Indirect Route
Page 10
“Really?” Janie cried, her grin fading into a disappointed grimace.
“No, I just made that up. Come on in.”
Janie elbowed him as she walked by, and he took one of the cups off her hands. They walked silently into the living area, and sat at opposite ends of Aaron’s long leather couch.
“Did I wake you up?” she asked, blowing into the tiny sip hole of her cup.
“No.”
“I’m sorry to come by so late.”
“S’okay.”
They stared at each other for another long moment. Aaron cleared his throat. Was he supposed to talk? He sure hoped not, because he had nothing.
“Um, yeah. So I’m here. Trying to shed my chickenshit status.”
Aaron grimaced. “I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Yes, you should. You were right. I’ve been a coward. If something seems like it might be hard or complicated, I back away.” She bit her lower lip. “It’s not even something I do consciously. I think it’s just reflexive.”
“Most people are risk-averse,” Aaron noted.
“But what if the risk is worth it?”
Aaron took a long drag of his hot chocolate, then shrugged his shoulders.
“So it sounds like you’ve been taking some risks lately,” she added, shoving his shoulder. Aaron felt his cheeks grow warm.
“Well, if you consider eating a taco from El Pollo Loco living on the edge, then I guess I have.”
“Don’t downplay it. I’m proud of you. And maybe I can take some cues from you, too.” She took a step closer and placed her hot chocolate on the coffee table. “So, if I was to say that I like you…actually, more than like you…” Her second step put her squarely in front of him. She took his cup and placed it beside her own. Then she placed her hands on his shoulders. “Would you consider giving a chickenshit like me a second chance?”
Aaron raised an eyebrow, but remained silent. He didn’t want to get his hopes up before all the cards were on the table.
“A second chance at what?”
“Us.” She stood on her toes and planted a tiny kiss on his cheek, right near the corner of his lips. He could easily turn it into something more, with the slightest of movements. But he hesitated.
“You and me? Like, as a couple?” The corner of his mouth lifted now, as did hers. “I don’t know, I may have to weigh my options. Word around town is that I’m quite a catch.” He draped his arms around her waist.
“I agree. What can I do to convince you?” She asked with a grin.
“I bet you’ll think of something,” he murmured, before leaning down and capturing her lips with his. He felt the warm, delicious pull from the bottom of his toes. “I’ve been waiting to do that again,” he said, feeling the caress of her breath against his cheek. Aaron let out a sound, half groan, half laughter, and pulled away.
“Let’s slow down for a second. Do we need to talk about your dad?” he asked, pushing a lock of her hair behind her ear.
“Yes and no. I mean, I probably need to talk to someone about him. And my mom. That person may be you, or may even be a therapist. But I’m in touch with Linda, and she and I are going to talk to his doctors and see if there’s anything they can do to prepare him for a visit. You know, from me.”
“Are you sure you want to do that?”
“No!” she laughed. “But I’m considering it.”
“Considering the risk,” Aaron added. Then he bent to kiss the tip of her nose. “You’re gotten pretty brave here lately, Janie. I think you can handle it.”
“Thanks. But back to the present for a second--is it too late to grab some a bite to eat? Because I’m starving.”
Aaron squeezed her upper arms. “Sounds good—I’ll grab my coat. I bet there’s some greasy spoon still open at this time of night.”
“I was thinking you could cook for me. You promised, remember?” Her cheeks flushed, and he bent to press a hard kiss on her lips.
“I’m going to make you an omelet that’ll knock your socks off.”
“Promises, promises,” she chided, and followed him into the kitchen.