by Terra Deason
He shrugged without looking up.
“One is fine.”
“Okay, but I have to warn you I like pineapples on my pizza,” I informed him prepared to plead my case about how pineapples do belong on pizza. It was a testy topic and I was well versed in my defense on the subject.
“So do I,” he said, looking up from the menu to smile at me.
“Oh,” I said in surprise.
The waitress returned with our drinks and took our orders. I glanced around the restaurant noting that there weren’t many people here. Five people including Jensen and myself. For all the praise Jensen gave it, it didn’t seem to get much business. That or it was just a slow night.
When I looked back to Jensen he had his arms crossed in front of him and he was leaning on the table, looking at me.
“Is there any rules you would like to discuss?” He asked before I could look away.
I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink before answering.
“I’m a pretty simple person. You can have friends over or whatever and if you want to throw a party just let me know ahead of time. Also, if you want alone time with a girlfriend just let me know and I’ll make myself scarce for the night or nights. Other than that, the apartment is yours as much as it is mine.”
“That all sounds pretty reasonable,” he said.
“What about you? Do you have any rules for me?”
“Those will do.”
“Okay, but I only have one friend outside of you and everyone at the shop and I don’t party, so we shouldn’t have any problems.”
Before we could continue the waitress returned with our pizza. It smelled amazing and looked even better. She barely had time to set it on the table before I was reaching for the first piece. I couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped me as I chewed.
“Told you it was worth it,” Jensen chuckled, taking a bite of his own piece.
“Jimmy’s is pretty amazing, but this. This is my favorite place. Hands down.” The smile that lit his face knocked the breath out of me. I could see how much it meant to him that I loved this place.
We ate in silence for a while neither of us sure of what to say. I was still stunned by the smile he had given me. He was beautiful inside and out and it was at odds with his playboy lifestyle. Just when I was making sense of Jensen I find more to be confused about.
By the time we both finished, my curiosity was bubbling up and I had a few questions for him.
“So, you like building cars?”
“It was something I did when my dad growing up,” he shrugged, leaning back.
“And tattooing?”
“I always had an eye for art. Was a bit of a drawer as a teen and one day I met a guy who did tats out of the back room of his house. He showed me how to run my first tattoo gun and I never looked back.”
I thought about that for a moment and debated on asking why he moved to the US, but didn’t want to ruin the mood. Again. Maybe with him being my roommate now he will eventually trust me with the truth. I already asked Saw, but she told me it wasn't her story to tell.
“Why old cars? Most people lean more towards sports cars.”
“When I first moved here I met a guy who had a fully restored 1969 Oldsmobile F85. It was gorgeous and sexy as fuck. I never looked back.” I smiled at his response because I had seen one before and knew just how sexy they were. “What about you? You seem into old ones too?”
“The history. It’s amazing to see an old car driving down the road; a piece of history being appreciated. Plus, old cars are sexy as fuck.” He smiled when I repeated his phrase. “How did you end up at Colorado Ink?”
“I met Mack at a tattooing convention in London way back and we kept in touch. When I moved to the states, I looked him up. That was almost three years ago.”
“And that’s where you met Saw and the guys?”
“Derek at first, then Saw showed up a year later. Tyler came around a year after her.”
“You all are so tight-knit. A family.” It was a statement.
“They are my family.”
“What about your other family? Do they move here too?” It was risky, but I asked anyway.
“No. They still live in England.” His face shifted and I could see him closing off.
I made my heart sad to see him like this. I had to do something, anything to make him smile again.
“Hey! If you’re done we can go get you a key made for the apartment.” I forced as much enthusiasm into my voice as I could.
When he looked up at me, I gave him my biggest grin. He smiled back, but it didn’t reach his eyes. I raised a hand motioning for the waitress. When she came over, I quickly handed her my card before Jensen could get his out of his pocket. He tried to object, but the waitress just walked away.
“Gotta be quicker than that,” I smirked, and he frowned at me. “Oh, come on! This isn’t a date, so you shouldn’t have a problem with me paying.” I arched an eyebrow at him and waited.
Slowly a smile spread across his face. “Fine, but next time it’s my turn.”
“Does that mean I can look forward to future non-date’s, then?” The waitress returned with my card and receipt. I signed quickly, and we headed for the door.
“Absolutely, luv. In fact, I think it should be a weekly roommate event.” I looked up at him, to find him smiling down at me.
“Agreed. How about Sundays?” He pushed the door open, letting me walk through first.
“Sunday’s it is,” he agreed. That meant Sunday’s were my new favorite day of the week.
We made it to the hardware store in time to have a key made and on the drive home we discussed more about him moving in. He assured me he only owned a TV which would be perfect for his room. I was glad I had bought that extra bed, but I didn’t have an extra dresser. He said he could find one no problem. I asked a few more questions, and he didn’t seem to mind, but didn’t ask any of his own.
By the time we reached the shop, I was tuckered out. I couldn’t wait to get home and crawl into bed. I stifled a yawn as he pulled into the parking space beside my car.
“You going to be okay to drive?” he asked. When I looked over at him, I could see the worry in his eyes.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” I gave him a reassuring smile and climbed out of the car. I walked around his car to mine and pulled open my car door and started to climb in.
“Freya,” Jensen called. I turned to see he had rolled his window down and was leaning out of it. “Thanks for tonight. For dinner and letting me room with you.”
“You’re welcome.” I smiled.
“Will you text me when you get home? Just so I know you didn’t fall asleep at the wheel.” I was touched by his concern and didn’t hesitate with my response.
“Of course, but I don’t have your number.” I pulled out my phone and handed it to him.
He put his number in quickly and handed my cell back. “Don’t forget okay?”
“I won’t.” I smiled and climbed into my car. He waited until I started it before pulling out of the parking lot. I sighed, putting my car in drive. I may have a ridiculous crush on Jensen, but he was my friend and I am so glad that I could help him. Hopefully, it didn’t come back to bite me.
The drive to my apartment was quick, but I was completely exhausted by the time I arrived. I hadn’t realized how late it had gotten while I was out. Just as I stuck my key in the lock, I heard Saw’s door open. I should have known she would wait up for me.
“How was your date with Jensen?” I turned to find her leaning against her door frame, smirking at me.
“It wasn’t a date,” I sighed. “It was just two friends having dinner. I even paid.” I was still a little smug about that.
“Oh man, I bet Jensen was beside himself,” she laughed.
“Yeah,” I yawned. I would have to get to bed soon or I was going to fall asleep here in the hallway.
“You text your ex?” Saws face was serious now.
“No,” I frowned. �
��Actually, I completely forgot.” But since I was thinking about it, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and quickly hit delete on Josh’s text message. Screw him.
“Good,” she smiled, stepping back into her apartment and shutting the door.
I pushed my door open and walked in. I tossed my bag on the floor by the door and headed for my room, phone still in hand. I stripped out of my clothes not bothering to find any pajamas. I scrolled through my contacts until I found Jensen’s name and opened a new message.
Me: I made it.
Jensen: Good. Took a little longer than I expected though.
Me: Saw stopped me on my way in.
Jensen: Ah.
Me: She wanted to know how our non-date went. She thought it was funny that I paid.
Jensen: Not funny.
Me: Sure, sure.
Jensen: Get to bed, luv.
Me: Already in it, boss.
Jensen: Goodnight
Me: Night.
Twelve
The next day, school dragged by at a snail's pace and by the time I parked in my parking space at the apartment, I was completely drained and ready for a nap. Thankfully today was my one day off at the shop. My bed was calling my name and I wasted no time going up the stairs and into my apartment.
I dropped my bags right inside the door and kicked off my shoes. When the door slammed shut, I started to pull my shirt off.
“Now that’s the way to greet a person!” I froze with my shirt halfway over my head. Slowly, I lowered it, peering over to find Jensen lounging on my couch. I pulled my shirt the rest of the way down and smiled sheepishly.
I can’t believe I had forgotten that he was supposed to move in today.
“Sorry, luv. I didn’t realize it would come as a shock to find me here,” he shifted into a sitting position, a frown pulling at his lips.
“No. No, it’s fine. I just had a long day and am exhausted. I’m glad you’re here. Really.” I walked over and sat down beside Jensen, smiling at him. He searched my face for a moment, but I was being honest. I was really glad he was here. “Did you get everything moved okay?”
“I didn’t have much, but yes. I’m even unpacked.” He was smiling now and I felt relieved.
“You don’t work today?” I knew he was scheduled to.
“No. I took the day off,” he smiled. “I knew it would take long to move, but I didn’t want to rush around either.”
“Oh.” Was all I said.
We sat in an awkward silence and the need to escape was clawing at me. I needed a moment to get my head together. Hopefully that would wash away and left over shock at seeing him here. Without a word, I stood and headed for my room. I wanted to change out of my jeans anyway and it was the perfect excuse for escape.
Once in side my room, I gave myself a mental shake. I could do this. It didn’t have to be weird, and I knew that awkwardness would eventually go away once we got more used to being around each other every day. Plus, with school and work we probably wouldn’t have to spend a lot of time alone.
A knock startled me out of my thoughts and I started at the door in panic. I took a deep breath to calm myself before calling ‘come in’ to him. Jensen pushed the door open and smiled at me.
“All right, luv?” Why do I love the way he says that? It's not natural. I decided to play dumb.
“Of course,” I said, smiling. “Just wanted to put something comfortable on. What’s up?”
“Just wanted to know what you wanted for dinner. I’m cooking.” He leaned against the door frame, eyes on me.
“Surprise me,” I said, meeting his eyes. We’ll just pretend I wasn’t just checking him out and it really didn’t matter what he cooked. I would probably eat dirt if he said he made it for me.
“You got it, luv.” He pushed off the frame and headed back down the hall.
I quickly changed into a pair of sleep shorts and pulled my hair into a messy bun before heading into the kitchen to join him. I stopped at the bar and tried to hide a smile. Jensen looked so domestic in the kitchen. It was one more thing about him that clashed with his playboy persona.
“Need any help?” I called, as he made short work of finding everything he needed. I wasn’t surprised since this wasn’t the first time he’s cooked for me in my… er... our kitchen.
He didn’t speak, just shook his head and continued working. I took a seat on one of the kitchen stools and enjoyed the view. I mean, it wasn’t every day a really hot guy cooks you dinner. Though it might be a common occurrence for me now. I was one lucky girl because the view in my kitchen right now was to die for. I mentally added cooking to one of the many hidden talents he had. I mean mechanics, tattooing, now cooking. He was prime boyfriend material.
That brought up a good question, which I voiced before I thought better of it.
“Is your girlfriend okay with you rooming with another girl?”
His back straightened, and he turned to look at me over his shoulder. “Girlfriend?”
“You know,” I shifted nervously in my seat. “The blonde barbie that came in to visit you my first day at the shop?” He just stared at me, brow arched. “Her name was a car or something. Porsche or Buick? No, Mercedes!”
Recognition registered on his face, but all he said was, “I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Okay then,” I said, hopping off my stool.
I strolled into the living room and grabbed my book off the table. I flopped down onto the couch, stretching out. If he doesn’t feel like talking, then I guess I’ll get some book time in. Between working and school, I rarely get time to read anymore. Reading was my favorite past time. I settled onto the couch and began reading, shutting out the noise coming from the kitchen.
I knocked out a couple chapters by the time he finished dinner and I was a little reluctant to put my book down. It was getting intense and had me all in my feels. Those were my favorite kind of books. The ones that made you feel.
I walked over to the bar and sat on my stool. When I looked up, Jensen was smiling sweetly at me and I had to resist the urge to suck in a breath. Instead, I cocked my head to the side and smiled.
“What?”
“Nothing, luv,” he smiled, sitting a huge plate full of chicken and pasta down in front of me. I eyed him a little longer, but let it go for now.
“This looks delicious. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, luv,” he said, walking around the bar and sitting down beside me.
I had been thinking about it and I had decided to apologize for prying the first time at Jimmy’s and then again last night. I didn’t want him to think I was nosy or intrusive. I wanted to be a good roommate who had boundaries.
“I’m sorry,” I blurted, then bite my lip to hold in the word vomit that had almost ensued.
His fork was almost to his mouth when he lowered it and raised an eyebrow at me. “What’s there to be sorry for, luv?”
“It’s just… Well, I know ask a lot of questions and I’ve noticed I’ve asked a few that you weren’t comfortable with and I just want you to know that I’m figuring out which ones not to ask, but I wanted to apologize if I made you uncomfortable.” It came out in a rush as I stared down at the counter. I was too embarrassed to look at him.
He sat his fork onto his plate and reached forward, putting his finger under my chin forcing me to look up at him.
“Don’t fret, luv. Your questions don’t bother me. There are things I just don’t talk about.”
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him and I was hyper aware of how his finger on my chin turned into a hand on my cheek. Without thought I leaned into him my eyes still locked on his. The way he was looking at me was making my entire body heat up. His fingers started slowly stroking my cheek and I couldn’t think of anything that had felt so good.
The front door banged open and Jensen and I jumped apart. I stared at him wide eyed, unable to look away from him. I knew who had barged in and I didn’t have to look at her to know she had a smirk on her
face. Plus, I knew if I looked at her I would just look like a deer caught in headlights. Jensen however leveled a cool stare at her.
“Hallo, pet. Nice of you to stop by.” He didn’t sound like he thought it was nice at all.
“Just wanted to check and see how the new roomies were doing and from the looks of it, I’d say it’s going great…” She drew out the last word.
I finally recovered, only to embarrass myself further. “We’re just having dinner!”
I wish I could suck the words back in. They sounded defensive and wrong. Saw just smirked at me as she sauntered past us and into the kitchen. She walked to the stove and sniffed, then gestured to the pan.
“May I?”
Jensen and I both shrugged and stared down at our plates. I was too embarrassed to look at either of them. This wasn’t how things should be starting for us. The last thing I wanted was for everything to be awkward. There would be no way for this to work if he knew I had a crush on him. It seemed like we were having a lot of shared moments lately and I was afraid I was making them into something more than they were because of the stupid crush. A guy like that couldn’t possible have any interest in a girl like me.
“Oh!” Saw exclaimed, suddenly. She had moved into the living room and was now sitting on the couch, her now empty plate balanced on her lap. “I just remembered why I came over here.” She stood, walking into the kitchen to put her plate in the sink.
“And whys that?” Jensen asked, pushing his plate away. It would appear that I wasn’t the only one who pushed at the rest of my food.
“I set you up on a blind date,” she grinned. I looked to Jensen and watched as his eyes narrowed. Confused, I looked back to Saw and realized she was talking to me.
“What?” I choked. She couldn’t be serious, but a wicked grin spread across her face and I narrowed my eyes. She was serious, but I could tell she had something up her sleeve.
“Come on. It will be fun! He’s one of my clients and a total babe. He’s seen you around campus and in the shop and he is totally interested.” She said it to me, but she was watching Jensen and I knew then what she was doing.
“No,” I said. Jensen whipped his head around to look at me. He looked surprised that I refused, but there wasn’t something else in his expression. Something I couldn’t put my finger on. “I’m not really looking to date right now. You know that.”
