* * *
A few days later.
* * *
Siri
* * *
The belt moves,sliding my items to the cashier.The little old lady in front of me smiles sweetly and apologizes for taking so long.
Instantly, my impatient mood changes.It is not that big a deal to be a few minutes late.Mrs.Smith, my landlord, will not be upset.
I nod, "God bless you too, ma'am."
Once in my car, I hit the gas to make up for the lost time on the highway.The speed relaxes me.I turn on my tunes, and Pharrell Williams sings "Happy."My hands begin tapping the steering wheel as I rehearse the video in my mind.
I can't wait to tell Cat I intend to do "Happy" for my return performance.She will come unglued.
Once I work out the details of breaking my lease with Mrs.Smith this morning, I will be able to set a return date.The thought of seeing my team again puts a smile on my face.
Parking and grabbing my bags, I hurry.I have just enough time to put my groceries away and get back down to Mrs.Smith's office on time.
I turn my back at the door to push it open and notice a badass truck in the visitor's spot—a Tuxedo Black Metallic Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition.
Ooo, what a sweet ride!A real 'man' truck.I wonder if a badass drives it?I laugh.Probably not.Probably just a want-to-be, but hey, at least he has good taste.
Rushing through the lobby to the elevator, I glance toward the office and see Mrs.Smith talking to a young man.
In my line of work, sizing men up is part of the job.My instant impression is a stud!He looks to be my age, athletically built, 6' tall, plus or minus.He is wearing a pale-blue shirt with distressed blue jeans and could go over 200 pounds depending on his muscle mass.
In the elevator, I whip around to hone in on the man-target.He has a military-style haircut that's buzzed on the sides with dark roots, but the top is long, thick, 'dirty blonde' hair streaked with natural sun highlights.It is sleek and moving gently as he talks.
As I press #9, Mrs.Smith looks around him and waves.He turns to look also as the doors begin to close.
My breath catches in my throat.
My heart stops beating.
Golden tan skin.
Perfectly symmetrical features.
Dark hawkish brows.
But it's his piercing light eyes that rock me to my core.
He is beautiful!
The doors close.
My heart jolts back to reality.
I gasp, "Sweet Zeus!What just happened?"
My hand touches my pounding heart, and I feel the wild chaos inside."Fuck, he is fine!"
I laugh at my response."Woo!That look!"
