arms and stepped away from her. He held tightly to her arm until he was sure she had regained her balance. About that time Ricky came around the corner from the kitchen.