THICK(6)

“Don’t touch those.” It takes me a moment to understand what he’s saying. He guides my hand back to my lap as he stands and towers over me. “You could cut yourself.”

He picks up the pieces and takes them to the trash and then returns a few moments later with a new plate.

“Do you have any paper plates? I don’t want to break another one,” I try and tease, but I’m not sure my tone comes out right. I’m unable to hide my embarrassment and my heart sinks. This will likely be the last time he invites me over.

“It’s just a plate,” he says as he reaches over and grabs his. I gasp when he smacks it down on the hard surface and it snaps in half. “Now we both did it.”

I burst out laughing as he picks up the broken plate and throws it in the trash with the other one. He grabs himself another one and smiles at me. God I didn’t think he could get any hotter.

He comes back to the table and sits down then piles my new plate full of food. I’m pretty sure I fall a little in love with him in this moment.





Chapter Four





Bull





I didn’t sleep much last night, but that makes five nights in a row. Ever since Teeny came over and had dinner with me, I can’t get her out of my mind. I spend my days staring out the peephole and trying to catch a glimpse of her.

When she was here we didn’t talk much, or at least I didn’t. She told me about how she designs stuffed animals for a living and how busy she is. I’d never heard of something like that, but apparently it’s a big business. I loved seeing how excited and animated she was while she talked and how she probably said more words in one night than I had in a whole month.

After dinner I walked her to the door and she thanked me for a fun night. There was a moment of hesitation when I wanted to lean down and kiss her, but then I chickened out. I sent her dinner as a welcome home sort of thing and she was probably just being polite after the order got screwed up. I’m sure she couldn’t wait to get out of here and back across the hall.

Who would want to hang out with someone who doesn’t have much to say? She asked me about myself, but I’m sure a few mumbled answers here and there were far from enough to leave her wanting more. I felt like such an idiot the second she walked out the door.

When I finish with my last set of weights I put the bar down and grab my towel. I wipe the sweat off my brow and then go into the kitchen to grab some water. It only takes me a second before I’m at my door and looking out to see if she’s there. When there’s no sign of her I sigh and walk away.

I glance at the counter of my kitchen at all the bread I made last night when I couldn’t sleep. Being at home all day by myself can get boring, but last year I taught myself how to make bread and I’m pretty good at it. I think it’s because the kneading is so easy. I made four different loaves and I set one to the side thinking I’d take one to Teeny if I saw her.

It seems as though I’m going to have to go knock on her door since I can’t make it seem like an accident that we’ve run into one another. I don’t leave much, so it really would have been a miracle if it happened.

I take a quick shower and pull on some shorts and a T-shirt. It feels itchy against my skin because I’m not used to wearing them that often. But I think showing up shirtless would a bit more frightening, and I don’t want things between us to be awkward. I had a nice time with her the other night and I should have said something to her the next day. But years of insecurity have convinced me that no one could possibly be attracted to me.

I made the bread as an excuse to see her again, but also to see if the other night was just a sympathy meal or if she really had a nice time. There’s only one way to find out.

With one more steadying breath I grab the parmesan bread and open my door. I’m shocked and a little flustered when I see her door open and Teeny steps out at the same exact time.

“Bull!” she says loudly, and she could knock me over with a feather at how sweetly she looks at me.

“Hey,” I say as I take a step towards her. “It’s been a few days-”

“I missed you,” she blurts out. “I mean, I’ve missed seeing you around,” she says and then looks at the ground nervously. “You don’t come out much, but not that I’ve been watching or anything. But I’ve been in and out and haven’t seen you. Do you get out much? I guess not with all the work you’re doing.” She starts to fan herself and her cheeks are red. “Is it hot in here?”

I laugh. “Yeah, it’s warming up.” I duck my chin and then remember I’m holding a present for her. “I made you this.”

I hold out the loaf of bread and she grabs it from me eagerly.

“You made this? Are you kidding me?” Her eyes are bright and wide as she looks up at me.

I nod and then shrug. “It’s not hard.”

“This looks so fancy. It smells so good, too,” she says, pulling away the paper I had wrapped around it and bringing it to her nose. “Thank you so much.” She looks down at it and then back to me. “I’d ask you to come inside and have some but—”

“No, that’s fine. You’re busy,” I say as I begin to walk backwards away from her. Suddenly I feel like a complete fool for even trying. Gah, why would a pretty girl like her give me the time of day?