by Riley, Alexa
“Okay, I guess that’s it. Nice to meet you, um, what was your name?”
“Bull.” My voice sounds like I’ve been eating nails and I hate that I’m not smooth or able to play it cool.
“Bull?” she asks, and I nod, but she can’t see me. “That’s funny. I’ve always loved bulls since I was a kid and read Ferdinand.” She smiles and shrugs. “Anyway, have a great night.”
“Bye, Teeny,” I say, but it’s so soft I don’t think she hears it.
I watch her go to her apartment and look back one quick time before she goes inside and closes the door. I stand there staring for another few minutes just to make sure she doesn’t run back out and want to talk to me again.
I sigh as I push away from the door and go back to my living room. Why would she want to talk to me? I didn’t even open the door.
When glance outside I see that the sun is beginning to set and it’s time for dinner. I think about what I want and then it dawns on me that Teeny might not have had a chance to get any food from the store with moving all day. It’s been a long time since I moved, but I remember that it gets hectic and then before you realize it you've skipped a meal and you’re starving.
I go into the kitchen and grab a menu from the Chinese place down the block. I don’t know what she eats, but everyone likes Chinese, right? I call and order a couple of things for her that I think she might like and then order some food for myself and explain to them that they are two orders across the hall from one another.
After I hang up I pull on some shorts and then go to my office and try to pull up any documents I can on Teeny and who she might be. I did security for a long time because it was the easiest job in the world for me. My size alone would deter criminals and I did some bodyguard work for a few celebrities. I just got tired of all the looks I got when I went out, and since I already had a list of high-profile clients I decided to do private online consulting. I’ve made a ton of money doing this all from the comfort of my home. It also allows me to have access to a lot of things that most people don’t. Like Teeny’s lease agreement, for example.
Our building is comprised of just a few residences and I happen to own mine. The one across the hall from me is owned by a man with a large investment portfolio who leases this one out on occasion. I pull up all the paperwork he filed with his business. I want to know who everyone is around me even if I never meet them face to face. So when I found out who he was I got all the information I could on him.
There isn’t much to go on other than a credit check and a co-sign on the lease that looks like her parents. I was right in my first assessment that she looked young—she’s just turned eighteen. I think about her soft features and how delicate she was, and then I think about her curves everywhere else. She might be barely legal, but she’s got the body of a woman.
I spend the next hour scouring the internet to see if I can find her on social media or any job application sites. But when I hear a knock at my door I remember the food I ordered. I grab my wallet off the counter and take out the cash for a tip when I hear another knock.
“Coming,” I call out as I hurry to the door and pull it open.
“Oh.”
There stands Teeny with two big bags of food as she looks my half-naked body up and down. My initial reaction is to slam the door closed, but I’m afraid it might scare her even more.
“Sorry,” I mumble because what else do I say? She’s been stunned into silence and I’m reminded of why I don’t interact with people.
“No, I’m totally sorry. It’s my fault. They just dropped all this food at my place and tried to tell them they had the wrong address but they insisted.” She holds up the bag and smiles so sweetly at me it feels like she kicked me in the gut. “I think these are yours.”
“I um, ordered you food,” I mutter in a low voice. I feel completely naked even though I’m just without a shirt. Why do I always sound so unsure of myself?
“There’s no way this is all for me.” Her eyes are wide with shock as she looks down at them.
“Well, it’s for both of us, but they forgot to give me mine,” I say quietly, closing the door just a little bit to try and hide my size.
“I can’t believe how sweet you are.” She looks up at me with her dark brown eyes and they are so honest and sincere. “Do you want to just eat together since they got it mixed up?”
Why is this young woman not running for the hills? She’s too unaware of how small she is and how easily she could be kidnapped and murdered. She’s inviting me to have dinner with her when she doesn’t even know me. But maybe I’m the kind of person she needs in her life to look out for her.
“Let me put a shirt on,” I say quietly as I stare down at my chest then close the door. I curse myself and then open the door. “Would you like to come in?”
She laughs a little as she nods and then steps inside. What the hell am I doing?
Chapter Three
Teeny
I try not to stare at Bull, but it’s hard not to. He’s big—really freaking big. I’ve never seen someone as big as him, and to top it off he’s the hottest man I’ve ever seen. This much hotness should not get to take up this much space. No wonder he didn’t want to answer the door. He probably gets mobbed by women. I have to fight to not to reach out and touch him. I wonder how hard he is in other places.
He shifts out of my way so I can enter his home and I smile as I step inside. I’m excited to see his place, so I take a calming breath because I know what happens when I get overly excited. I keep thinking about how deep his voice sounds and what it does to my body. I want to know who he is and everything about him.
My cheeks heat when I think about standing in the hallway and hearing his voice. He’d been merely a few feet away from me and he’d been naked. Or so he said. I hadn’t thought much on it at the time, but now that I’m actually seeing him it’s all I can think about.
I was supposed to be unpacking, but I kept checking my peephole to see if he came out. I wanted to get a glimpse of the mystery man with the deep voice because I had a feeling he’d be big.
He doesn't seem so sure about inviting me into his space when I glance up at him. I stop for a second, feeling uneasy. I’m used to some people not wanting me to come over. My parents had a set of friends who outright said it. They weren't friends after that.
“If you don’t want to eat together, it’s fine,” I say as I try to give him a way to back out.
I worry my bottom lip between my teeth as the bags begin to feel heavy in my hands. How much food did he order? My stomach growls in protest because I’m hungry and want the food. I hadn't thought about getting food for my place yet and I’m not sure how it slipped my mind. I guess I’m so used to living at home with my mom. She always made sure I was fed.
“No,” he says as the door closes behind me. The lock clicks as I turn to meet his eyes. “Let me grab a shirt.”
“Okay. I’ll set this out.” I walk to the dining room area off the kitchen.
“Plates are in the top left cabinet,” he says, pointing. “I’ll be right back.”
He gives me one last look before he turns and walks down the long hallway. Bull’s place is way bigger than mine. It has to be at least double the size, if not bigger. What if he lives with someone else?
I glance around his place to try and find any feminine touches. It doesn’t look like there’s much, but it also doesn’t look super manly either. Everything in here is practical, but nothing really beyond that.
I open the bag and pull out a number of different containers. He got enough to feed a small army, but with his size he might need this much to function. I walk to the kitchen and open the cabinet then let out a long sigh when I see the plates are out of my reach.
Looking around, I don’t see a step stool, but it’s not as though Bull would ever need one. I try and pull myself up onto the counter because if I could get my knees up there I could reach them. I push up, but when I’m almost there my arms give out. I s
cream as I fall backwards, knowing I’m going to hit the hard floor and knock the wind out of myself.
Two big arms catch me before that can happen. I stare up at Bull, who cradles me in his arms and pulls me close to his warm body. He smells like lemon and soap and it’s so fresh and yummy.
“Where did you come from?” I laugh, because I didn’t hear him come into the kitchen. He must move fast for a big man.
“You should be more careful,” he responds, but he doesn't make a move to put me down. Instead he carries me over to the dining room table, where he puts me in one of the seats. “I’ll get the plates.”
He smiles as he shakes his head at me. My heart does a silly flutter because he finds my clumsiness funny instead of annoying.
I put my hands in my lap and try to be still so I don’t cause an accident. I usually don’t care because I’m used to it, but with Bull I want him to invite me back over. Maybe I could invite him over to my place next. Is that what people do? He not only invited me in but he bought me food too. It was supposed to be dropped off, and it wasn't until I knocked on his door that he invited me in. Maybe his manners got the best of him and he’s only doing the polite thing. I tried to give him an out but he hadn't taken it. Although he could still be trying to be polite. A quick dinner with me might save him from the awkwardness in the future.
I watch as he grabs a couple of plates and forks before coming back over to the table and setting them down. One plate is in front of me and the other is all the way on the other side of the table.
“Sit here.” I point to the chair that’s at the head of the table. That would put him close enough to me that I could reach out and touch him and still be able to gaze at his handsome face.
“Okay,” is his only response as he moves to where I pointed.
“I mean, you can sit anywhere, it just might be easier to share like this,” I quickly add. I watch as he fights a smile and his whole body shakes with silent laugher.
“Here is fine, Teeny.” He sits and then begins to remove the tops of the containers.
I watch him as he uses a serving spoon to lift a giant pile of food out to me. There is no way I can eat all that, but I don’t want to be rude because he’s been so nice to me. I lift my plate to meet the giant spoonful he’s holding halfway across the table. But before he can put the food on it, the plate slips from my hand and hits the marble. It shatters on the hard surface and I gasp.
“I’m so sorry,” I rush to say.
He puts the spoon down into the container and I reach for the broken pieces. He grabs my wrist and my eyes fly to his. He’s never going to invite me over here again. I almost fall off his counter and then I break his dishes. I’ve only been in his home a couple of minutes and I’m already a mess. My face flares with embarrassment and he looks tense. I don’t see a trace of anger though.
“Don’t touch those.” It takes me a moment to understand what he’s saying. He guides my hand back to my lap as he stands and towers over me. “You could cut yourself.”
He picks up the pieces and takes them to the trash and then returns a few moments later with a new plate.
“Do you have any paper plates? I don’t want to break another one,” I try and tease, but I’m not sure my tone comes out right. I’m unable to hide my embarrassment and my heart sinks. This will likely be the last time he invites me over.
“It’s just a plate,” he says as he reaches over and grabs his. I gasp when he smacks it down on the hard surface and it snaps in half. “Now we both did it.”
I burst out laughing as he picks up the broken plate and throws it in the trash with the other one. He grabs himself another one and smiles at me. God I didn’t think he could get any hotter.
He comes back to the table and sits down then piles my new plate full of food. I’m pretty sure I fall a little in love with him in this moment.
Chapter Four
Bull
I didn’t sleep much last night, but that makes five nights in a row. Ever since Teeny came over and had dinner with me, I can’t get her out of my mind. I spend my days staring out the peephole and trying to catch a glimpse of her.
When she was here we didn’t talk much, or at least I didn’t. She told me about how she designs stuffed animals for a living and how busy she is. I’d never heard of something like that, but apparently it’s a big business. I loved seeing how excited and animated she was while she talked and how she probably said more words in one night than I had in a whole month.
After dinner I walked her to the door and she thanked me for a fun night. There was a moment of hesitation when I wanted to lean down and kiss her, but then I chickened out. I sent her dinner as a welcome home sort of thing and she was probably just being polite after the order got screwed up. I’m sure she couldn’t wait to get out of here and back across the hall.
Who would want to hang out with someone who doesn’t have much to say? She asked me about myself, but I’m sure a few mumbled answers here and there were far from enough to leave her wanting more. I felt like such an idiot the second she walked out the door.
When I finish with my last set of weights I put the bar down and grab my towel. I wipe the sweat off my brow and then go into the kitchen to grab some water. It only takes me a second before I’m at my door and looking out to see if she’s there. When there’s no sign of her I sigh and walk away.
I glance at the counter of my kitchen at all the bread I made last night when I couldn’t sleep. Being at home all day by myself can get boring, but last year I taught myself how to make bread and I’m pretty good at it. I think it’s because the kneading is so easy. I made four different loaves and I set one to the side thinking I’d take one to Teeny if I saw her.
It seems as though I’m going to have to go knock on her door since I can’t make it seem like an accident that we’ve run into one another. I don’t leave much, so it really would have been a miracle if it happened.
I take a quick shower and pull on some shorts and a T-shirt. It feels itchy against my skin because I’m not used to wearing them that often. But I think showing up shirtless would a bit more frightening, and I don’t want things between us to be awkward. I had a nice time with her the other night and I should have said something to her the next day. But years of insecurity have convinced me that no one could possibly be attracted to me.
I made the bread as an excuse to see her again, but also to see if the other night was just a sympathy meal or if she really had a nice time. There’s only one way to find out.
With one more steadying breath I grab the parmesan bread and open my door. I’m shocked and a little flustered when I see her door open and Teeny steps out at the same exact time.
“Bull!” she says loudly, and she could knock me over with a feather at how sweetly she looks at me.
“Hey,” I say as I take a step towards her. “It’s been a few days-”
“I missed you,” she blurts out. “I mean, I’ve missed seeing you around,” she says and then looks at the ground nervously. “You don’t come out much, but not that I’ve been watching or anything. But I’ve been in and out and haven’t seen you. Do you get out much? I guess not with all the work you’re doing.” She starts to fan herself and her cheeks are red. “Is it hot in here?”
I laugh. “Yeah, it’s warming up.” I duck my chin and then remember I’m holding a present for her. “I made you this.”
I hold out the loaf of bread and she grabs it from me eagerly.
“You made this? Are you kidding me?” Her eyes are bright and wide as she looks up at me.
I nod and then shrug. “It’s not hard.”
“This looks so fancy. It smells so good, too,” she says, pulling away the paper I had wrapped around it and bringing it to her nose. “Thank you so much.” She looks down at it and then back to me. “I’d ask you to come inside and have some but—”
“No, that’s fine. You’re busy,” I say as I begin to walk backwards away from her. Suddenly I feel like a complet
e fool for even trying. Gah, why would a pretty girl like her give me the time of day?
“Actually I’m just on my way to the store. I’m out of so many things and I’ve been living off those Chinese leftovers for far too long,” She says, and I realize I should have sent her dinner again these past few days. “Do you want to come with me?”
“Me?” I ask and look behind me.
She giggles and nods. “Yeah, I’m just going to the store at the end of the block. It’s a beautiful day and I was going to walk.”
“Okay yeah.” I wonder if I agree too quickly as I grab my key and lock my door.
She takes the bread I made her into her apartment before she locks her door and we walk to the end of the hall.
“Sorry, I’ve got to take the stairs. I can meet you down in the lobby,” I say as I point to the door beside the elevator.
“Why?” she asks when she looks at it.
“I’m too big,” I say with embarrassment. I shove my hands in my pockets and walk to the door and I feel her small hand wrap around my forearm.
“It’s only a couple of flights. I could use the exercise,” She says.
“You don’t need anything,” I say as I look down her small curvy body.
My thick cock hangs hard between my legs and I have to remind myself to calm down before I scare her away.
“That’s sweet of you to say,” she says while we walk down the stairs and out into the lobby.
“It’s just the truth.” I keep my hands in my pockets so I don’t reach for her, but when we go outside I feel her small hand on my forearm again.
The sidewalk is busy and I know she’s just doing it to keep from getting pushed around, but most people that see me step out of the way. It’s part of the reason I don’t like to go out much. The stares are hard enough to deal with. When I do go grocery shopping it’s always late at night to the twenty-four-hour store. It’s fewer people and fewer looks as I load up on stuff I can’t get online.
