Page 9 of Trees Take the Long View

I reached out and touched his cheek with two fingers, a single gentle stroke, and smiled at him. "All right, big boy. I hear you loud and clear."

He froze at the touch—not like he was alarmed, but like he'd forgotten to keep breathing. I dropped my hand and gave him my most mysterious look.

"Well," he managed. "All right. Cut it out, then."

"Cut what out?" I drew back and stuffed my hands in my pockets, so I wouldn't touch him again. He was very touchable.

"You're smiling at me," he complained, halfheartedly.

"You're easy to smile at."

"Fine, but you're smiling like you know something."

"Me? I don't know a damned thing in the world." He was so very kissable. I stepped up to him again, and this time I kissed him first.

He couldn't remember to pull away for a long time.

When he did, it was only to rest his forehead on my shoulder this time, panting, heaving for breath. "I've got to go," he managed at last. "I've got to."

"Okay." I massaged the back of his neck, as he'd done to mine. "I understand. But you'll come and see me tomorrow, right?"

He nodded against me. "I'll drive you to work."

"It's a deal." I held him till he was ready to leave. And didn't kiss him again. It would have been cheating if I had. I didn't need to even contemplate cheating when I was already starting to win.

#

I couldn't remember a morning in recent history when I'd woken up so grateful and alive. For once there was something to be hopeful about. For once there was something to look forward to. I got ready for work, thrumming with inward excitement. I was going to see Dean today. I combed my hair as nicely as I could, then ended up doing it all over again, and finally undid it to look ruffled and carefree, as if I didn't give a damn—devil-may-care, totally not neurotic. I hoped he wouldn't call me skinny again today. I was strong enough. I flexed cautiously with one arm, and gave my muscles a small squeeze, just to check. Seemed okay to me. My breath seemed fresh enough, although I made doubly sure with my toothbrush and canteen of water.

I was just considering changing outfits and debating the merits when he pulled up and honked. I stared at him, through the windshield of his car, feeling a big smile start up on my face. I just couldn't play it cool, could I? He was so hot, though, him with his...hisface, and that body of his, all muscular and perfect. And he smelled so good.

I sauntered over and gave him a grin as I climbed in. "Hey."

"Hey yourself." He tried not to smile, but that little quirk of his mouth gave him away. He was avoiding my face this time. Well, it was his turn, I supposed. I'd been self-conscious and hopelessly attracted the first time I rode with him; it really didn't bother me if it was his turn now.

"So, when do you get off work?" he asked.

I thought. Usually, nobody cared when (or whether) I got off work. I still had that wall to build, but I should be able to get a big part of it done today. There wasn't really anything else on the plate. It was hard working in the heat of the day—I'd have preferred being out after dark and building it then, but they didn't work that way.

"Should be around five today unless the boss needs me to do something extra."

"I'll be there. Did you eat this morning?" he asked me, still keeping his gaze safely on the road. Safe in more ways than one.

I blinked. "I guess I forgot." Damn, I needed him to see me as confident, not too forgetful to eat!

"Why, too busy primping and preening for me?" he asked, only semi-sarcastically.

"Maybe. Why, did you notice?"

"I couldn't say. Is there time to stop somewhere for breakfast? How mad will your boss be if you're late?"

"He'll live. I'm part-time and they don't expect much from me. They'll let me go after the weather changes, probably. Seasonal labor."

He made a sound of disgust in his throat. "Why don't we stop for a fast food breakfast? It would be better than nothing."

"I'll be fine. You don't have to feed me. And don't you dare call me skinny again."

He shut his mouth, which he'd been opening to say something, probably about being too skinny. "Ahem. I was going to say you'll be working hard today, you should eat something."