Someone Like You

by Emma Hillman

  “No, thanks. I’m fine standing up.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Come on, I won’t bite. And put some sugar in that drink. You’ll need the kick it’ll give you.”

  “Yes, Dad,” she snapped back but he merely smiled, amused by her surprising show of bravado.

  “Better?” he asked minutes later.

  She was still standing but at least she’d nearly drunk the whole glass. “Yeah, thanks. I should go now.”

  “Go where?” She gestured towards the kitchen where you could hear the muted sounds of a daytime soap opera. “Why don’t you sit down and share this ice cream with me instead?”

  She looked up then, eyes wide. “I couldn’t do that!”

  Nick frowned. “Why not?”

  “You’re a customer! It’s your food, you paid for it. It’s just…no.”

  “But it’s too much for me and you’ve been eyeing it for a while now. Come on, live a little.” He spooned some melting vanilla ice cream and brought it to her face.

  “No, thank you.” Her voice was rough, too rough.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” She stepped away from the booth. Her ankles felt as if they were twice their size, and she swore she could feel sweat running down her back. Hell! She took one step before the world whirled around her.

  “Leah? Leah!”

  Hands propped her up, a hard chest a sudden pillow for her heavy head. “Hey.”

  “You’re dizzy. Have you eaten anything today?”

  “Sure.” One tomato and one apple. She was sticking to her diet, the incessant jabs having taken their toll. She’d always sworn she’d never diet because of what people thought and look at her: two months in Florida and she was already cracking under the pressure.

  “Drunk a lot?”

  “Sure.” Water. It was refreshing and nourishing, well only if you didn’t eat anything with it. Water could fill you up, yes it could.

  “Can you open your eyes?”

  “Oh.” She blinked, not having realized she’d closed them in the first place. “Thanks. I’m fine now.”

  Nick stared at her then swore under his breath. “No, you’re not. Stay here.”

  She watched as he slid behind the counter and knocked on the kitchen door. Hushed voices were the only thing she could hear, but a few minutes later he was back and he had her purse in one hand. “What?”

  “You’re coming with me. Come on, babe, let’s get out of here.”

  She let him push her out of the door, his arm suddenly wrapped around her waist. “Where are we going?”

  “I’m taking you home.”

  “You are?” Wow, she was out of it all right. This looked more and more like a great dream. “To do what?”

  Nick stilled beside her. “You’re in no shape to work. I thought you’d feel better at home. Am I wrong?” She shrugged, the movement sending her forward. Nick’s hold on her broke her fall but it was good they were already at his car. “Get in. I’ll drive you.”

  “Okay.” She couldn’t think of anything else to say so she let him boost her up and settled into the passenger seat.

  “Where do you live?”

  “Uhm?” She blinked her eyes open. “Did I fall asleep?”

  “Maybe. Are you sure you’re okay, Leah? Maybe you should go see a doctor.”

  “No, I’m fine. I’m just fine.” She brushed her eyes with her hands. “I don’t live far. It’s down one block then to the right.”

  “Okay, let me know where I can park.”

  She nodded and looked out the window. She hadn’t driven that route in forever, not since she’d arrived from the airport that first day. She had no money to spend on taxis or a car, and instead used public transportation as much as she could. Or she walked: to and from college, to and from work. Back and forth to the grocery shop, the video store, etc. She walked and yet…she wasn’t losing weight. Sighing, she bumped her forehead against the window, and tried to forget about everything but the way the car’s air conditioning was cooling down her body temperature. “You can park there, next to that blue Honda.”

  “Okay.”

  Two minutes later and they were on the sidewalk in front of her apartment building. “Thanks, Nick.” She waved as she walked up the first step, only for him to follow her. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m not leaving until I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

  “I’m fine. See, I’m walking on my own two feet.”

  “And you’re also swaying like you’ve been downing shots all day long. Come on, Leah, let’s get you inside.”

  “I’m not swaying!”

  Nick only chuckled, his arm once more finding its place around her waist. She couldn’t help but stiffen when he drew her closer to him. “Which floor?”

  “Second. Left door.” He stayed with her as they climbed up another flight of stairs, stayed with her while she searched for her keys in her purse, stayed with her as she opened the door and stepped inside. That’s when she turned around and blocked his way. “I’m here now, thanks for getting me home in one piece.”

  “Move, Leah, I’m coming in.” And just like that, he was inside her apartment.

  It wasn’t much, just a tiny bedroom and the kitchen and living space crammed together but she’d taken great pains in decorating it with pages cut off from magazines, chipped earthware and even cheaper flowers from the market. The walls were painted a bright yellow and she’d made cushions out of saris. All in all, she was damn proud of her home.

  Nick stood in the middle of the living-room, feeling like a giant in the tiny space. “It’s…nice.”

  “It’s small but I like it.” She shrugged as she dropped her purse onto the love seat she’d rescued. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, thanks. It’s hot in here, why don’t you turn the A/C on?”

  “I don’t have air-conditioning in here. Too expensive.”

  He froze. “So why did I bring you back here?”

  “I don’t know.” She looked at him weirdly. “It was your choice.”

  “Amazing.” He racked a hand through his hair, making it stand up. “I wanted you to cool down a little, relax, but it’s as hot in here as it was in the café!”

  “I thought you didn’t feel the heat?”

  “Oh, come on!” He bit back a retort. “Let’s go, I’ll take you to my place instead.”

  She felt her eyes widen. He wanted to take her to his home? “I’m fine here, don’t worry. I’ll just take a cold bath or something.”

  “Okay, go do that.” He slowly lowered himself until he was half-reclining on the floor pillows then crossed his arms over his chest.

  She looked at him as if he’d gone mad. “I’m not going to take a bath with you here. Are you crazy?”

  He grinned. “Why not?”

  “I don’t know you!” His left eyebrow rose. “I know of you, I don’t know you. There’s a difference!”

  “Not really. You know damn well that if I do anything, you could run to the nearest tabloid and tell on me. So why don’t you get undressed and pour that cold bath? I’ll be waiting.”

  She gulped. “Nick, I don’t…”

  “I won’t leave until I know you’re all right,” he added, his voice soft. “Trust me, Leah.”

  “I don’t know you.” She tried again, but he didn’t even acknowledge her latest comment.

  He simply watched her, his eyes doing a slow tour of her body as if he could see what she looked like underneath her uniform. She grimaced, imagining how she must look like. Sweaty, frizzy and red-faced, just perfect!

  “So, are you gonna take those clothes off or what?”

  “I don’t-”

  His gaze locking on hers, he said, “Hurry before I do it myself. If I don’t hear water splashing in five minutes, I’ll come see what you’re doing.”

  She hurried towards the bathroom, his laughter trailing behind her. She didn’t know what was happening or why he was here. It felt like a dream
and yet, she was painfully aware she was awake. Her nipples were taut just at the thought of him undressing her. He was her fantasy after all, and he was right here in her apartment. He’d even talked of taking her clothes off! Reality came crashing down when she imagined his face as he saw her naked.

  She hiccupped at the thought and felt her world dim. He was just being polite, that was all. He was nice, but then she’d already known that. He was a gentleman and she loved him for it really. He didn’t want her, she’d only imagined it because she’d dreamt of him the night before. Dreamt of his mouth on hers, of his hands on her skin. She shook her head and yelped when the room whirled. “Shit!”

  Footsteps echoed just before someone knocked on the bathroom door. “Are you okay in there?”

  “Yeah!”

  “Are you sure? What happened? Do you need help?”

  She looked down at herself and the uniform pooled at her feet. “No!”

  “Leah, come on, tell me the truth.”

  “I’m telling you the truth. God, are you always this stubborn?”

  He laughed, the sound doing things to her insides even if they were separated by a door. “Yeah. Are you sure you don’t need my help? I don’t hear water splashing.”

  “Argh!” She hurried to the tub and quickly turned the taps on. “Happy now?”

  “I don’t know, are you naked?” She started. He hadn’t just asked her that, right? It was her dream again, it had to be. “Leah? Are you naked?” His voice had dropped an octave or two, the sound so husky goosebumps appeared on her arms.

  “Nick?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “Doing what?”

  “This.” She waved her hand in the air before remembering he was in another room altogether. “I don’t understand.”

  “I guess I…I like you.”

  “Oh.” Well, that did it. She was dreaming again!

  “Is that all you have to say?”

  She could hear the amusement in his voice so she replied, her voice shaky even in her dream, “I like you too. I’ve always liked you. You were my fantasy.”

  “I was? Or I still am?”

  She licked her lips, her gaze focusing on the water splashing against the sides of the tub. “You still are.”

  “Fuck.” She heard him curse. “Can I come in, Leah?”

  She looked up then and saw her reflection in the mirror. Pale, dimply skin. Large breasts encased in serviceable white cotton. Soft belly barely contained by the matching panties. She was so out of his league it wasn’t funny. With a wry smile at herself, she said, “No.”

  Chapter Three

  He’d tried to change her mind but the emotions running through her voice had made it clear she wasn’t going to give in. And just hearing her mumbled excuses had made him think of Mia, understanding Leah was going through the same thing. She clearly didn’t think he could be interested in her. He wondered what he would have to do to make her see the light.

  After all, he’d been going to that coffee shop at least once a day for the past three weeks, always talking to her and making her smile. He loved her smiles, so genuine and warm. He wanted to get to know her better, knowing somewhere deep inside him that he was looking for someone to replace Mia. Leah looked so much like her he couldn’t help but be drawn to her. He wanted to take her in his arms, feel her breasts against his chest. He wanted to see her naked. He wanted to take her hard, listen to her moans of pleasure as he pounded inside her. He wanted her, plain and simple. Now if only he could get her to trust him.

  Hearing a noise, he looked up and froze. He’d gone back to his erstwhile position, half-lying on the floor as he waited for her to take a bath. He’d brought her here to cool down after all. She’d been so dizzy he’d been genuinely worried about her. Maybe he should have taken her to a doctor or the ER after all. But no, here she was, her wet hair trailing down her back, darker than it usually was. He watched as she flicked one curl behind her ear and groaned. “I didn’t know you had curly hair.”

  She started. “Oh, Nick. Uhm, yes, I just like to straighten it.”

  “I see.” Shit! She even had curly hair, just like Mia!

  “I didn’t think you were still here.”

  “I told you I’d stay until I was sure you were fine.”

  “So you did.” She bit her lower lip, her gaze unfocused. She was only wearing a ratty old robe and she fidgeted, wondering whether she could hurry and change or if that would just look weird. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No, thanks,” he replied, wondering if she was naked underneath the thick cotton. “Do you want to get changed?”

  She nodded. “If you don’t mind waiting some more.”

  “I’d rather help you, but if I have no choice I’m fine staying here.”

  She blinked, taken aback by his comment. “Help me?” she repeated under her breath but he heard her.

  “Help you get changed. Are you naked under that thing, Leah?”

  Gulping, she involuntarily took a step back. “Why are you doing this? This isn’t funny!”

  “What is?” He frowned at her, wondering whether he should get up and go to her. She looked so skittish however, he was afraid he’d scare her off permanently.

  “Why are you acting like this? Saying those things? I know you’re not in my league and yet you…you…”

  “Flirt with you?” he helpfully suggested.

  “Yes!” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “It’s not nice what you’re doing!”

  “You don’t like men flirting with you?” He sounded incredulous.

  “No, yes, I mean…Argh! I don’t like you making fun of me.”

  “I’m not making fun of you!” This time, he pushed on his hands until he was standing upright, his body taking too much space in the crammed room. She shook her head, unable to respond. “Don’t you believe me?” He stepped towards her, forcing her to look up so she could gaze into his eyes. “Leah, why do you think I’ve been making fun of you? I thought I’d made myself pretty clear.”

  She licked her lips. “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve been coming to the place where you work every day. I’ve made sure we’ve talked and laughed. I’ve complimented you. I’ve even, I admit it, slipped an innuendo or two into our conversations. Isn’t it clear that I’d like to take this further?”

  She gasped and grabbed the doorjamb at her back. “No way.”

  “Yes, way.” He grinned. “Although that makes me sound like a teenager. So, what do you say?” He grabbed her right hand in his and pulled her closer. “Wanna give this a go?”

  “Give what a go?” she whispered, her heart stuck in her throat. This didn’t happen to her. This was too good. She was dreaming again, damn it!

  “Us. I’d like to take you out on a date tonight.”

  “You would?”

  “Yep. So, what do you say?” He interlaced their fingers together, and lowered his head until she was sure he was going to kiss her.

  She freaked out and slammed her left palm against his chest, pushing him away from her. “Are you crazy?”

  He staggered a little before righting himself. “What’s wrong with you?”

  “You can’t go out with me!”

  “Why the hell not?” His eyes had turned a dangerous teal color, his features like she’d never seen them before.

  “You…you’re Apollo Hamilton! I’m Leah Pearson. I’m a waitress by day and law student by night. I’m-” She waved at herself as if to explain her point. “Trust me, we can’t be a couple.”

  He stared at her in silence for a moment before saying, “You know you’re talking crap, right?” She gulped. “Who are you to tell me who I can or cannot date? If I say I want to be with you, then it’s my decision!” His voice rose. “If I say I want to kiss you, fuck you till you’re screaming my name, then you can believe that what I’m saying is true!”

  Fuck her till what? Her insides clenched at the thought. Oh
hell, back on track, stupid! “Why don’t you calm down while I get changed and we can-”

  “No.” He pulled on the hand he was still holding and only let go once they were in her bedroom. “I’m tired of waiting for you, Leah. Now you’re gonna get dressed and then we’ll go out. On a date,” he said, his voice terse. “And we’ll have fun and if I’m lucky, we’ll go back to my place afterwards and have some more fun. Got it?”

  “You’re crazy,” was the only thing she could find to say.

  He nodded. “Totally. But you should consider yourself lucky you’re not naked and on your back right now with the way I’m feeling.”

  “You mean…” Her gaze veered to the bed in the corner.

  Nick groaned. “Fuck, Leah, I’m not made of stone!”

  Okay, that was it, she thought, she’d travelled to another dimension. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  “For the hundredth time, yes! What do you want me to do? Kiss you to prove it to you?” Actually that was a good idea, Nick thought as he watched her eyes widen at his suggestion. “Okay then!” Leah squealed. He’d pushed her against the wall, his body trapping hers. He grabbed her hands and pulled them up until they were resting on his shoulders. “Hold on to me,” he said, his voice a husky whisper.

  So she did. And she was grateful for it once he’d lowered his head and skimmed her lips with his. She hadn’t been kissed in forever, and god had she missed it. She hadn’t realized how much until his tongue slipped into her mouth, tangling around hers in a heady caress. She moaned and found herself standing up on her toes, her breasts crushed against his chest. She wanted more. She wanted all of him. Now. Oh god, yes, she exulted when he pressed himself closer, his erection digging into her stomach.

  He sucked on her tongue, the sensations he created making her limbs go weak. Her thighs clenched, and an ache blossomed inside her. She felt empty all of a sudden, yearning to be filled.

  The kiss ended abruptly, and she was once more on her feet. She pushed against the wall at her back for support, wondering how long it’d take her to get back to normal.

  “How’s that for proof? Do you believe me now?” Nick asked, his hand moving down to readjust himself through his pants. “Do you?”