My Favorite Distraction (Distraction #1)

by Stephanie Jean

  I made a move toward her on the way to my bedroom, Bo by my side. Heather jumped out of my way, and I glanced at Bo. His mouth had fallen opened. I think he laughed.

  “I will get my things, and we can go to your house, if that’s still OK?”

  Jason stood up smiling like he had won the lottery. “Let me know if I can help.”

  He turned his attention toward Heather, talking to her. I took my time getting ready, calming myself. I put an aqua-blue dress on that made my eyes change to match the dress. It had spaghetti straps that crisscrossed in the back, which was otherwise open. I pulled my hair down and curled the ends up, pulling up the side and securing them with butterfly clips. The sandals I slipped on matched my dress perfectly. I took a seat at the mirror and played with my makeup and jumped at the knock on the door. Bo stood up and started for the door, ears up.

  “Come in,” I yelled.

  Jason eased his head through the door, but Bo didn’t move from his position blocking it. Jason shook his head and laughed, pushing Bo to the side. “Outta my way, mutt.” He was smiling. I could see pride in his eyes as he looked at his dog.

  “You changed your”—he waved his hand up and down—“everything.”

  I smiled and directed my attention to him. He was quiet, whispering to himself. He moved closer to touch me, but hesitated and stopped inches from me.

  “So are you, um…ready?”

  I pointed to the bag I had packed.

  “Is that it?” He sounded disappointed.

  “How long did you plan on me staying?”

  “Well, do you have a bigger suitcase?”

  I pulled the one I had under the bed.

  “Great, this is a good start.” He walked into my closet and started grabbing clothes and stuffing my suitcase full. “Where are your pajamas and panties?”

  I giggled when he said “panties,” and pointed. He did more grabbing and stuffing. When he was done, he handed me my original bag and carried the big suitcase.

  “I think someone has high hopes for the weekend.” I raised my eyebrow as I looked at him and the suitcase. He only laughed. “Seriously, I think you are setting yourself up for disappointment.” I was feeling pressure, but couldn’t run from him. He was being so generous.

  He turned around before reaching the front door. “You could never disappoint me, ever.” He said it, but I knew I could.

  “You are a little over the top right now. It is not settling right.” I was getting nervous. Why was he pushing so hard for a girl he’d just met?

  “Sorry, I will back off, I promise.”

  We looked up when Heather came out of her bedroom.

  “I guess you’re leaving.” She had a sad face on, complete with the raccoon eyes. I couldn’t leave her like this. She might have been wrong, but she was my best friend.

  I turned to Jason. “You go and put the luggage in my car. I will be right behind you.” I made a motion to look for my keys.

  He nodded his head toward Heather. “I got it. You stay as long as you need to. I will wait downstairs. Bo, you stay here.” He looked at Bo, and I think they had an understanding of some sort. He closed the door, and I turned to Heather.

  “This might be good for us, some time apart?” I asked it more than said it. “We have been attached for a really long time.” I wanted her to understand how much I needed this. “Jason is my right now, Heather. Isn’t that what you would say in college? When you knew it wasn’t going to last, but wanted a male distraction. That is all he is to me a beautiful distraction. I can’t sit around here and organize and clean, waiting for you to come home from all of your adventures. He’s my right now, just to take my mind off of life.”

  Heather let a tear fall down her cheek.

  “Please don’t worry about me. I feel connected to him somehow. He really has a big heart, and he is kind and patient. For the first time in my life, I am going with my heart and not my over worked brain. Heather, I am not running.” I took her hand and pulled her in for a hug. “Seriously, would you have waited three months for me to talk to you?”

  She pulled away. “I know I have said this a lot lately, but I am sorry. You have always been the less nosy one. You never seem to get into my business. Even when I ask, you always tell me I need to make my own choices. He seems to like you.” She laughed at the tears falling from her eyes. “I think I am jealous sharing you for the first time.”

  “You will always be like a sister to me. I love you.” I did love Heather, she was my only constant. She never asked about my past or my family. The day my grandfather died, Heather was at my side. When I told her I needed to leave before my family got there, she helped, without thought or question. I would always be indebted to her for that.

  At that, she broke down and started to really cry. I went in the bathroom and brought her the box of tissues.

  She looked up. “When you say it like that, it feels so final.”

  “I am not sure why you are crying, because Jason will be sick of me very soon. Don’t start looking for roommates. I am sure I’ll be back on Monday.” I hugged her again and then turned toward the door.

  “If he is a smart guy, you won’t ever come home. Call me, K?” She sat on the sofa and cried.

  * * * *

  The entire walk to the car felt awkward. My feet kept stumbling; it was like I suddenly had two left feet. Bo walked in front of me down the concrete stairs which gave me something to concentrate on. My legs were in a huge hurry, but my brain kept yelling, “hold the phone”. I kept closing my eyes, the voice in my head getting louder. The outside voices becoming more muffled. I shook my head as I reached the bottom of the stairs and opened the gate. When I entered the parking lot Jason approached me wearing a huge boyish grin. It was very sexy and it took me a minute to know that I was the reason behind it. I dipped my hand in my purse and pulled out my keys, trying hard not to salivate from the look he shot me. He grabbed the bag I was clinging on to and gave Bo a treat.

  “I saw that,” I said, eyeing Bo. “Where’s my treat?”

  I was only teasing, but Jason’s smile grew wider, goofier, and he looked down in a very boyish way. We reached my car, and he threw my bag in and walked me to the driver’s side door. He stood just for a second with his head down, whispering. When I made a move to open the door, he pushed me against the car and looked at me. A rush of heat spread though my body at his swift movement. He had the most intense look on his face. His eyes traveled from my eyes to my mouth I could tell he was contemplating something. His tongue eased out of his mouth, and he almost licked his lips. My heart was going crazy. He leaned into my body, so close I could feel his heartbeat. My breathing increased, it felt like my skin was rising. His every movement against my body was erotic. His face tilted into mine, and with a single finger he moved hair away from my face. I closed my eyes and lifted my chin, and he kissed me. He was gentle, soft. His hands moved to the back part of my head, underneath my hair. He went slowly, nothing rushed. His tongue reached out, touching my lips, coaxing me to open. I breathed in slightly and felt his tongue slide in slowly. One of his hands cupped my cheek. The feeling was soft, and as he brushed my tongue with his, I moaned. My legs felt weak. I was throbbing in places I didn’t know could throb. I was lost in this man. It was like the whole world had faded and it was just him and me. I reached up and slid my arms around his neck and held him to me. The kiss was tender and sweet, and I had found my first happy place. I pushed my tongue into his mouth, and I heard a growl escape his lips before he pulled away. Best. Treat. Ever.

  He grinned and kissed my forehead. “Thank you for sticking up for me inside. It did things to me I can’t explain.”

  I missed his warmth, when he turned and walked away from me.

  “Follow me. We’ll hit the store on our way home.” His voice grew louder until he was shouting, as he got into his Jeep.

  I was still standing there, my mouth still slightly open, my lips wet and swollen. I looked at Bo. “Shit, change moods
much?”

  I grabbed two towels out of the trunk, placed them on the passenger seat, and opened the door for Bo. He climbed in from my side, his huge body sinking into the seat next to mine. I rolled his window down when I got in. I never thought I would have a dog in my car. My grandfather had bought it for me, and I thought about him every time I drove it. A Mercedes SL 350, it looked like a silver bullet and I loved it. It was fast and very comfortable. It was my favorite thing, so favorite I could never part with it. Now it was incredibly fun for me to look at Bo. He looked relaxed in his spot next to me. I smiled, and he looked at me. His look seemed to say “What?” He stuck his head out the window as we drove down the road, next time I would put the top down for him.

  We pulled into the supermarket parking lot, and I parked next to Jason. Bo lay down on the floor, head propped on the seat. I got out and yelled, “I’ll wait here with Bo.” But Jason clearly had other plans.

  “No, I need you inside.” He came over, leaned into the car, said something to Bo, and slightly rolled down some windows. We headed inside. “I am thinking about something other than chicken.” He made it sound more like a question.

  “All right, but I don’t like fancy food.” I gave him a pointed stare. “And I eat a lot, so don’t let me down.” He smiled when I said this, but he had no idea how serious I was.

  “It’s hard for me to tell when you’re joking,” he said, already putting things in the cart.

  “Huh…I think I am easy to read, but just so we’re clear, I rarely joke about food.” I put my finger in the belt loop at the back of his jeans and followed him closely.

  “Katarina? Katarina, is that you?” a tiny man yelled from two aisles away. He was waving, trying hard to get my attention.

  I glanced at Jason, whom I immediately ducked behind. I slowly stuck my head around Jason to get a better look at the man. I smiled when I recognized the waving goofball moving toward me. I released my hold on Jason and giggled as I approached Blake.

  “You get the meats and whatever and then come find me,” I said over my shoulder. “Hey, Blake.” I threw my arms around him in a big hug. “You look great.” It was nice to see his smiling face. Blake was the funniest kid in school. He could make you laugh without talking. He should have been a comedian, but he wouldn’t take my advice. Instead, he worked for my grandfather. He was the only person I ever asked grandfather to hire.

  From behind me, I heard a very loud voice. “Hi, I am Jason.”

  I turned around, surprised, and Jason was in an eye lock with Blake. I didn’t hear him behind me, but now he looked ready to fight. I felt tension all over him.

  Blake just eyed him carefully, up and down, a little too long, then looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Hi, Jason.” He let out one of his famous nervous cackles that had me giggling.

  Jason backed away, slowly. “Ah, I am going to get the meat.”

  I giggled louder. I couldn’t help it.

  Blake called over my shoulder, in his squeaky voice, “I am sure you are great at handling meat,” followed by another signature cackle. Blake never hid who he was from others and that was what I respected the most about him.

  I started laughing. I put my hands over my mouth to stop the loudness, but I think it was too late. We were getting stares from all over. I talked to Blake for a while until I noticed Jason in line and went to stand next to him. I had a goofy grin on my face as Blake waved at both of us as he continued to shop.

  “He wants your number, you know.” I choked on my laugh as Jason shook his head. “Did you get everything?” I pointed to the overflowing cart.

  He sighed, “I think so, but if there is anything you want to add?”

  “I am not sure it will fit,” I said, eyeballing the cart.

  “So who was that?” He motioned toward Blake, who was now talking with someone else.

  “He works for my grandfather or worked.” I corrected, remembering my grandfather’s passing. “We were friends in grade school.”

  “What did you talk about?”

  “You, mainly.” I smiled and raised my brow. He pulled my hair. “No, he was asking if I was going to this charity event. They are honoring my grandfather. He was telling me who was going. I mainly listened. Most of the people I didn’t know. He actually works for the foundation, so he was giving me the inside scoop.” I gestured over at Blake, who was deeply in conversation with a lady. “I am sure she will get one too.”

  “I don’t think she will last as long. She looks irritated.” Jason was studying the interaction.

  “No, I think she just looks like that. Her husband is a plastic surgeon, I think? Or was? I haven’t seen these people in years.”

  Jason just laughed under his breath.

  “I did ask him to save me a table at the event for my own guest. I thought maybe you and your family would like to go? What do you think? Do you like charity events?”

  He was silent, and I wasn’t sure if he had heard me.

  “You invited my family to something and you haven’t even met them?”

  I watched him as his wheels turned.

  “It’s no big deal,” I was suddenly trying to downplay it. “If you don’t think they will enjoy it. It’s actually not for a month. I have to be there, so I thought it might be fun if you were there too.” I turned my head and looked away as I thought about what I was saying. The commitment I was making. I made those plans with Blake thinking about Jason and his dad that I met earlier. It was an effort to return their kindness. I wasn’t implying that we would be together in a month. My mind took the crazy-train until he interrupted my thoughts.

  “My family would love to go. Will your family be there?” He was looking at me, I could feel it, but I focused on the gossip magazines.

  “Yes, but I will probably sit with you if you go.” I glanced over at him, and he just watched me with his big green eyes. It was unnerving so I quickly changed the subject.

  “So, you have a hard time believing I am friends with Blake.” I knew my diversion was successful when he glanced behind us attempting to find Blake.

  “I just find it weird who you let in your bubble. I watched you hug him. It just surprised me. You have this thing with people getting close to you. Plus, I find it completely random that he’s here. What are the chances of someone in your tiny circle being in this grocery store when you just moved here months ago?”

  I shrugged thinking of something witty to say. “You know they named a ride at Disneyland after this?” His gorgeous face crunched up in confusion. Damn, he was adorable. “It’s called ‘It’s a Small World’.” I watched his mouth form the most perfect smile and a small chuckle left his lips, then his arm brushed against my shoulder.

  “You’re a funny girl.”

  ****

  I followed Jason to his house. As I pulled down the long driveway, I realized I had been in a fog and didn’t even know how I had gotten there.

  Bo jumped out behind me. I retrieved my bag and purse and headed up the steps. I stopped before I entered the house and took a seat on the porch swing on the deck, gathering courage. My brain was going into over drive; What was I doing? Why was I here, again? I squeezed my eyes shut massaging my temples. I heard a voice, a loud one, “why the hell not?” I repeated those words. Jason finished carrying the groceries in, then came out and sat next to me.

  “Are you tired?” he asked, putting an arm around me.

  I laid my back against his front and let out a sigh. “Yes, tired and hungry.”

  He made a motion to move, and I turned around quickly to straddle him. I leaned my head against his chest, my hand moving over his large muscular arms.

  “Just stay here for one minute before you leave.” I didn’t move, just listened to his heart beating and smelled his smell. It was so comforting and quiet. I completely relaxed. I placed my hand over his heart, my finger moving to the rhythm of his fast heartbeat; thump- thump, thump-thump. I rested my head on his shoulder, and closed my eyes. I could feel hi
s reluctant arms moving around my back, his breathing was heavy and I fell asleep in his warm embrace.

  “We better get dinner going and get everything put away.” Jason was hesitant to move me, I could tell. He got up slowly, like he was sore.

  “Did I hurt you?” I was concerned because of his slow motion.

  “Not intentionally,” he said with a slight grimace. We walked inside together, and he disappeared.

  I stepped in the kitchen like it was something I did every day. I put away the groceries and started dinner. My mind started buzzing with nervous questions. What was he doing? Was he going to stay up there all night? What if he didn’t like tacos? I kept my hands busy trying to divert my brain, but having little luck. Was I too forward on the porch swing? Did he not like my dress? I was relieved when he finally came back down stairs. I was almost finished, my hands still moving feverishly with last minute dinner preparation.

  He had showered and was wearing jammie bottoms, a faded gray sweat shirt—half unzipped—and no socks. I found him so attractive my stomach fluttered and I suddenly wasn’t very hungry. He studied me closely with his beautiful green eyes and he must have seen something he liked, because his smug smile took over his whole face and I blushed as I tripped over my feet trying to turn around to focus on cooking. He chuckled before he went out to the garage, and I heard Bo right behind him. I assumed it was Bo’s dinnertime too.

  “So chicken it is,” he said as he came back into the kitchen.

  “No, I made tacos with ground beef.” I stuck my tongue out. “I can eat things other than chicken. I just prefer not to.”

  We made our plates and headed for our seats at the counter. His upper leg pressed against mine. “You really look nice tonight. The way you look in that dress, I would love to take you out.” He flashed me a seductive smile.

  “I only dressed up for you. I really don’t care where you take me. I notice women see you and nearly fall over themselves to get your attention—I feel honored you want to spend time with me. I want you to feel that way about me.” As I said it, I felt as pathetic and desperate as it sounded. Jeez, need a compliment? My brain reprimanded itself, this is what happens when you don’t think before you speak. Ugh. “I mean…this old thing?” I smiled and looked away, trying to take back my previous statement.