Chaos and Control(84)

“Thanks for clearing that up for us, Wren. You were a real big help.” He tries to glare at me, but it’s weak.

“Glad to do it.”

“And thanks again for Angela. She’s pretty cool.” His grin disappears. “Everything okay?”

I nod, and his smile returns. He knocks me a little kiss on the cheek before Angela pulls him out the door. I smile after them, wondering how much trouble they’ll get into tonight.

“That seems like a recipe for disaster.”

I turn to find Preston parked at the end of the bar, freshly showered. My eyes follow the hug of his T-shirt over taut muscles down to my favorite jeans with the hole in the knee. He looks uncomfortable and stiff, but he’s smiling at me.

“What are you doing here?” I stand between his legs and lean in for my kisses. They are too quick and tight-lipped.

“Can’t I visit my girlfriend at work?” His hands ghost down my back before resting on my hips. Preston’s pinkies play with the hem of my skirt.

“Your girlfriend? Hmm. I like that. Of course you can visit me. I’m happy you’re here. I just never thought you’d step foot inside this place.”

“Me, either. It seems you can be quite the motivational tool, Miss Hart.”

“I like being your motivational tool. But I’ve got to get back to work. Two hours left.”

Preston gives me two more kisses. These are softer, lingering a bit. They have their desired effect. I slide behind the bar and wash a pint glass, rinse it thoroughly, and dry it out with a clean towel. I pour Preston a Blue Moon and place it in front of him. I’m thanked with a slight nod and his knowing smirk.

By the time Coach and I are closing up, Preston’s had two more beers. While I worked, he wrote in his moleskin notebook. Every so often he would catch my eye across the room, and with one glance, send my pulse racing. The effect this man has on me is something so new. It’s like experiencing true love for the first time. Not a crush, or infatuation. It’s something more deep-rooted than I’ve ever known. It’s something that gives me wings and anchors me at the same time.

The place is empty now. As I wipe down the last of the tables and flip the chairs on top, Preston stands and gestures that he’s going to the bathroom. Coach slides me my half of the tips, and I shove the money into my bag.

“Tips are good,” Coach says. “Busy night.”

“I’m glad it’s over. I’m so exhausted I could sleep on this floor right now.”

Preston reappears. “Uh, no you couldn’t. That’s disgusting, just like the bathroom. I’ll wait until we get home.”

Coach laughs and waves us off. “Good night. See ya next week.”

As soon as we’re outside, Preston takes my hand. I smile up at him and stifle a yawn.

“You really are tired,” he says. We start down the street, and all I can think about is falling into my bed and sleeping for twelve hours.

“I am. I don’t know how you’re still going strong, especially with all that heavy lifting you were doing today. Jeez.”

“I work out every day. I’ve got stamina like you wouldn’t believe.”

My mouth drops open, and my feet stop moving. “I’d love to test that out one day.” Preston gives me a smirk, and I yawn again, covering my gaping mouth. “But not tonight.”

He pulls me along, and we continue our walk toward home. His fingers, weaved between mine, make me feel so safe and wanted. In the mess that is my life right now, his touch soothes me in a way that I imagine I soothe him. Bennie is right. We are good for each other, each of us equal parts calm and chaos.

Lightning slices through the dark sky, and a clap of thunder booms above us.

“I love storms. I miss them.”

Preston glances toward the dark sky. “You didn’t encounter storms traveling?”

“Of course I did. But they were different. These Midwest summer storms are a different beast.” I inhale, pulling the night air into my lungs. “They have a certain smell. Reminds me of being curled into Bennie’s side on my parents’ front-porch swing. She used to love to watch the rain roll in.”

Preston squeezes my hand when he sees my sad smile. Another bolt of lightning flashes, and thunder follows.

“We better hurry,” he says.

In front of Preston’s door, I run my hands up his chest and rest them on his strong shoulders. The soft material of his T-shirt does nothing to dispel the heat of his body beneath my fingertips.

“Stay with me,” he says.

“You mean, in your apartment? In your bed? Until morning?” I tease.

“It is morning.”

“You’re right.” I stretch my hands over my head and yawn again. “Okay. Let me grab my toothbrush and some clothes so I can work out with you in the morning.”

“Really?” he asks. “I’d like that.” Preston gives me a wide grin and smacks me on the ass as I head toward Bennie’s apartment.

I hurry into my room and search the dresser for some sleep clothes. I grab a tank and some boy shorts before darting to the bathroom for my toothbrush. I run my fingers over the bristles and grin at the idea of keeping a toothbrush at Preston’s apartment. Would he be okay with that, or is it too soon? While I don’t want to cause him anxiety, I love pushing him out of his comfort zone.