by Terra Deason
I was just glad I could salvage the situation. It was so like me to ask the one question that was clearly a potential mood killer. Watching him now, he didn’t seem bothered in the least and it was like I hadn’t asked it at all, but Saw still kept glancing at him from the corner of her eye. I decided that I would just ask Saw later and see if she could give me any insight.
When we finished the waitress brought our tickets and before Saw or I could get our money out Jensen had his card out, handing it to the waitress.
“My treat, ladies,” Jensen grinned.
“Are you sure?” I asked, my hand still on my wallet. Saw didn’t seem bothered, probably because he owed her. “I can pay for myself.”
“It’s fine,” he said, winking at me.
I still wasn’t sure about it, but there wasn’t much I could do now. Mack called Saw as we were gathering our things and said business was picking up and he needed is to come back as soon as possible, so we rushed out.
We we arrived back at Colorado Ink, it was in full swing. There were people standing everywhere and Mack was standing behind the desk looking lost. I didn’t waste anytime, moving him out of the way and taking over and before I knew it my mind was so occupied with work I had completely forgotten about lunch and Jensen.
Before I knew it, we were all standing out in front of the shop while Mack locked up for the night. I waited as Saw chatted with the guys for a moment and then I followed her to her car, waving bye to all the guys. Today had been the best day and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to be around the guys.
I was exhausted from my first real day of work and I couldn’t wait to get home and lay down. I had to work again tomorrow and I couldn’t wait.
“Mack was really impressed with you today,” Saw said, breaking into my thoughts.
“Really?” I said, surprised.
“Yea. He said you handled it pretty well for it being so busy on a Monday and your first day,” she grinned. “All the guys love you, too. Well, maybe a little in love with you.”
I shook my head and laughed.
“I doubt that, but I’m glad they like me. They are all pretty awesome,” I beamed at her. “Thank you again.”
We were at the apartment now, pulling into her parking space. She put the car into park, then shut it off, turning to me.
“Jensen’s smitten with you by the way,” she smirked, getting out of the car.
I climbed out after and me meet at the front of the car.
“No one says smitten anymore,” I said, nudging her shoulder playfully.
“I’m serious!” She laughed.
“Yea, I’d rather not go there,” I said, shaking my head. “Like you said, that man is nothing but heartbreak.”
We were on our floor now and I stopped outside my front door, turning to face Saw.
“Sometimes I’m wrong,” she shrugged and walked to her door.
I said nothing and unlocked my door, going inside. I didn’t know if she was right or wrong, but I didn’t want to think about it and I sure as hell didn't want to find out. My heart was still trying to repair itself as it was and I didn’t want to see how much more it could take.
Six
I was laying on the couch reading a book when there was a knock on the door. I knew it probably wasn’t Saw, because she hadn’t knocked in a while. She barged on in and announced herself. So, with caution I walked over to the door and looked through the peephole, but only saw black.
“Who is it?” I called.
“If I wanted you to know, I wouldn’t have covered the peephole, luv.” A very smooth and very English voice replied.
My eyes widened and I took a step back from the as if it were on fire. I looked down at my clothes and tried not to panic. I was only in a sports bra and my favorite holy sweats and there was no way I would answer the door in that.
“Ah, just… just a second,” I called and sprinted down the hall, into my room. I stripped and rummaged through my closet, looking for something more presentable to wear.
I froze when I heard the front door open, then close again. I walked over to my bedroom door and peeked my head out. Jensen was standing by the door, looking around.
“What are you doing?” I asked, trying to keep my half-naked body hidden on the other side of the bedroom door.
He arched an eyebrow at me.
“What are you doing, luv?”
“Putting clothes on, which is why I said to give me a second,” I chided him.
A devilish grin spread across his face and he took a step towards me.
“Need a hand?” His voice was husky, sending a shiver down my spine.
“I, uh…” Most definitely needed a hand. I cleared my throat and reminded myself that he was like this with everyone and it meant nothing. “I don’t, um, no thanks.” I retreated into my room, closing the door before he could see the redness spreading across my cheeks. I took a moment to gather myself, then continued finding something to wear.
A few minutes later I emerged in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I figured casual was the best way to play it safe. I didn’t want him thinking I was trying to dress up for him. I made my way down the hall and when I turned the corner into the living room, I found Jensen standing by my bookshelf looking at my books. I stopped behind the recliner, watching him as he browsed the shelves. He picked one up, flipped it over to read the back.
“Do you like to read?” I asked, startling him.
When he jumped he dropped the book and it hit the floor with a thud. He whipped his head around to look at me and I couldn’t suppress a smile. He looked like a deer caught in headlights.
“Sorry,” I giggled, walking over to him.
I stooped down and picked the book up, then handed it back to him, waiting to see if he would answer my question.
“Yes, but I rarely get the chance and I don’t have a lot of books,” he said, eyeing my shelves. They were pretty impressive.
“Feel free to take what you want,” I offered. “Just don’t forget where you got them.” I winked playfully, but I was serious. I loved my books and didn’t want to lose any of them.
“Thanks,” he said, tucking the book in his hand under his arm. “Your place is nice.”
“Thanks,” I said, smiling up at him. “So, did you just come over to check out a book or…?” I let the question hang.
His brows furrowed for a moment, then his eyebrows went up.
“Right,” he chuckled. “We’re all at Saw’s having drinks and playing cards. Saw told me to come and collect you even if I have to drag your arse over there.”
I arched an eyebrow in challenge. “Oh really? Well, as you can see I was in the middle of a fantastic book.”
His eyes slid to the book open on the table, then back to me. He walked over to the table and sat his book down beside mine, then returned to stand in front of me. He bent forward until his lips were at my ear. I had to fight the shiver that ran down my spine.
“Come now, luv. Do you really want me to carry you?” He leaned back until I could see the wicked grin on his face.
I gulped, then opened my mouth to respond, but he didn’t give me the chance. He bent down and picked me up, tossing me over his shoulder. I squealed and struggled when his hand slid up my thigh.
I thumped him on the back of the head.“Hey! Watch it buddy!”
“Just securing the goods, pet,” he chuckled, carrying me over to the door and opening it.
“I can walk, ya know!” I poked him in the ribs for effect and he stiffened, his hold tightening.
“Unless you want to end up on the floor, luv, I wouldn’t do that.” He gave a low chuckle and we continued onward.
I sighed in surrender, propping my face up with my hand, using his shoulder as leverage. He shut my door quickly and strolled across the hall to Saw’s apartment, carrying me as if I weighed nothing.
He opened her door, letting it swing wide and walked inside.
“Honey, I’m home!” I called.
My only view was of the open door, so I wasn’t sure who all was getting a nice view of my jean-clad ass.
“Yay! Freya’s here!” I heard Saw cheer, then she appeared in front of me. “Hey, babe!” She was grinning at me.
I leveled her with my best glare.
“You sicked your dog on me?” I said in mock outrage. “I thought we were friends?”
“You’re welcome,” she winked, before running off.
“Okay, big guy,” I said, patting Jensen on the back. “You can put me down now.”
He shifted, letting me slid down the length of him until my feet hit the ground. I stared up at him, my breath caught in my throat. The heat in his eyes could have set me on fire and caused stomach to flutter. My eyes flickered to his lips and I couldn’t help but notice how soft they looked. I would bet good money they were heavenly.
Before I could do something stupid, I took a step back and cleared my throat.
“Thanks,” I turned on my heel and fled to the kitchen.
Saw was getting beers out of the refrigerator. She looked up when I entered, raising her eyebrows. I shrugged, playing off whatever she had seen on my face.
“Here let me help you with those,” I said, grabbing a few of the beers from her hands.
She let them go willingly, but gave me another look. I turned my back to her and headed towards the sound of the guys. She followed behind me. The guys were all sitting around a poker table that was in Saw’s spare bedroom.
“Wow! Nice use for the spare room,” I said, impressed. I stepped into the room and handed the beers I held to Derek and Tyler. “All I have in my spare room is a lonely bed.”
I took the open seat in between Derek and Tyler. Jensen was sitting across from me and Saw took the last seat beside him.
“What?! A lonely bed? That is not what a spare room is for?” Saw said in mock outrage.
“It would appear not,” I chuckled.
“I’d be happy to keep your bed company,” Derek said, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
“My spare bed, you mean?” I laughed, brushing him off.
“Right..”
He gave me an exaggerated wink and I could help but laugh. He looked completely ridiculous. I looked around the table to find everyone laughing, except Jensen. He was glaring at Derek and Derek was just smirking at him. I gave Jensen a confused look, but he just frowned and looked down at the table.
I shook my head and looked to Saw. She was finished up shuffling a deck of card and then dealt them out. My was a little nervous about playing. I hadn’t played card often and when I had played, I played against my dad and I wasn’t sure he played fair. On more than one occasion I was sure he let me win.
“So, what are we playing?” I asked, picking up my cards.
“Texas Hold’em,” Saw answered. “Do you know how to play?”
“A little,” I admitted. “My dad taught me to play some, but I wasn’t ever that good at it.”
I looked to my cards and tried to recall everything he had taught me.
“Don’t worry, sugar. We’ll take it easy on you,” Tyler said, nudging my arm playfully.
I stuck my tongue out at him.
“All right lady and gents, let’s get this party started!” Saw yelled.
I played it safe at first, but soon realized that they were all ruthless in their efforts to win. Tyler liked to cheat and Jensen was just terrible. My only real competition was Derek and Saw and the more they drank the worse they played. It was a shame we weren’t playing for money. I’d be rolling in it by the time we were done.
I folded my hand and stood, stretching my back before moving towards the door.
“Anyone want anything from the kitchen?” I asked, but no one answered.
I shrugged and continued on into the kitchen. I pulled the refrigerator door open and bent to grab me a soda. I straightened, closing the door and nearly jumped out of my skin. Jensen was standing on the other side of the door.
“Jesus!” I shrieked, taking a step back.
“Nope, Jensen,” he said, pointing to his chest.
I rolled my eyes.
“What is it with you people and not making any noise when you walk?”
“Sorry, luv. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He stepped around me and opened the fridge, pulling out a beer.
“If you wanted something you should have said. I offered before I came in here,” I told him.
His eyes trailed over me before he smirked at me. I hated how my body seemed to light up under stare.
“It’s for Saw,” he said. “She must not have heard you.”
“Oh,” I said.
“How are you adjusting to your new life here in Colorado?” He asked, taking me by surprise.
“Oh! Better than I’d hoped, if I’m being honest,” I said. He gave me a questioning look, so I continued “Well, I met Saw and she’s awesome, then she introduced me to Colorado Ink and you guys and I really like you guys.”
He arched an eyebrow. It really was becoming his trademark look.
“You like me?” His eyes glinted with amusement, but I could tell that it pleased him.
My stomach fluttered.
I licked my lips and started to say something, but lost my train of thought when I noticed his eyes had tracked the movement. His gaze turned heated as he stared down at my mouth. Without think I slowly licked my lips again and he took a step towards me. I should back up and get out of here before I do something we both might regret, but I was lost. His heated gaze held me and it was like he was burning me from the inside out.
He leaned his head down, his eyes flickering between my lips and eyes. My lips parted as he leaned closer. My eyes were locked on his. He was so close, I could feel his breathing and noted when it hitched. I leaned in closer, wanting to close the distance that still separated us. I closed my eyes bracing for impact.
“There you guys are!” Saw called as she rounded the corner into the kitchen.
Jensen and I jerked apart and my eyes flew to Saw. She didn’t seem to have noticed anything unusual as she grabbed the beer out of Jensen’s hand.
“Come on! We’re trying to game a play!” She slurred, her words jumbled.
Saw stumbled and caught herself on the counter. She looked at the beer in her hand and sat it down on the counter, then stumbled back down the hallway without another word to Jensen or me. I couldn’t look at Jensen. Whatever had been between was gone now and in its place embarrassment was setting in.
“I, um, I guess we better get back,” I said, turning towards the hallway.
I glanced back once I reached the corner and he still hadn’t said anything. He had his back to me and was hunched over the sink, his shoulders moving up and down with every breath. I wanted to ask if he was okay, but thought better of it. Without a last look, I continued down the hall and into the game room.
Seven
After another hour, we finally called it a night and I was relieved. Once Jensen had returned to the game, my head just wasn’t in it. I had lost all my chips within the first few hands and watched after that. Jensen did his best to avoid me and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel. Mostly, I think I was just confused about him in general.
We all shuffled into the living room, Derek and Tyler calling dibs on sleeping on Saw’s huge couch, before slumping onto it and fighting over the remote. I had a feeling that whatever they decided on watching, neither would be awake long enough to watch it.
“Looks like I’ll be on the floor,” Jensen stated, pushing the coffee table out of the way.
I should’ve just stayed quiet and let him sleep there, but sometimes I’m too nice for my own good. Before Jensen could lie down, I stopped him.
“I have a spare room,” I told him. “You can take it.”
I didn’t bother asking because I knew he would refuse. I spun and moved towards the door, looking back at him. He still hadn’t moved and I could tell that he was thinking about staying here. When he looked up at
me, I raised an eyebrow in challenge.
With a shrug he followed in behind me as I lead him to my apartment and into the spare room. I was glad my mom had insisted on the spare bed. It really was a great idea. I’d have to thank her again when I talked to her.
I flipped on the bedroom light and gestured to the bed. He stepped around me and into the bedroom.
“Well, here ya go,” I said. “If you need anything, just give me a holler.”
“Thanks,” he said.
“What are friends for?” I said, smiling.
I retreated down the hall and into my room, not wasting any time in changing into my PJ’s. I put my sweatpants and sports bra back on, deciding that I didn't care if he saw me in my ugly clothes. Maybe that would cool whatever it was going on between us.
After changing, I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water to take to my room. I had this weird habit of waking up in the middle of the night needing something to drink and I didn’t want to wake my company by walking around in the middle of the night.
I was almost back to my bedroom when Jensen stepped out of the guest room.
“Hey,” he said, taking in my night clothes.
I tried to ignore the way his eyes seemed to linger on certain parts of me and the fact that my body seemed to react all on it's own when he looked at me.
“Hey,” I said, smiling. “Can I get you anything?”
I’d never had anyone stay over before so I wasn’t sure what the proper etiquette was, plus I was a little nervous. Mostly because it was Jensen.
“You okay?” he asked, reading what ever looked had crossed my face.
“Oh, um yeah,” I shrugged, trying to look indifferent. “I was just thinking, I mean, I’ve never had anyone stay the night with me before.”
I gave an awkward laugh, tucking a stray hair behind my ear.
“You mean since you moved here?” He looked confused.
“Ah, no. Never,” I said, uncomfortably. “I haven't really had friends before.”
