Bound

Chapter 42: First Day

Emily

Blake slides a strawberry soda towards me. It glides smoothly against the granite kitchen countertop.

"Nervous for your first day at the dealership?" he questions with a husky morning voice.

"How'd you know I like strawberry soda?" I ignore his question and crack the can open.

He presses his unruly hair back then leans his elbows on the counter across from me. "You liked the strawberry lemonade at the beach, and you ate two bowls of strawberries last night. Figured you'd like that, too."

I glare at the red can and chuckle. "You were right. I used to drink these religiously when I was younger. I didn't wipe my mouth after I was done so I'd constantly have a strawberry mustache. I have a picture of me at like seven somewhere." I bring the cold can to my lips, ensuring my top lip covers the opening to prevent a reddened upper lip at work. I swallow the fizzy liquid and my inner-child smiles.

"That sounds really cute." He grins at me and I'm suddenly uncomfortable with him watching me drink. Turning, I take a final guzzle and make my way upstairs to get dressed.

After taking far too long deciding what to wear, I finally settle on a dress that's navy colored on top and striped navy and white from the waist to the hem. I glare at it in the mirror, pulling at the fitted fabric at my hips and along my knees.

I almost want to take it off, feeling a little uncomfortable with the way it exaggerates my curves.

Instead, I straighten my shoulders and force a smile at my reflection before pulling my curled hair into a tight ponytail.

When I get downstairs, Blake is standing in the middle of the living room in his work attire.

He smiles like he's proud of himself when he sees me beeline for the strawberry soda I'd left on the table next to the staircase.

"Ready?" He asks.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I guess as we make our way outside.

He unlocks the car with a click and opens the door for me to enter. "Don't worry, Sam will show you the ropes."

I sit and place my drink in the cup holder. "I'm counting on it."

I love how he says things like 'Sam will show you.' It reminds me of how much I appreciate being in a loving and supportive relationship, free of jealousy. It's so unlike the one with Oliver.

"You don't have to be so nervous," he tells me and starts the car. "You're gonna' be great."

I rub my sweaty palms on my thighs and shake my head. "I don't know."

"Hey." he starts, looking in my direction as he backs out of the driveway, "Be confident. You have no reason not to be."

Once the car is turned around, he keeps one hand on the steering wheel and leans over to kiss my cheek. I lean into him, graciously accepting the prickly assault.

"I know. I just hate not knowing what I'm doing when I start a new job," I admit.

"Everyone has to start somewhere," he encourages. "Besides, I can help you be more confident."

I glance over at Blake whose left hand is steering and right arm is resting on the center console. He watches the road ahead casually.

There's just something about watching him drive that is so attractive to me. Still, I try my best not to stare when I see him smirking.

"Oh? Help me with my confidence?" I bite, but I can't help rolling my eyes.

I don't believe he could. Or anyone for that matter.