by Jo Leigh
As she waited, Jenna stood with Ally. They’d hit it off the first day Jenna had joined the staff at South Shore Middle School. Ally was a couple of years older than Jenna, had a scathing sense of humor and made the best Bundt cake in the world. It was a happy coincidence that the two of them wore the same size pants and shoes, and that Ally was the reason Jenna and she were next-door neighbors.
Right now, though, Ally was whispering in Jenna’s ear all the names she could think of for penis. There were so many, although she thought some of them were made up. Like womb raider and clam hammer. All Jenna had to do was not laugh out loud, but she wasn’t sure she could hold on much longer.
Nurse Epperson was talking about adolescent hormones, so nowhere near the end of her talk, when Jenna’s cell phone vibrated. Jenna gripped it tightly as she took a step back, not wanting anyone to see her. Of course Ally understood, and she took a strategic position in front of Jenna.
Even with her friend covering for her, Jenna thought about dashing to the ladies’ room before she looked at Rick’s text, but she couldn’t stand it. It had been almost two weeks since she and Rick had said goodbye, and they were still texting and talking every single day.
Busy tomorrow night?
Depends what you have in mind. Phone sex? Weather updates? Sharing recipes?
That first thing. Very much that one. Dammit i’m gong to meeting in five min and nwo I’ll have a ahrd on. Thnx.
Jenna giggled, putting her phone in her pocket and her hand over her mouth when she realized how loud she’d been. Eli Stevenson, the history teacher, gave her the stink eye, but she just smiled then tried to look captivated by the estrus talk. When the coast was clear again, she pulled the cell out again and texted:
Why you really do suck at spelling when you’re horny. So what did you really want?
You. And your good judgment. Narrowed down to 2 apts. Want to show you.
How? I can’t catch the next flight.
Why not? Wouldn’t that be...never mind. FaceTime app. I’ll show you while we discuss.
I knew there was an app. Just teasing. LOL Sounds great.
“You are not being as subtle as you think,” Ally said, scaring the bejesus out of Jenna, who sent a short goodbye before turning off the phone and shoving it into her pocket. All kinds of those hormones the nurse had talked about were coursing through her body, making her shiver in the best way.
She hated that he lived so far away. One thousand, four hundred and sixty-nine miles, to be precise. Thank God it wasn’t a real relationship. He was a friend, for sure, but he was not The One. If he had been, this long-distance thing would definitely not be enough.
Finally, the lunch bell rang, putting an end to the assembly. Jenna hung back, as did Ally, waiting until there were just a few stragglers left.
“So, how’s Rick?”
Of course Ally knew about Rick. That he’d been great after what happened with Payton. Ally was terrifically supportive, even though she’d liked Payton a lot. But when Jenna explained, Ally agreed there was no going back.
“He’s fine,” Jenna said as the two of them headed for the teachers lounge. “He asked me something time sensitive or I wouldn’t have—”
“Hell, I don’t care. I’m just jealous,” she said, though she’d been seeing someone.
Once inside, Ally got both of their lunches from the fridge. There was a line for the microwave, and since they’d both brought soup, they had to split up, or forget sitting together. Jenna got table duty, using her apple to hold Ally’s seat.
A quick look around told her that Chatty Kathy, the one teacher in the school Jenna straight-out didn’t like, wasn’t in the lounge. Jenna relaxed instantly. The woman really had nothing better to do than gossip and stir up trouble. It was clear to everyone that she hated her job, hated teaching and, most significantly, hated her fellow teachers. She was the first person to notice that Jenna wasn’t wearing her ring. Instead of asking what had happened, or better yet, realizing it was none of her business, she’d started a ridiculous rumor.
Of far more importance were the texts Jenna had missed after she’d turned off her phone. There were two. The first was just a few words confirming when he’d call her the following night. The second—he was calling her tonight. Jenna smiled. What a dope. He called her every night.
Ally sat down before Jenna could reply, but that was fine. “Why does your soup always look better than mine?” Ally asked, staring at Jenna’s steaming chicken and rice.
“I have no idea,” Jenna said. “Except for the fact that you don’t use any spices.”
“I do so,” she said before she swallowed a large spoonful. “But obviously not the right ones.”
“Follow a recipe, for heaven’s sake.”
“You know what’s easier than that?” Ally frowned at her lunch. “Eating out. And speaking of going out, how about next Friday night you join me and Craig for dinner at Row 34?”
Jenna knew that coy look. “Just you and Craig?”
“Fine. Craig has this friend... He’s a supernice guy. Handsome and wickedly funny. If nothing else, we’ll laugh all night.”
“I appreciate it, I do, but I really am serious about this break I’m taking from men. I—”
Ally burst out laughing. It was a good thing she had a napkin in her hand.
“What are you laughing about?”
“I’m pretty sure you told me Rick was a man.”
Jenna didn’t normally let loose with an eye roll, but she did now. “I also told you that we’re just friends. That’s all. Even if I wasn’t taking my time about dating again, I wouldn’t date him. He’s a storm chaser.”
“So, you blushing at his texts and making sure you’re finished with your work before seven, that’s because he’s your buddy?”
Jenna gaped at her. “I don’t blush. Not when I read his texts, anyway.”
“Right.”
“And I’ve been trying to finish early every night because I have a lot of things to do around the apartment.” Damn it, she was pretty sure she was blushing now.
Ally said nothing. Just ate a spoonful of soup, trying to hide a grin.
“I hope you choke on that tasteless crap.”
Ally nearly spit the tasteless crap across the table.
* * *
RICK WAS AT the International, an apartment complex that was trying hard to be a resort. He wasn’t thrilled with the apartment he’d seen, but there was an option with this place he hadn’t thought of before.
Considering he was insanely busy at work, he’d managed to pack up a lot of his things, but to find a place and move in before Faith came back would be tricky. He didn’t have to be out—she honestly didn’t care—but it would make things between them easier.
This apartment complex catered to a younger crowd, although not the college students at nearby University of Oklahoma. The facility had a fantastic gym that came with the place, including one of the best rock walls he’d seen, the most up-to-date machines and a great sauna—lots of ways to ride out the winter and come out the other side in good shape.
The apartment he was looking at was a two-bedroom, two-bath, but it was on the small side and partially furnished. That was a plus because he wasn’t going to leave Faith to have to scramble to get a table, or a replacement couch. He still wasn’t sure what to do about their shared gym equipment, and signing up at the International could put that decision off for a good while.
It wasn’t as if he wanted to settle here for life. Six months was about all he’d be willing to commit to. So, leaving most of the furniture and most of the gym stuff right where it was would help both of them adjust to their new lives.
Another plus was that the place was really new. So he wouldn’t be sleeping on a used bed, which was a deal breaker for him. He’d seen th
e mattress and bedsprings still in their boxes, unopened.
He’d have to make a decision soon. Hopefully by tonight. Which was why he’d made a date with Jenna on FaceTime.
If he thought about the time it was going to take to show her this place—just the apartment, not the grounds or the gym—then hop in his car and show her the other place...it was ridiculous. But he missed her and this was an opportunity to find out some things about what she liked. He was hoping she’d give him a tour of her place once she saw how it was done.
At least he’d narrowed down his choices. Antwan had laughed in his face when Rick had asked if he’d help with the move, but God bless the interns. They’d offered to help. Even though they might just be trying to score points. He needed his stuff moved fast and he couldn’t have cared less about their motives. They’d just have to settle for pizza and beer on him.
He looked out at the view from the front of the apartment. It was nice, although it would look better when the snow melted and the pool wasn’t covered for the season.
He also liked the way the International made a point of being ecoconscious. For a big place like this, they had their methodology down. Okay, it was time. Even though Jenna had to grade some papers, she’d told him to call at seven. It was now 7:01 p.m. He’d brought his iPad for the tours, so he typed in the necessary info. All Jenna had to do was accept his invite.
And just like that, there she was, smiling at him, her dark hair sitting prettily on her shoulders, her smile broad and her eyes happy. She was wearing the T-shirt she’d kept from their last day. “You taking good care of the jeans you stole?” he asked.
“I did no such thing. I simply didn’t tell you I was taking them with me. It really is your fault because who packs without counting their jeans?”
“Okay, you’ve got me there,” he said, lying through his teeth. He definitely counted jeans and T-shirts, and he didn’t mind one bit that she’d worn them home underneath that big puffy coat of hers.
“This is exciting,” she said. “I’ve never used this app, or Skype, but that’s now on my laptop.”
“And we’re going to have a conversation about using Skype very soon,” he said, enjoying her blush. Yep, Skype sex was on the agenda. “You ready?”
She nodded. Why couldn’t she be there with him? The picture might be excellent, but it would never take the place of seeing her in person. Looking into her gaze the way you only could when it was someone you connected with, reaching over to touch her. Pulling her close. Kissing her.
“Uh, you all right there, Rick?”
“Yep. Okay, this is the International,” he said, showing her the living room, which, sadly, didn’t have a wood-burning fireplace. But it did have an open plan so he could walk her through to the kitchen.
“You don’t mind that it’s small?” she asked.
“I don’t cook much, so no, it’s fine.”
“Right. Not high on your list. But it’s nice. Those aren’t granite countertops, are they?”
“Yep. Granite. And there’s a dishwasher and everything.”
“Fancy,” she said. “You really want a lease for only six months?”
“Yeah. My accountant keeps telling me I should buy something. I just don’t have the time or energy to look for a place. But I’m missing all kinds of tax benefits by renting.”
“That accountant sounds smart. You should listen to him. Especially if you have the means.”
“Yeah, I do, and I don’t do as much with the money as I should. Work seems to take over my life. Everyone’s still in shock that I took off over New Year’s. Anyway, now we’re heading to the master bedroom.”
He brought her into the room and showed her the walk-in closet, the attached bathroom, the new carpet and light green walls.
“I like it,” she said. “But do they give you a choice of window treatments?”
He frowned at the windows. “You mean the curtains?”
“Yes.”
“I’m not sure. I could ask. Why?”
“I don’t know. Maybe you want blinds instead of drapes.”
“Yeah, I would prefer blinds. I just didn’t think to ask. See? This is why I wanted to show you around before making a final decision.”
“Is there enough room for your exercise equipment? Not now, but eventually.”
He’d told her about the fitness center, and about waiting to divide up the equipment with Faith.
“Huh. Remember when I said you were a nice man?”
“I’m still wincing from that, yeah.” He turned the iPad so he could look into her beautiful dark eyes.
“It’s still true,” she said.
“I know a number of interns who would disagree, but then again, I don’t care much about their opinions.”
“But you do about mine?”
He could tell she was only teasing, but oddly, in truth he cared a great deal about what she thought. “It’ll take me about twenty minutes to get to the second choice. You okay with that?”
“I’ll be here.”
And that was the problem. Here meant Boston.
And he lived in Oklahoma.
* * *
TWENTY-SEVEN MINUTES LATER, Jenna’s phone rang. She pushed the FaceTime button and voilà, there was Rick.
“So this place is called the Warwick, and it’s another two-bed, two-bath.” Something in his tone suggested this was the apartment he truly wanted. She couldn’t say why she had that impression, but she wouldn’t say anything yet.
“Check out the seating at the counter,” he said, and showed her the open-plan kitchen with a raised bar that accommodated five stools. The kitchen appliances had been upgraded to stainless steel, and there was a deep sink, a nice stove. But they weren’t in the kitchen for long.
The master suite was upstairs, and much nicer than at the International. It would be a bigger move for him, because the place wasn’t furnished, but it had a wood-burning brick fireplace, lots of windows and, therefore, lots of light. Even the second bedroom was roomy, although there was no walk-in closet like in the master bedroom.
There was also a terrific balcony outside the bedroom, French doors that he said overlooked a beautiful grass-and-wooded landscape. But it was too dark for her to actually see for herself.
“You can see my dilemma,” he said, taking her to the en suite shower. It was big, built with gorgeous sea-green glass and tile, with a glass enclosure. “It’s not like the smart apartment’s shower, but...”
“But for real life? It looks great.”
“Yeah. So, that’s it.” He walked her down the stairs, making things a little too wobbly for her to see, but soon they were in the living room.
“I can picture you there,” she said. “I liked the International, but I think this place fits you better. And it’s a town house, which is cool. There’s plenty of room for your stuff so you have the option of working out at home.”
He smiled at her. “I can see myself here, too.”
“When do you have to make up your mind?”
“I think I already have. I’ll call when the management office opens tomorrow.”
“Sounds perfect,” she said. “If they have a brochure or something, maybe you can scan one for me.”
“I could,” he said. “Or maybe you can come out here and see it for yourself.”
“Oh. Sure.” She hadn’t expected that, or for her silly heart to start pounding. They’d been planning a Chicago weekend, but they’d never talked about crossing into home turfs before. “Thanks for showing me everything in the meantime.”
“Thanks for your most excellent advice. And since we’re still on FaceTime, feel free to flash me.”
“Hanging up now,” she said, laughing.
After they disconnected, she thought about what he�
��d said. She couldn’t decide on whether she should be surprised or not. Bottom line, he hadn’t made a big deal out of it, and she shouldn’t, either.
13
RICK TOOK A quick look at the data banks. Nothing serious was happening in the States, but the typhoon in Indonesia was troubling. Ordinarily he would’ve loved to hang around, watch the progression of the storms. But not tonight. “Okay, all. See you tomorrow.”
Twelve heads turned to stare at Rick as he adjusted his backpack over his coat. He knew exactly what they were thinking. Too bad. He’d moved into the new town house three days ago, had worked ungodly late every night since and hadn’t taken off so much as an hour to unpack.
Antwan stood up, arms akimbo, his eyes wide with surprise. “Dude. What the hell? We’ve ordered that disgusting Hawaiian pizza you like, and you’re leaving?”
“Yes. I’m leaving. If it’s too late to cancel, I’ll pay for the pizza.”
“But...typhoons.”
“Yes, the typhoon is Dave’s area. He’s in charge and I’d just be hanging around. You don’t need me here.”
Antwan shook his head. “Something’s going on with you, bredda. We’re going to talk.”
“You’re right. And I’m late, so, hasta la vista, my friends.” The moment he turned away, all thoughts vanished, except for the Skype sex he was going to have with Jenna tonight.
* * *
SHE WASN’T STUPID. She worked with computers every day. Mastered FaceTime in minutes, and had gotten to level ten in Angry Birds. But Skype was making her nuts.
It was also possible that she was freaking out about getting naked and more via the internet. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to try it. Rick had been starring in her X-rated dreams since the night she’d gotten home. But using the camera on her laptop was scary.
Damn it, if she had her own smart apartment, she’d already be lounging with a bottle of wine while she waited for Rick to call and she wouldn’t have had to do any of the tech stuff. Her birthday was coming up, and an apartment like that would be the only thing on her wish list.
