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I might even be as well.

Chapter10

Jeremy

“We had such a great time, Marcie.”I sat at my desk, talking to my sister on speaker phone.I wore my running shoes and shorts as well as a rainbow T-shirt—ready to go for a run.

As soon as I spotted Phillip and Wally.

They hadn’t gone for their walk today—so far.Or I hadn’t spotted them.

I planned to oh-so-casually catch them and offer to walk instead of run.I’d hit the treadmill after we’d made our way home last night.I’d invited Phillip, and by extension, Wally, to stay for a movie.So we could share the popcorn.

Phillip had given me a funny look.

Because of the invitation or the food?

I couldn’t be certain.

He’d said he wanted to go home.So we packed up Wally’s things, and the two headed out.

Instead of watching a movie, though, I hit the treadmill with my tunes cranked high.Mostly to keep myself from pondering Phillip.

Hadn’t worked.

I worked out my feelings.My attraction.Yes, I tended to like bigger guys.But if Phillip succeeded in losing weight as he clearly wanted to, would I still be attracted?

Yes.

Absolute yes.

Something about him called to me.Not just his vulnerability—although that was certainly part of it.He also had an inner strength.

Evidenced by his dealing with the unfamiliar family last night.

I’d spotted the hesitance with Zelda.Strange dog…appropriate reaction.

I’d sensed his unease with Kevin.Same thing.Unknown kid…trepidation.

Then Alec and Joe had appeared.

I’d nearly suggested we bail.Found some excuse to leave.Perhaps my oversensitivity, but I’d gotten the feeling Phillip had been a little overwhelmed.Or maybe that had just been an echo of his earlier comments about Marcie and all the other parents and kids.

Again, I couldn’t rationally explain why I sensed Phillip didn’t like crowds.

I just believed my gut feeling.

“I asked your plans for today.”Marcie’s voice cut through.“Sheesh, brother dearest.You called me, remember?”

“Right.”I chuckled.“Just…what did you think of Phillip?”

“In what way?He seemed like a respectable young man.Emphasis onyoung.”

“He’s twenty-four.”

“And you’re thirty-nine.”

“I wasn’t thinking of him inthatway.”