She's like the wind 06

6

 

„Are you leaving?“Ian stopped at Lena's desk watching her collect her things.

 

„Yes. I was busy the entire week,“ Lena glanced at him. „At three I'm supposed to stop by at Monica to consult the first two chapters of her new book and in the evening I'd like to finish Eric's book. He has three weeks to the deadline and I want him to make some changes,“ she puffed the air out of her mouth.

 

„Really?“ he smiled. „I was about to ask you how it goes with his book.“

 

„No problem,“ she shook her head. „I can't complain about the lack of work though,“ she laughed shortly.

 

„See and you were afraid that you wouldn't be able to do it. I knew you would,“ he waggled his eyebrows. „I have to go. If you need anything, let me know. Have a nice weekend. See you on Monday,“ he waved at her as he made his way out of the office.

 

„See you...,“ she called at him before he left.

 

*

 

Lena arrived home at half past seven. She took a shower and walked to the kitchen. She turned on her notebook and put the meal that she'd bought on her way home, into the microwave. She poured coffee in a big mug for herself and opened The Hell Ride. She enjoyed reading Eric's book. The last few touches left to do.

 

She took a fork and plate and sat down at the table. Reading, she finished dinner and put the plate aside. As her phone beeped, she took her eyes off of the screen.

 

„Hi, when and where will we meet tomorrow? I hope you didn't forget. :-)“

 

Of course she did, she smiled for herself. Fortunately Eva usually sent her a text as a reminder. They agreed to spend Saturday's evening together.

 

„Thanks for reminding me, I'll call you in the morning. I'm busy as always. :-)“

 

Finishing her work she moved to the bedroom, leaving the notebook in the kitchen. She crawled under the covers when her phone started ringing.

 

„No...,“ she groaned and reached for the phone. „I'm listening,“ she put it to her ear, her head already on the pillow, closing her eyes. She was tired, longing for sleep.

 

„I'm sorry. I hope I didn't wake you up.“ She heard Eric's voice and her eyes flied open.

 

„No, you didn't. I'm just ready to sleep. I finished editing a moment ago.“

 

„Oh... you have to be tired. Do you think we can meet tomorrow afternoon? I know I promised not to push...“

 

„It's OK. I was going to call you tomorrow anyway. Yes, we can. I just need to check with my friend. We’re supposed to meet tomorrow evening and I promised to call her to arrange it in the morning. Then I'll let you know, OK?“

 

„OK. Good night, Lena,“ he said softly.

 

„Good night,“ she hung up and put the phone on the bedside table. Closing her eyes she sighed knowing she had another busy day ahead. But this should be a pleasant distraction. In no time she fell asleep.

 

*

 

After lunch Lena locked the house and jumped in her car. It was a hot June afternoon so she wore a pair of jeans and top. Glancing at the sky she furrowed her forehead. The clouds were quickly filling the sky and before she reached Hagerstown, it started raining.

 

She stopped in front of Eric's house, hearing a thunder after the ligtning crossed the cloudy sky. Lena pulled a piece of plastic film out of the glove compartment to cover her notebook. Even though it was in the briefcase she didn't want to risk its damage. It was raining cats and dogs as she got out of the car and ran to the front door. She was wet from her head to toe when she stopped on the front porch. She pushed the door bell.

 

Eric opened the door and for a few seconds he just stared at her. She was soaking wet, a raindrop flowed down her nose from her wet hair. He could see her nipples as her top was stuck to her body. He quickly drifted his eyes up to her face. He ran his hand through his hair. She looked stunning.

 

„Jesus, Lena, come in,“ he snapped out of his reverie, stepping aside. „You need to change.“

 

„It's a storm outside. I thought I could get here before it would begin but...,“ she shrugged, following him upstairs and to the bathroom.

 

„Here's a clean towel,“ he pulled it out of the cabinet. „I'm going to get dry clothes for you,“ he retreated and in no time he was back.

 

„I don't have women clothes here but here's my T-shirt and sweatpants,“ he handed them to her. „It's dry at least,“ he half smiled. „Take a shower or a hot bath if you want.“

 

„Thanks. Taking a shower helps,“ she gave him a smile of her own.

 

„OK. I'm going to wait in the study,“ he turned around to leave, glancing at her before he closed the door behind him.

 

She looked around. The bathroom was large and light with a big tub and shower next to it. There was a toilet in a corner. She turned around, looking at herself in the mirror above the sink. Her top was almost transparent and she understood why he was staring at her when he opened the door. Shaking her head she quickly peeled the wet clothes off of her and ran water in the shower, stepping under the stream.

 

*

 

It felt strange wearing his T-shirt she thought as she combed her hair. She hung up her wet clothes on a clothes horse standing next to the sink, hoping it would get dry before she has to leave.

 

She walked out of the bathroom with her purse in her hand, heading for the study. There was a silence all around and it reminded her his words about being here alone. She's never felt lonely in her small snug house. She knocked on the study door before squeezing the knob to open the door.

 

„Feeling better?“ he welcomed her as she walked in the study.

 

„Yes, strange...,“ she smiled, „... but definitely better.“ She took a seat next to him on the couch and pulled her notebook out of the briefcase. Then she opened it.

 

He watched her. Her hair was still damp, her skin smelled of soap, her fingers were dancing on the keyboard. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He mentally admonished himself as his thoughts flew away, fantasizing about how it would be like to taste her delicate skin with his tongue and fingertips. He ran his hand through his hair and tried to focuse on the screen.

 

„Well, I wrote notes right in the text as always,“ she raised her eyes to him and felt shivers running down her spine as she met his eyes. She was aware he was watching her. Wearing his T-shirt and sweatpants on her naked body felt as if he was constantly touching her. She shook her head, cleared her throat. „Here's your copy,“ she handed him his flash disc that he'd brought her before. „First, you mentioned that Ryan found a treasure beneath the church but you've never mentioned what happened with that treasure. I suggest to leave this out. It leads to nowhere and it isn't important for the readers as I see it. I leave it up to you to think about it but it would be easier not to mention it if you don't want to work further with this information.“

 

Even though he nodded she had a feeling that he wasn't focused on work. She had the same problem but she tried to concentrate. Her eyes drifted back to the screen.

 

„Second, Ryan got himself out of the gang's capture but you never explained how he did it,“ she glanced at him. „So... I thought he could have an accomplice among them who helped to set him free. For example Joe. What do you think?“

 

„Yes, you're right,“ he nodded again. „I can work on his story, expanding it.“

 

„Exactly. You know, he might be a cop in disquise,“ she smiled faintly. He could see the enthusiasm in her eyes as she started describing her idea. „Ryan doesn't know him. Joe joined the gang a few years ago and they accepted him as the one of them. They could reveal his cover in the end and shoot him. But not really, you know, he should wear a bullet-proof vest. They think he's dead but Ryan finds him, finding out who Joe is. Actually he could help Ryan to put the gang behind bars.“

 

„Great idea, Lena. You could be a very good author,“ he remarked approvingly. „I'll start working on it tomorrow.“

 

„No, I wouldn't be as good as you are. But thanks,“ she shrugged, smirking. „I enjoy my work. Actually it's my hobby at the same time.“

 

„Yeah, I can see it doesn't mean only work to you. It's pleasure to work with you. Anyway... would you like a cup of coffee? Where are my manners?“ he shook his head and got up.

 

„Yeah, I'd like to,“ she nodded. „I'm going to check on my clothes meanwhile.“

 

Before long she came downstairs and joined him in the kitchen. „Can I help you?“

 

„Yes, would you take the plate with cookies, please?“ he turned to her, taking a tray. „What about your clothes?“ he was about to open the door to the study with his elbow.

 

„Wait,“ she opened it and walked in first, closing it behind him. „They’re still moist a bit.“

 

„Oh… at what time do you need to be at your friend?“

 

„At seven p.m., Eva lives in Williamsport so if I leave at six I’ll be there in time and manage to stop at home to change in dry clothes,“ she took a sip from her cup and grimaced.

 

„What? Don’t you like it?“ he lifted his eyebrow at her grimace.

 

She chuckled lightly. „I forgot about sugar,“ she put sugar in her cup, stirring it and sipped, narrowing her eyes. „Mmm, it’s much better, delicious.“

 

He laughed shortly, enchanted by her spontaneity. „Glad to hear it. You know I really wanted to bake a cake or something special… but I wasn’t sure I’d succeed, reading recipes on the Internet,“ he winked.

 

„You don’t need to bake or cook because of me. The cookies are enough, right?“ she lifted one of the cookies to put it in her mouth. His laughter sounds so… pleasant… as if he caressed me with this sound coming out of his vocal chords. I’ll bake something for him the next time I come.

 

„These are my favorites,“ he took one for himself. „By the way, my friend Joel lives in Williamsport as well. Speaking about Joel, you could ask Eva if she has time to meet us next Saturday. “

 

„Really? It’s interesting,“ she nodded. „I'll ask her. Then we can arrange details like when and where.“

 

„And I’ll call Joel and ask him the same question,“ Eric offered.

 

They continued working for a few hours.

 

„OK,“ she ran her hand through her hair and finished her coffee. „I’m going to change and then I should go,“ she got up and left the room.

 

A few minutes later she was back with his clothes in her hands. „I'll wash them and bring them next time.“

 

„No way,“ he shook his head, taking them from her hands. „I'll do it.“

 

Her lips twitched. „OK. Thank you,“ she took her things and he walked her to the front door. „Have a nice evening,“ she looked in his eyes for a few seconds before she made her way to her car.

 

*

 

After using the restroom Joel joined Eric at the bar, glancing at their table.

 

„Are those girls at our table Lena and Eva?“ he asked, curious.

 

„They are,“ Eric took two glasses, nodding.

 

„Tell me that the smaller one is Eva,“ Joel lifted his eyebrow questioningly.

 

„Do you like her?“ Eric glanced at him and handed him one of the drinks. „It's her drink. Yes, the smaller one is Eva.“

 

Joel winked and made his way to the table followed by Eric.

 

„Well, ladies, meet my friend Joel,“ Eric said, putting the glass in front of Lena. „Joel, this is Lena and Eva.“

 

„Nice to meet you, girls,“ Joel shook hands with Lena and turned to Eva. „Here's your drink,“ he smiled and shook her hand.

 

„My pleasure,“ she smiled back, looking in his eyes. „Thanks for the drink.“

 

„You're welcome. Actually I don't know what you drink. To be honest I just carried it here,“ he lifted his glass. „Well, to what we drink?“

 

„Perhaps to our meeting?“ Eva clinked her glass to his and then to Eric's and Lena's.

 

Later Joel asked Eva for a dance and they retreated to the dance floor.

 

„He likes her, what do you think?“ Lena looked at Eric, sipping from her glass.

 

„I think so,“ Eric smiled.

 

„He looks like a good guy,“ she remarked, watching the couple dancing, talking and laughing. „She's my best friend.“

 

„Don't worry about her. He's a good guy. Even though as far as I know he has a girlfriend but it can change. He still didn't find a love of his life,“ Eric looked in her eyes, feeling his heart quickened a beat at the sight.

 

„He has a girlfriend, hmmm. It's good to know,“ she nodded. „She's single now and I don't want her to get burnt.“

 

„I think they're adults and able to take care of themselves,“ he shook his head, furrowing his forehead.

 

„Well... we'll see,“ Lena shrugged. „What about your book?“ she turned the page.

 

„I made corrections and rewrote the Joe's story as you said. You want to check it again, right?“ he pulled the flashdisc out of his pocket, handing it to her.

 

„Of course, thanks,“ she put it in her purse. „I don't want to keep it too long. I'll take a look at it and let you know. We have just two weeks, right?“

 

„We do. I hope you'll like it.“

 

„No doubt about it,“ she smiled. „How are you holding on? I mean... in your empty house?“ she added as he lifted his eyebrow.

 

„Oh this... I’m trying. There's nothing I can do about it,“ he laughed shortly to lighten up the mood.

 

„I see. It's strange, you know, I've never felt lonely in my house. Maybe I got used to be alone. It's good not to be distracted while I work.“

 

„Of course it's good. But when you don't work?“

 

„When I don't work I sleep. Or I'm at work, or with my friend...,“ she broke off. „I understand it's different when you were used to be with her for six years and now she's gone.“

 

„I don't miss her, Lena,“ he frowned a bit, averting his eyes. I miss love... I miss you... His heart clenched and he almost said it aloud.

 

She put her hand on his. He slowly turned his head to her, her touch warmed him inside. „I'm sorry, Eric, I shouldn't have brought it up.“

 

„It's OK,“ he shook his head, lifting one corner of his mouth in a half smile. „Don't you want to dance as well?“ he asked, noticing Joel and Eva coming back to the table.

 

„Why not?“

 

He got up. „Now it's our turn. Keep an eye on our things, you two,“ he nodded at Joel. „Be careful, my friend. You have a girlfriend,“ he whispered in Joel's ear as they passed him on their way to the dance floor.

 

Joel frowned at him but immediately his face brightened up as his attention was pulled back to Eva.

 

They were dancing, keeping a respectful distance. The music was loud so they didn't talk. Then a slow melody started playing and they stopped standing opposite each other. Lena looked up at him. She felt his unease so she closed the distance between them and placed her hands on his shoulders. Encouraged by her, his hands came on her waist. They swung in the rhythm of the music.

 

„Are you OK? You look sad tonight. Is there something that's bothering you? Can I help you?“ she asked softly, watching him.

 

„Yes, I am,“ he smiled faintly. „I was just wondering if it's bad when I like spending time with you.“

 

„Of course it's not. If it's the only thing that's bothering you, don't worry about it. I like it, too,“ she looked in his eyes, tilting her head on one side, sparks in her eyes.

 

„Really?“ he lifted his eyebrow. „You're so young and yet you like spending time with someone like me?“

 

„Stop it,“ she smacked his shoulder gently. „You're not an old man, Eric. Besides you're kind and intelligent man, I like spending time with you because we always have something to talk about. I feel good in your company,“ she shook her head, chuckling. „I can't believe that I'm paying compliments to you.“

 

„Thank you, Lena, for your kind words,“ he smiled, his eyes shining. „I'm blushing. No more compliments,“ he broke off for a second, his face became serious. „I'm 41, so count how many years separate us.“

 

„Thirteen, Eric. And what?“ she shrugged. „Will you want to stop seeing me when I finish your book? Is that what you're trying to imply?“

 

„I'm not trying to imply anything, Lena. I'm trying not to bind you to myself but...,“ he shook his head, „... I can't help myself. I feel something for you. I shouldn't talk about it,“ he closed his eyes. He couldn't believe he vocalized it. She was so close, he felt intoxicated with her. Feeling her hand on his cheek, he opened them again. She said nothing, just looking at him, understanding and something very similar to love reflecting in her eyes. It was like she set his heart on fire with this touch. As if she stroke a match and the spark in his heart which he struggled to keep as little as possible, started burning with a flame.

 

„Music stopped playing, guys,“ someone said next to them, breaking the magic.

 

She pulled her hands back. He followed her to the table, feeling as if his heart should explode, full of emotions.

 

*

 

„Man, she's amazing,“ Joel said when Lena drove away, taking Eva home.

 

„Yes, she is,“ Eric responded, his head full of Lena.

 

„Wait, I thought you're interested in Lena,“ Joel frowned, turning his head to him.

 

„I am,“ Eric lifted his eyebrow. „Why are you frowning at me?“

 

„Because I was talking about Eva. I said that she's amazing.“

 

„I know. I'm sorry. I was talking about Lena,“ Eric chuckled.

 

„Ahh... I see. You really fell for her, right? I watched you tonight,“ Joel smirked. „But you know what, my friend? I feel something for Eva, too. She's... I can talk about everything with her. She's smart and funny. She works in Williamsport's library, did you know that? Did you notice how beautiful she is? Her hair and her eyes...“

 

„What about Peggy, Joel?“ Eric furrowed his forehead. „I warned you. Lena cares about Eva, she's her best friend and she knows about Peggy. You shouldn't play with fire.“

 

„I won't. I'll call Peggy and... She can't compare to Eva, Eric,“ Joel brushed his hand against his forehead. „I know it's bad but Peggy is... shallow in comparison to Eva,“ he sighed.

 

„It's better than cheating on both of them,“ Eric remarked.

 

„You're right,“ Joel nodded. „Besides... I have a date with Eva tomorrow. I have to break up with Peggy. Now.“

 

„Not now. Tomorrow morning is just right,“ Eric laughed shortly.

 

*

 

Lena stopped her car in front of Eva's house.

 

„Thanks for the ride. It was a nice evening,“ Eva said and was about to get out.

 

„You're welcome. What do you think about Joel? I noticed you had a good time together,“ Lena looked at her.

 

„Yes, we did. I like him. We have a date tomorrow evening,“ Eva smiled.

 

„Really?“ Lena lifted her eyebrow, wondering if she should tell Eva about his girlfriend. „Be careful, Eva. I don't know him. Eric told me he had a girlfriend.“

 

„Don't worry. I will,“ she got out and stooped to look at Lena. „By the way Eric also looks like a nice guy. I would say he cares about you. The way he looks at you...,“ she winked. „Good night.“

 

„Good night,“ Lena waved at her, waited till she disappeared inside and drove home.