He laughed again. “Are you close with her?”
I pondered how to answer that question. Five years ago, I would have answered yes without question. Now, after Tim and running away, I’m not so sure. “It’s complicated.”
“Is that your go to response for subjects you don’t want to talk about?” His tone didn’t have the normal jovial quality. His words wounded, but I took a breath. He’s not Tim. He wants to know more about you, “You know, you’re right. I’m not in the habit of talking about myself.”
“So, you’re just a modest farm girl?” Wes’s fake Southern twang was terrible.
I snickered. “What do you know about farm girls?”
“I’m ignorant of the ways of all women.” He stopped cooking and leaned onto the countertop. His brow was furrowed.
I stepped closer. He looked upset. “Well, my brothers remind me daily of my tragic dating record.”
“Ouch. You know I totally see that. Frank was in the hospital, but still smooth.” Every time I talked to him light emanated from his face. Despite the fact that he was in the hospital, the only time he looked sick was when he was unconscious. Frank was one of those charismatic people that your mother warned you about. “Jared’s a little too smooth for my tastes.”
Wes laughed hauntingly. “You’re just about the first female to ever say that. Most women love him. Can’t get enough. He’s even had a few restraining-order-grade stalkers.”
He has to be pulling my chain. Jared was attractive, but charming enough to stalk? I guess that says more about the women than him. Surely, they must be unwell. It couldn’t have anything to do with how he is. It wasn’t as if he had some sort of magical powers. “Yeah well, he’s not my cup of tea. Too smooth. Calculated. I like nice guys.” I put my hand over Wes’s. He was a nice guy. Stable. Steady. Someone my younger self would have confused with boring. Exactly the type of person my current self-needed. And the type of man my daughters needed around. I didn’t want them growing up with drama and instability. I wanted them to crave the dull comforts of home. When our eyes met, I saw his desire. Smoldering. He was a nice guy, but he wanted me. And I wanted him. I ran my fingertips up his arm as I pulled away. “I’m sure you’ve had a few stalkers in your day.”
“You would think, but not a one.” He feigned disappointment.
“How long before dinner is ready?”
“About twenty minutes.” He walked over to the sink and washed his hands.
“Let’s have some wine then.” I never drink anymore.
The paranoia that gripped my mind hadn’t vanished, but it lessened. If Tim wanted to do something bad to me, he wouldn’t come see me he would just do it. And besides, what could happen while Wes was here? I needed to relax. And my favorite way to relax had been off the shelf for a long time. I needed to be held. Kissed. Caressed. And I was sure Wes did too. I grabbed two wine glasses and the bottle and made my way over to the couch. Wes blinked, looking surprised.
“Well, alright then.” He took the seat on the furthest end of the couch, opposite of where I was sitting.
I poured him a generous glass of wine and patted the seat next to me. “What are you worried about? You think I might bite?”
He laughed shyly. “No, I’m worried that I will.”
I handed him his glass and took a sip from mine. Crossing my legs and leaning towards him, I whispered, “That might not be such a bad thing.”
He laughed but looked a bit uncomfortable. Had I read the signals wrong? “You seem nervous. Have I done something wrong?”
Wes turned, jumping up from the couch, sloshing his wine onto the coffee table. He dove down and wiped the table with his hand. “I’m so sorry!”
I shrugged, amused. “It’s fine. I have two kids remember. There isn’t anything in this house that doesn’t have crumbs or juice on it.”
He smiled widely, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I forgot.”
I needed to find out if I was wasting my time. “Wes, I really like you.”
He tilted his head and raised his glass. “I really like you too. And your girls. They’re freaking adorable. I forgot how much I enjoyed spending time around children. It’s been so long.”
No wonder he has trouble with women. We’re alone at night with glasses of wine in our hands. If opportunity in itself doesn’t signal him to take action, it was going to be up to me. There was something sexy about his cluelessness. It was refreshing to be with a man that wasn’t trying to stick his hands down my pants at every turn. But there was something maddening about it as well. Did that mean I was losing it? “I think you’ve misunderstood me.” I took a big gulp of wine and placed my glass on the table. My heart pitter pattered in my chest. Somersaults enveloped my gut. On shaking legs, I stood up and walked over to where Wes was sitting. I turned to face him and took the glass of wine from his hands. He stared up at me, frozen. The glass clinked against the table. I sat down next to him, our thighs brushing together. “I’m really glad we’re finally getting some alone time.”
Wes cleared his throat. His voice cracked a bit. “Me too.”
I leaned in a little. “I’m a little cold.” I shivered and grabbed his arm. It might be a bit lame, but high school moves have always worked for me.
“It’s warm…what are you…
“You’re going to wake them up.” I giggled and pushed Wes onto the couch. I straddled his hips and sat down on his lap. Grabbing his face with both hands, I drew his lips to mine. His lips were warm and soft. I sank into him, feeling his firm chest against mine. He made a low groan and pulled away. His hardness pressed against the thin fabric of my dress.