by Ana Ashley
Kris opened his suitcase and rummaged for something.
"Got it," he said, pulling out a leather-bound box.
"What's that?" I asked.
"My first aid kit."
"You just happen to have a first aid kit."
"Yup."
"Why?"
"Sometimes I need it," Kris said.
"For you?"
"For other people."
I sat on the armchair by the window and Kris knelt beside me, taking an antiseptic wipe from the pack to clean my arm.
"Are you a doctor?" I asked.
Kris stopped for a second before continuing to clean the small cut. "Um…no, I train little soccer league, so I always have a kit with me."
A minute later, I was the proud carrier of a Finding Nemo Band Aid on my arm.
"My hero." I pretended to swoon. "I guess now I do owe you dinner."
"Technically, you fell because I pulled you down."
"Technically, you tripped on my suitcase."
We both smiled and time stopped as I once again fell momentarily under the spell of Kris's dark eyes. Never in my life had I felt the desire to get to know someone more than I did Kris. It was a strange feeling.
"How about we buy each other dinner?" I suggested.
"Deal."
"Then we better go find a place to eat before everyone is closed."
I was surprised to see Benny's Diner was still open. It had always been a popular diner, but after the mill closed, I thought it would have lost most of its customers.
There were a few other couples sitting on bar stools, so Kris picked a table that was placed under an arch, slightly hidden from view. Butterflies teased my stomach, and I felt a blush rise under my cheeks, so I opened the menu, hoping to hide my face.
"Hey, guys, what can I getcha?" the waitress said, more as a statement than a question.
"What would you recommend?" Kris asked.
"All the burgers are good, and I hear the hot dogs with the special fries are the best," she said.
"What's your favorite?" I asked.
"I'm vegetarian. Tell you what, leave it with me." The waitress scribbled something in her notepad and left.
"What just happened?" I asked.
"No clue, but I hope she knows what she's doing because there isn't a single vegetarian meal on this menu," Kris said with a laugh.
A minute later, the waitress appeared again with two milkshakes.
"By the way, guys, my name is Stephanie. Let me know if there's anything else I can get you."
We both stared at her as she walked away.
"Well, it sure looks like it's going to be anything but boring dining here," Kris said.
"I know, right? So, what brings you to Chester Falls?"
I hadn't missed the big suitcase in Kris's room and wondered how long he'd be staying.
"Oh, um, just some rest and recuperation. How about you?"
I told him about my sister's wedding and the lack of rooms at any hotels.
"If you're family, how come there wasn't a room for you?" Kris asked.
"Long story. I was meant to be in my childhood bedroom, but when I got home this afternoon, someone was already staying there."
"You didn't want to share a room with that guest?"
"It was a trap, so no, I didn't want to share. It's better for me to stay away from him."
Kris, fortunately, didn't ask any further questions, so we moved to other topics of conversation.
I couldn't remember the last time I'd had a real conversation with another guy just because we enjoyed each other's company. Well, I had Tom, but I'd known Tom for years, so that didn't count.
When we went back to our apartments, I sat on my bed and thought about the perplexing day I'd had. My hands itched to draw, so I reached out for my sketchpad and pencil box.
Picking a blank page, I started drawing the lines of Kris's face, the sexy five o'clock shadow, the perfect curve of his nose, and the deep richness of his eyes.
I really hoped tonight wasn't the last I'd see of Kris.
5
Kris
I'd never been a good sleeper when I was away from home. The fear of being recognized or my room being broken into always won out over whichever lavish surroundings I found myself in, and I just couldn't relax enough. Not having James around had added an extra element of unease, but oddly, I hadn't felt unsafe in Chester Falls.
Which was why I found it strange that I'd fallen asleep as soon as my head had hit the pillow last night, and I'd woken up feeling rested and energized.
I thought of Charlie sleeping in the apartment next door and wondered if he might have something to do with how I was feeling this morning. Who would've thought that having my man parts crushed by a knee would lead to such an interesting evening?
I stretched in the large, cozy bed and checked my cellphone for any messages from James. The phone was struggling to pick up signal. Normally I didn't have issues accessing mobile networks when I was abroad, so I could only put it down to the location of the building out of town. I'd need to go into town after breakfast to find a spot with better signal so I could check in with James.
My stomach growled, so I jumped off the bed and went to the bathroom to grab a shower, thinking of which casual clothes I'd be able to wear today. The thought put a spring in my step. Before the trip, I'd asked my secretary to source a suitable wardrobe, and he'd done a great job.
For the time I was in Chester Falls, and even when I returned to James's house, I wouldn't need to be Prince Kristof. I'd just be Kris. I'd wear jeans, cargo pants, and even shorts if the weather was agreeable enough.
When I stepped outside my room, I thought I heard some noise coming from Charlie's apartment. I stopped to listen if he was awake or maybe getting ready for breakfast too.
Last night, Charlie had looked like he'd enjoyed my company, even if sometimes he was a little quiet like he'd lost himself in his thoughts. I'd noticed that this normally came with a little blush that made the skin all around Charlie's neck a pretty pink shade and complimented his bright green eyes and red hair perfectly.
There was no question. Charlie was a very attractive man, and I was very attracted to him. He'd also mentioned an ex-boyfriend, so he was clearly gay, or at least bi. Not that it made any difference because I wasn't in Chester Falls to find love.
What? Why was I thinking about love? Thinking about the possibility of taking Charlie to bed was one thing, but love?
I was barely out of a long-term relationship; besides, nothing was going to happen anyway. At best I'd made a new friend I could be myself with. Charlie hadn't given any indication that he'd recognized me, even teasing me about picking the pickle out from the burger the waitress had chosen for me. The only people that had ever teased me in the same way were Aleks, Sergei, and James.
I shook my head and took a step in the direction of the stairs, feeling like a creep for the time I'd spent in the corridor outside the apartment. I'd barely moved before Charlie's room door opened and Charlie himself crashed into me.
My arms went instinctively around Charlie to prevent him from getting hurt again. This time, we both managed to stay upright. I was glad our height difference meant Charlie's forehead had hit me on the chin, because had he been a few inches taller, we'd both be sporting bloody noses.
"I'm so sorry," Charlie said, looking at me with those eyes that reminded me of the clear water in the lake at the palace.
"You really must stop bumping into me like this," I said, struggling to keep a straight face.
"In my defense, there was no suitcase this time."
"In your defense, I was lurking."
Charlie's eyes went impossibly wide.
"You were?"
"I was trying to find the courage to knock on your door to see if you wanted to join me for breakfast and hoping to not come across as a total stalker." I surprised myself at how forward I was and also how good Charlie felt in my arms.
"You do know l
urking outside someone's apartment can be considered stalkerish behavior, right?"
I grinned. "I was hoping you'd skirt past that little bit of detail."
We both smiled, and I didn't miss how soft and plush Charlie's lips looked.
"Why were you running out of your apartment, anyway?"
"Hungry."
"So…say I was to ask you to join me for breakfast. You'd say yes?"
"Dinner and breakfast?" Charlie shook his head. "This relationship is going too fast for me."
"Are you saying the wedding is off?"
Charlie laughed but then seemed to notice he was still in my arms and took a step back. I released him, albeit reluctantly, and noticed how Charlie blushed again. I wondered if kissing and sucking on Charlie's pale skin would leave a mark.
I coughed to get my thoughts into safe territory and took a step back to let Charlie lead the way.
"Do you think that diner from yesterday serves breakfast?" I asked.
Charlie looked at me with the widest grin.
"I take it they do," I said.
"They make the best pancakes in the world. Coffee is good too."
"You said the magic words. I will follow you forever," I said, pretending to faint.
Charlie blushed before he turned around to lead us out of the building. There were a few workmen around, but no one paid much attention to us as we stepped outside into the bright morning.
"Can we sit by the window?" Charlie asked when we arrived at Benny's Diner. "I didn't get to appreciate the view yesterday."
"Of course." I picked the table that gave us the best view of the grassy area that divided the diner and the Old Mill.
It was a sunny morning, and it didn't feel too cold. Would Charlie join me for a walk? He'd mentioned his sister's wedding last night, so maybe he had things to do.
My mood sank a little at the thought of Charlie being too busy to hang out with me. He was sweet and a great person to be around, not to mention the ease with which we flirted back and forth. Maybe it was selfish, but I wanted more.
"Good morning," the waiter, this time a guy, said as he filled two cups with coffee. "What can I get you for breakfast?"
"What's your favorite?" I asked.
The guy looked at me like I'd grown a second head.
"Ah, you're not from around here," he said, seemingly satisfied he'd found a reason for my question. "Momma Ruth's pancakes are the best. If you have a sweet tooth, I'd go for the cinnamon and applesauce, but the bacon and maple syrup are also good."
Charlie was biting his lip adorably while he looked at the menu as though he wanted to pick everything but knew he couldn't possibly eat it all.
"Can I get them both? They sound delicious, and I can't make up my mind."
Charlie looked up, wide-eyed, but then he smiled and ordered the ham, cheese, and mushroom omelet with a side of chocolate chip pancakes.
"I'm pretty sure we've ordered far more than we can eat," Charlie said.
"What can I say? I like trying new things," I said as I took a sip of the dark bitter coffee and hummed my appreciation.
Charlie laughed
"What? A guy needs his coffee," I said, "unless my country's spiced apple tea is available. I can never have enough of it, especially if it's iced."
Shit. I needed to pay better attention to what I said. Because Charlie was so easy to talk to, I was struggling to stop myself from running my mouth.
"Oh, where are you from?" Charlie asked.
"I…um…I'm from Lydovia."
"You're from Lydovia? That's awesome."
"Um, yes. I went to college in Boston, but I live there now."
"That must be why you don't have an accent. I love traveling, but I've never been to Lydovia," Charlie said.
"You must visit one day."
Charlie smiled that easy smile I was starting to like a lot.
"Would you like to go for a walk after breakfast?" I asked. "You don't have to if you're busy with wedding stuff."
"I'd love to," he said all too quickly. It gave me a warm feeling that he seemed to want to spend more time with me too.
The waiter turned up with our food. I didn't think either of us would be surprised if we couldn't finish it all because there was just too much of it. I'd forgotten how much bigger food portions were in America compared to Europe.
"This is delicious. I can’t believe in all the years I lived in America I never tried it," I said as I finished half of the bacon and maple pancakes. The sweet and salty flavors were strange to my palate, but after a few bites, I understood why Americans loved the combination.
"They still make the best pancakes in the world," Charlie said. He took a piece of his pancake into his mouth and let out an appreciative moan. I stopped my coffee midway to my mouth and nearly spilled it all over my T-shirt.
"You okay?" Charlie asked.
"Oh yeah…yes, just being clumsy."
I adjusted myself in my seat to hide my body's reaction as a man wearing a yellow Benny’s T-shirt approached our table.
"Good morning, Charlie, long time no see. Good morning…"
"Kris, just call me Kris."
"Kris, this is Benny, the old man who tries to pretend he owns the diner," Charlie joked but got up to give the man a hug.
"He's right too. Momma Ruth is the boss ′round here." He smiled even wider. "How were your pancakes? Been telling Momma to retire for months, so she's training someone new. Bless the kid, don't know how he hasn't quit yet."
"Must be her sunny disposition," Charlie said, and Benny let out one of those belly laughs that come from so deep inside you can't help feeling happy too.
"Well, if you need anything, please let me know. This one's on the house, alright boys? Make sure you come back tomorrow." And with an odd, knowing smile, he left.
"Hannah and I used to come here as kids. I didn't realize you had to pay for pancakes." Charlie chuckled to himself. "Sometimes Momma Ruth would call my parents and ask permission to feed us, but sometimes she'd make us a special pancake for free."
"Phone call. Shit," I blurted out as my phone buzzed in my pocket, causing me to jump. "I need to get in touch with my friend. He's waiting for my call, but I couldn't get a signal yesterday." Charlie narrowed his eyes but fortunately didn't call me out on my abrupt reaction.
"I'm sorry. I just need to check something. Can I meet you here in five for our walk?"
"Sure."
My cellphone had signal, albeit weak, but it seemed to work when I dialed James's number. It rang a few times before he answered.
"Kris, Jesus man, I was about to SWAT team you."
"Sorry, I had no signal yesterday. Everything's okay, so there's no need to worry. I've been to a local diner, but no one recognized me, just as you'd said."
"Benny's? Damn, I miss their pancakes."
James updated me on the press situation, which hadn't changed, so it looked like I'd be staying in Chester Falls for now.
I ended the call and saw Benny clearing some tables.
"Mr… Benny," I called.
"Oh, Kris, can I help with anything? Are you looking for suggestions on activities you can do with your Charlie?" That last part was said in a whisper as he leaned closer and gave me a knowing smile.
If I'd had a lighter complexion, I knew for sure my blush would have been very visible at Benny’s insinuation that Charlie may be more than a friend.
Benny pointed me to a display stand full of leaflets for activities available in Chester Falls and the surrounding area. I picked a few that looked interesting. I hoped I could do some with Charlie, but I tried to manage my own expectations on that front.
On my way back to meet Charlie, I picked up a flask full of freshly brewed coffee from Benny. He even gave me a small bag with a few of Momma Ruth's cookies inside. He said they were Charlie's favorite.
My heart fell when I walked back to the table and Charlie wasn't there.
6
Charlie
As soon as
I stepped outside through the double doors of the diner, I took a deep breath. I let it out and then took another one. I loved the smell of the country in the morning when it was still so fresh and clean with morning dew.
When I was young, my family used to laugh when I'd said mornings like these smelled like green. Of course, you couldn't smell color, but it was the scent of freshly cut grass that was still wet, and you could only really smell it properly when you were in the country surrounded by trees and flowers and other green things. So yes, for me this would always be the smell of green.
It was a mild morning, so I knew that unless the weather changed dramatically, which was unlikely, it would be a great day to explore.
I felt the urge to draw what I saw: the green grass that took up most of the square with patches of wildflowers contrasting with the imposing industrial building of the Old Mill. It was a shame my sketchbook was in the apartment.
I noticed a man on his knees next to a number of small plant pots in one corner of the grassy square. He looked too tall to be in that position comfortably. The way the sun hit him made his light brown hair look like copper, and the brightness of his white long-sleeved cotton shirt created a bright halo around him. He also wore navy cargo pants with more pockets than was fashionably advisable in my opinion, but I guessed the man's choice of clothing was more practical than anything. The man was also barefoot.
Curiosity won me over. I looked into the diner, but Kris wasn't back, so I walked over to the man.
"Good morning," I said.
"Oh, good morning, my friend. It is a fine morning, isn't it? Perfect for repotting these little seedlings."
"I did wonder what you were doing. My grandmother loved gardening. I used to help her in her yard when I was a kid."
The man stretched his arm out to me. "I'm Oleander, but most people call me Olly. I'm the town gardener. Would you like to give your rusty green fingers a new memory?"
"Oh, I'd love to, but I'm waiting for my friend. I'm Charlie, by the way."
"What brings you to Chester Falls, Charlie?"
