“A deep voice behind me makes me jump. I quickly turn around to see a tanned, tall man, about my age, in a pair of khaki shorts, tank top, tennis shoes, and dark shades. He has about two days’ growth of stubble on his face. He smiles broadly when I ask, “What?” “Can I help you with that? It looks like you’re wrestling an octopus.” I nervously giggle and step back, giving him room to try to wrangle the bike into the back of the SUV. After a few attempts, he turns to me. “If you want, we can put it in the back of my truck, and I can take it home for you.” Warning signs immediately start flashing in my brain. I am not at all comfortable talking to men. I’ve been with one man my entire life; as in comfortable with, talked with, been friends with. Before him, it was my Dad. Every other male makes me nervous. I feel like I’m being judged. I’m not comfortable in my own skin, much less around a man. I start stammering as I quickly try to think of a response that isn’t rude or make me sound like an idiot or an inexperienced school girl. “Um, you don’t have to do that. Thank you though.” Geez girl! He doesn’t give up. “I don’t mind. Do you live on Coronado? If so, no place is too far. If you tell me you live in Rancho Bernardo, I might have to think twice about it.” He offers me a huge smile. He removes his shades, placing them on top of his head. The brightest blue eyes look at me with such warmth that I feel like a fool for thinking he may be a serial killer. I think for a moment and finally agree.” Adult Romance Series Book:Looking for Katie Source: Looking for Katie
“Yes, I said “love”, although I don’t fully understand what this is that I feel for you. That’s something I need to figure out. It’s different than what I felt for Noah, but it’s stronger somehow. I do know that you are so very important to me, and I will relive over and over in my mind our too few moments of being as close as two people can be. They were beautiful, perfect moments. What I wouldn’t give to be that close to you again, right now, in your arms, skin to skin. With you, I lose all inhibition. I feel safe enough to open myself up to you, knowing you will accept me and not judge me.” Adult Romance Series Book:Looking for Katie Source: Looking for Katie