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Simple Math(2)
Author: Loni Ree

 

 

2

 

 

Lexi

 

 

Over the last two weeks, unpacking and preparing for classes have consumed all my time. After arranging and rearranging my tiny studio apartment, I finally gave up and called it ready. Moving to this small town set my studies back a semester, but I know it will be worth it in the long run. Buying my textbooks and supplies put a huge dent in my savings, and I don’t have the money to waste on frivolous things. Like alcohol. Every day, I walk by the Cluster Bar on my way to Gail’s Diner for my waitressing job. The older, two-story brick building with darkened windows and a bright neon yellow sign draws my attention. Nightly, there’s a line stretched across the front sidewalk and around the corner past the packed parking lot. Two weeks of curiosity eats away my resistance. I ignore my responsible side when it reminds me of the low balance in my bank account and talk myself into checking the bar out.

The smell of smoke and sweat hits me in the face as I push my way through the overcrowded bar. Loud blaring music echoes throughout the room, sending pain shooting across my forehead. Swallowing, I glance around and notice the two gorgeous men seated at a table in the middle of the room. I rub my sweaty palms on my silky dress while attempting to pretend the bigger of the two men doesn’t affect me. That my heart isn’t beating out of control in my chest from staring at him. I remind myself that I’m here to study and finish graduate school, not search for men in bars. I drag my eyes away and continue making my way through the throng of drunk students. After finding a booth across the room from them, I order a drink and hide in the corner to observe the crowd.

I nearly hyperventilate when the hot guy I’ve been trying to ignore stands and pushes his way through all the people then walks toward me. Oh boy. I’m in trouble. His liquid green eyes hold mine captive while the bright blue disco lights dance off his dark brown hair. He steps close and extends his hand, and I act like an idiot. After mumbling some garbled reply, I’m tempted to smack my forehead. As his spicy, masculine scent washes over me, a shiver runs down my spine. I feel my nipples harden underneath my thin dress and cross my arms to hide the evidence of my arousal. This is all new to me. No one has ever caused me to lose my mind like this.

As he sits across from me and makes small talk, I take several deep breaths to steady my nerves. Watching his lips move distracts me, and I miss most of the conversation. When he stands and holds out his hand to me, I shock us both by taking it. He pulls me from the booth and places an arm over my shoulder. His yummy masculine scent wraps around me, causing all my thoughts to scatter. My tiny voice of reason is screaming for me to put a halt to this craziness, but I ignore her and allow him to lead the way.

The warm late summer air hits me in the face as we walk out of the bar, and sweat breaks on my brow. What in the heck? Have I lost my mind? Self-preservation kicks in, and I pull my hand from his. Looking up, I shake my head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t do this.”

I spin and rush away down the crowded sidewalk before he’s able to respond. Reaching my apartment building, I shove open the dirty glass door and stop to glance over my shoulder. I’m not sure if it’s disappointment or relief that flows through me when I see nothing but emptiness behind me.

It takes three tries, but I finally manage to insert my key into the lock. After dead bolting the old, scarred door, I drop onto my second-hand floral sofa and run my hand through my hair. Leaning back, I stare at the ceiling and remind myself that I’m here to finish school. Not fall in love.

The thin, off-white blinds hanging in my bedroom barely filter the light shining through. Groaning, I pull my blanket over my head and roll to the other side. A few minutes later, I give up on trying to sleep longer. After crawling out of bed, I head for the bathroom, hoping a long shower will help wake me up. As the hot water runs over my tired body, I groan and wonder if I made a mistake last night. Steamy fantasies of Dane making love to me consumed my mind and dreams.

 

 

It’s been a slow morning at the diner. I refill Mr. Ott’s coffee and smile at the elderly man. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, Doll.” He grabs a pink sweetener packet and pours it into the black liquid. “I’m good.”

“I’ll check on you in a few minutes.” As I pat his arm, I realize his red plaid flannel shirt is just like the one my grandpa loved to wear. Homesickness overwhelms me, and I rush to the bathroom to wipe the tears from my eyes. After washing my hands, I lean against the door and take several deep breaths. When I made plans to move across the country, I never imagined how much I’d miss my large family. Being the middle child of five and the only girl was hard. I always dreamed of moving out on my own. After obtaining my undergraduate accounting degree, I decided to work on my graduate degree. The state university close to my home doesn’t have a program that fits my needs, so I applied to several schools across the country. When Red Falls University offered me a full scholarship, I was shocked but happy. Although moving to the other side of the country alone terrified me, I put my fear aside and jumped at the chance.

This is the second job I’ve ever had and the first one that wasn’t for family. My dad owns the only garage in our small town, and my mother is his office manager-slash-bookkeeper. All of us kids grew up working in the auto shop. That’s where I learned to love accounting. My mother let me help with the books while my brothers worked in the garage. Sighing, I realize it’s been two days since I checked in. I remind myself to call home tonight before my parents send out the cavalry.

The rest of the day passes slowly. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I see only ten minutes have gone by since the last time I checked. When three-thirty finally rolls around, I nearly shout with joy. As I walk home, I force myself to ignore the bar across the street. Tomorrow, school starts, then I’ll be too busy to think about the hot man I met there and the crazy feelings he inspired. Hopefully, they’re temporary.

 

 

3

 

 

Dane

 

 

I can’t believe I’m still moping around like a moron a week later. Staring out my second-story office window, I watch students rush across the quad headed for their afternoon classes. Every time a girl with caramel-colored hair walks by, my heart jumps into my throat and I wonder if it’s her. The one woman who’s been driving me crazy since I let her disappear into the crowd. Fuck. Berating myself, I run my hand down the back of my neck and groan. I never should’ve let her get away. For the millionth time, I wonder what the fuck is happening to me. I can’t concentrate on work; my nerves are shot and nights are long. After the sun goes down, I experience a whole new level of torture. I lie in bed exhausted but wide awake and imagine her luscious body—what it would feel like to run my hands through her silky, long hair while I leave my mark on her delicate throat. These impulses are so out of character for me, I almost wonder if my mind made her up just to torture me.

I stare at the stack of quizzes sitting in the middle of my desk waiting to be graded and groan. This week, I’m completely off my game. I usually grade quizzes within a day. These have been cluttering my desk since Tuesday. A knock on my office door interrupts my crazy thoughts. “How was the class from hell today?” Nick walks in and drops into the chair across from my desk.

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