Build a Nerd

by Wendy Smith

  It’s been one of the best of my life. I found a place to live in a town I took a chance on, and I got to spend time with someone who’s rapidly become one of my favorite people. And it’s way too late to think of her only as a friend.

  I sigh. I know I’m heading for a let down, but I can’t turn my back on her. Bridget already means too much to me to do that.

  My phone buzzes, and I pick it up.

  Molly: Did you find a place to live?

  Me: I did! Nice and big with lots of space for all my things. But I don’t move for another six weeks.

  Molly: That sucks. I’m glad you found somewhere. Must be your turn to cook dinner next time.

  Me: Must be. Hope you’re happy with frozen meals.

  Molly: Maybe we should bring something with us, ha ha. See you on Monday.

  Bridget walks in shortly afterward with two takeout containers and a bottle of Coke.

  “Hungry?” she asks.

  “Starving.”

  “I’ll grab some proper cutlery. I hate this plastic stuff.”

  When she returns, she sits beside me on the floor and hands me a container.

  “Thanks, Bridget.”

  “I hope you enjoy it.”

  “I’m not sure you can ever go wrong with pasta.”

  She smiles. “A man after my own heart.”

  For a moment, we just look at each other. She’s so beautiful and so close, and the urge to kiss her is overwhelming.

  But what if she doesn’t feel it? What if I lose her?

  I look back down at the food, opening the pack.

  My stomach churns despite how good the food smells.

  Bridget laughs as her stomach rumbles. “That’s how hungry I am.”

  I fork some, and take my first bite. The cheesy, creamy taste hits my tongue and I moan. “You were so right about how good this is.”

  Bridget grins. “I know all of Nettle Downs’ dirty little secrets.” She looks at her fork. “No, wait. That came out all wrong.”

  Laughing, I take another bite. The carbonara flavor floods my mouth. The food here so far has been so good.

  “So good,” she says. “I make a killer stir fry. Maybe next time I can cook.”

  “You’re going to invite me back?”

  She waggles her eyebrows as she forks another mouthful. “If you’re good.”

  “I think I’m being good.”

  “Is that a hint? You want me to do this again?”

  “Maybe.” I shovel more of the pasta into my mouth and shrug.

  “You’re welcome any time. I enjoy your company. Even if I get your favorite nerdy thing wrong from time to time.”

  “I’ll forgive you if you let me teach you about my ‘favorite nerdy thing.’

  She nods. “I’m ready. There are more Star Wars movies, right?”

  I narrow my eyes, placing my fork back down. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

  A sly smile spreads across her lips. “You know I am. I know you’re talking about Star Lord. That’s the guy from Guardians of the Galaxy, right? He’s hot. I’d be happy to learn more about him.”

  I nudge her arm with my elbow and she laughs.

  “I’m gonna forever tease you about that, Tom Jarvis. See? I even know from Ironman that Jarvis is Tony Stark’s computer butler thingy. Even your name is nerdy.”

  Shaking my head, I turn back to the pasta and smile to myself.

  “But I like it,” she says quietly.

  My gaze hits hers again and that urge is back. What if I’m wrong? With our gazes locked, I swallow hard. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d misinterpreted someone’s interest in me.

  I just hope I’m not wrong.

  After we’ve finished eating, I introduce Bridget to Aeon and the world I live in. It’s a lot for her to take in. Molly’s games are complex and can be intense.

  “The graphics are beautiful,” she says.

  I nod. “It’s something that’s got better and better over the years. The team I work with are the core team who pull everything together, but we have whole groups of people working on each aspect of each game.”

  “That’s cool. And you’re the big project manager, aren’t you?”

  “That’s right. The different teams have managers and they feed me all the data so I can show Molly what stage we’re at for each game or project.”

  She leans against me. “She has a lot of faith in you.”

  “We’ve known each other for a long time. I make sure her faith is well placed.” I hand Bridget the controller. “Want to play?”

  She shakes her head. “You play what you want. I’ll watch. That pasta’s left me feeling sleepy.”

  I smile. “I can show you our latest game. It’s only just come out.”

  Her smile warms my heart. “I’d like that.”

  I haven’t completed a lot of gameplay on a console for our games. My desktop is where I play. But I’ll give it a go. I’m so proud of Aeon and the games we’ve produced. I like the idea of showing them to Bridget.

  It starts off slow. All the games have a slow build before they hit that peak, and it’s all on from then. I pass through the first three levels pretty quickly and easily.

  The fourth is much harder than I remember, and I struggle against the controls. Over and over, my character dies until finally I push through.

  “Yes.” I finally pass the level and turn to see Bridget’s reaction.

  Bridget’s stretched out on the sofa, her head resting on a cushion. She’s sleeping so peacefully, and guilt wracks my system.

  How long have I been playing? I know I lose time when I play games, but it doesn’t usually have an impact on anyone but me. I ignored her to play and lost track.

  This is not the way to make a good impression.

  There’s no anger in her expression, but I guess it’s hard to judge when she’s asleep. She didn’t voice any upset when I basically sat and ignored her.

  No wonder I’m a complete and utter failure when it comes to women.

  “Bridget.” I touch her shoulder.

  She jumps, her eyes flying open. “What? Where …” She looks around. “I fell asleep?”

  “You did. I’m sorry I ignored you.”

  Her lips twitch. “You didn’t ignore me. You were enjoying yourself.” She yawns. “Want me to take you back to the motel?”

  I shrug. “I can walk.”

  “Or you stay here if you want. I’ll get a blanket and you can have the couch. It folds out.” She yawns again and I chuckle.

  “You look tired. I’ll stay. There’s no way you’re driving me.”

  “If you’re lucky, I might even make you breakfast in the morning.” Bridget pushes herself up. Her eyes are so heavy, and so is my guilt for waking her.

  “I should have left you sleeping.”

  She shakes her head. “No, it’s fine. I’m okay. I’ll just grab some linen and get you set up.”

  For a moment, I fumble with the couch, but it folds out easily enough. I’m tall, but it’s a good size too.

  Sleepover with Bridget.

  The thought makes me smile.

  I slip off my glasses and place them on the arm of the nearby chair.

  “You look different without your glasses.” Bridget drops the blanket and sheet she’s carrying on the arm of the sofa.

  I blink. “I can’t see without them. Good different, or bad different?”

  She shrugs. “Just different.”

  I reach for the sheet, just as her hand touches it. Electricity courses through my veins. For a moment, I pause as we look at each other.

  “Can you see me?” she asks.

  “I’m short-sighted. You’re close and crystal clear.”

  Her intense gaze makes me swallow hard.

  “You look good either way, Tom.” Her cheeks flush, and my heart beats a little faster.

  “You don’t look bad yourself.”

  She smiles. “I just woke up. I must be a mess. I usually am.”
>
  “You’re not a mess.”

  For a moment, we just gaze at each other. Tension prickles between us. I’ve never felt anything quite like it.

  “Let’s get this bed made,” she says quietly.

  Together, we place the sheet over the sofa and then the blanket.

  “I’ll grab some pillows. There are some spare ones in my room,” she says.

  I yawn and stretch, pulling my shirt over my head. As soon as my head hits one of those pillows, I’ll be out like a light.

  Her eyes widen when she comes back in. For a moment, I clasp my shirt to my chest. My thoughts are addled when she’s around, and maybe I should have waited until she’d left the room for the night. “Getting undressed already?”

  “All that gaming made me tired.”

  Her lips twitch, like she wants to say something but holds back. She runs her gaze down my chest. I’m not overly muscular, but I’m in okay shape for a guy who spends so much time buried in computer work. Bridget doesn’t seem to be put off by what she sees.

  “I’m tired too. Watching you game was exhausting.” She laughs. “Anyway, good night.”

  She’s so close. She leaves my stomach scrambled and my heart racing.

  I lick my lips. “Good night, Bridget. Thanks for today.”

  “You’re welcome.” She leans in and presses a kiss to my cheek.

  For a moment, I look into her eyes. They’re widened as if she’s suddenly unsure of what she’s just done.

  “Bridget,” I whisper.

  Her eyes search mine for a moment. She leans in, and her our lips meet. I wrap my arms around her. Her tongue presses against my mouth, and I open to receive it.

  She lets out a moan when I make tentative touches of her tongue with mine. I’m left with no doubt that she wants more from our relationship. Just as I do.

  “You were taking too long.” She’s breathless when we pull apart.

  10

  Bridget

  “You were taking too long,” I whisper.

  “I didn’t know you wanted me to kiss you.”

  “Well, I did.”

  This cute blush sweeps his cheeks. Something tells me that I need to guide him through this.

  I don’t mind. In fact, I like it.

  “I’m glad you took the initiative.” His expression is so full of affection. My heart’s so full seeing it.

  “Might just have to do it again, then.”

  “Go on.”

  This time, he’s expecting it, and it’s hard to kiss when we’re both grinning. He chuckles as I pull away and look down.

  “I think I could get used to this.” His soft tone warms me from head to foot.

  “I think you’re gonna have to.”

  He raises his hand to my cheek, running his fingers down it. “I’m not complaining.”

  “Hopefully not.” I laugh. His fingertips linger. I’ve never been one to hold back, but Tom’s special. Something tells me he’s not the type to rush into anything, and while I’d love for him to come with me to my bed, even if it’s just to sleep, I think I’d be moving too fast. “Good night, Tom.”

  “Good night, Bridget. See you in the morning.”

  With a peck to his lips, I back away and walk to my bedroom.

  He’s cute, and funny, and I’m so going to drive him crazy calling it Star Wars and not Star Trek. I know the difference.

  But I want him to teach me.

  I curl up in my bed, and hug the pillow next to me against my chest. I’d love to go back out into the living room and snuggle up with Tom, but I think that it might be taking it a bit too far.

  He needs time.

  I can do that.

  11

  Tom

  The bed creaks as something bounces on it, and I groan.

  I’m at Bridget’s place.

  I open my eyes at the realization, only to find her looking at me. She’s lying on top of the blanket, and dressed in … holy shit.

  A white tank top and a pair of light-blue panties.

  “Morning.” She flashes me a smile that leaves me feeling like my blood is on fire. I’m already sure I’m sporting some morning wood.

  “Hi. Did you jump on the bed?” I ask.

  She nods. “Hope that wasn’t what woke you up.”

  “I don’t think so.” My head’s still fuzzy. “I’m not sure you’re supposed to jump on these though.”

  Bridget shrugs. “Wouldn’t be the first time. I’ve had this sofa for ages. It used to be my bed before I bought one.”

  My cock twitches. Bridget, lying asleep on this very mattress. Right where I am now.

  “Want some breakfast?” She’s way too chirpy for this hour of the morning.

  “Breakfast would be great. What time is it?”

  “It’s after ten.”

  “Really?” I yawn.

  “Don’t start. I’ll be yawning soon.” She pushes herself up and pecks me on the lips. “Did you sleep okay?”

  I didn’t dream last night. It was real.

  I nod. “This sofa’s really comfortable.”

  “Better than the motel bed?”

  My gaze locks with hers. She’s so open. I’ve always been terrible at reading women, but I can see just how Bridget feels now. There’s affection in her eyes. “It’s better just because I’m here with you.”

  Her smile widens. “I’m not sorry I kissed you. And I’m glad you’re here with me.”

  For a moment, we just look at each other. I don’t want to move as I don’t want her to know I’ve got an erection. And it’s hard to ignore when the neckline of her tank top reveals the swell of her breasts.

  “Scrambled eggs on toast and coffee. I don’t usually have breakfast, but I’m starving this morning. Is that okay?” she asks.

  “Sure. That sounds really good.” My mouth is dryer than the desert as she snuggles in beside me. I’m sure all the moisture from my mouth has made its way to my clammy palms.

  “I’ll go and make it.” Her eyes glisten with happiness. “Want to hang out today? We could go to the lake for a swim.”

  “I’d love to. We’ll have to stop at the motel so I can grab some shorts.”

  “I know a place we can go that’s really private and perfect for skinny dipping if you’re brave enough.”

  Holy shit. “I’ve never been skinny dipping before.”

  She bites down on her bottom lip. “There’s a first time for everything.”

  With one more peck on the lips, she pushes herself off the bed. Her panties are partially covered by the tank-top, but the shape of her ass and those long legs are on display, and I can’t take my eyes from her as she walks toward the kitchen.

  Bridget Walsh is going to be the death of me.

  The lake is every bit as beautiful in the daytime as it is at night. And Bridget’s right. The spot she picks is secluded and in a little bay tucked away from the main area where the car park is.

  It’s so peaceful. The only sounds are birds chirping and cicadas singing. We step out of the car, and I take a deep breath.

  One thing I wasn’t sure about when it came to moving here was how I’d adjust to such a different environment. “Why is it so quiet down here?”

  “It’s Sunday. If people aren’t sleeping in, they’re at church. This afternoon will be a different story, though it’s usually pretty quiet. The sandy area by the car park will get busy.”

  I nod. “Makes sense.”

  There’s no beach at this part of the lake. But there’s a rock that looks down on it. It’s not too high, but enough to make me look twice.

  Bridget points toward it. “That’s where we can jump in. We could walk around the rock, but where’s the fun in that?”

  “I guess the benefit comes from not breaking anything.”

  She laughs. “It’s deep enough, and it’s not rocky. You won’t hit anything.”

  “If you say so.”

  She tugs on my arm. “I’ve got the towels. Let’s get undressed.”
>
  “What? Together?”

  Bridget rolls her eyes. “I’ll go over here and you turn your back. We’ll get undressed at the same time.”

  My fear must show in my face, as she gives me what I think she thinks is a reassuring smile.

  “I’ve never done this before,” I say.

  “Live a little.” Her smile grows, and she grasps my arm as she gives me a tender kiss. “This is me. I sometimes do crazy, impulsive things. And I want you to be a part of it just as I want to learn about your life.”

  I nod. “I know. And I’m happy. It’s just a little weird.”

  “It’s not good to stay inside all the time. A little sunshine won’t hurt.”

  “Are you sure?” I look up toward the sun and narrow my eyes. “I’m sure my skin is tingling. Is that sunburn?”

  “You’re not a vampire. You won’t burn up. We’ll go quickly in the water and then hop out again, and you’ll barely notice it. But vitamin D is good for you.”

  I shrug. “Can’t I take a pill or something?”

  “Tom.” She laughs.

  “Okay. But turn your back. I don’t want you seeing anything you shouldn’t.”

  She rolls her eyes again and turns around. “I’ll take ten paces over this way.”

  “Are you sure that’s far enough?”

  “Stop your teasing and get your clothes off, Tom Jarvis.”

  “Yes, boss.”

  She takes about five paces and stops to look over her shoulder. “That’s a better attitude.”

  I turn to face back toward the car and slip off my shirt. At least she’s picked a good time to come here. There’s a slight chill in the air, but the sunshine makes up for it.

  That lake is going to be freezing.

  Taking a deep breath, I drop my pants. My underpants follow, and I’m left standing in the middle of nowhere, completely naked. I’ve never felt so terrified. Or free.

  “Come on.”

  I turn to see Bridget in all her naked glory—back to me, diving into the lake.

  “Is it cold?” I cradle my groin, calling out when she surfaces.

  “A little chilly. But that’ll sort itself out one way or another.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”