Текст книги "Inflame"

Автор книги: Tessa Teevan

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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 24 страниц)

Chapter 3

May 2012

Lucy

I’M TRYING to grade homework—if you can call it that for second graders—but I can’t stop thinking about my latest relationship disaster. Eric and I were seeing each for a few months, and things were going pretty well. Well, I’d thought they were. When we met, we’d agreed to keep it casual. Neither of us had been looking for a serious relationship, and we’d decided that dating and having fun was the best option. It was exclusive but not serious. I was totally on board with that when he suggested it, but apparently, over time, he changed his mind. Last weekend, he sat me down and told me that he wanted more.

Thinking back on it, I remember the nervous look on his face when he grabbed my hand from across the table. We were just supposed to be going out for drinks, but instead, he surprised me by driving to Nashville. I was even more shocked when he pulled up to a posh restaurant. I was speechless as we got out of the car and he tossed his keys to the valet. Immediately, I knew something was up and dread started to settle in.

We were almost finished with our meals when he took hold of my hand. Clearing his throat, he looked deep into my eyes, and panic began to set in.

“Lucy, these past few months have been great, and I love spending time with you. You make me laugh more than anyone has in a really long time. When you’re not around, I’m wishing you were. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’d like to move our relationship forward. End this whole casual aspect to it. I can see myself with you for a long time, and if it all works out, maybe even forever.”

A snort escaped me at the word forever, and I had to slap a hand over my mouth as mortification set over me. I liked Eric. I really did. He’s a great guy, but he’s not husband material—at least, not for me. For the time being, he was just someone to pass the time with, but apparently that was about to end.

His eyes widened, and he quickly pulled his hand away from me as he took a long swig of his beer. I did the same with my wine. He cleared his throat, and I felt like an asshole, not knowing how to respond.

“Um, well, I wasn’t exactly expecting that reaction,” he said, looking dejected.

I studied his features for a moment. He was extremely attractive, with messy blond hair and ocean-blue eyes. I never had a problem having a physical reaction to him, but when I looked at him, my heart didn’t leap like I’d expect it to from a guy I want to spend the rest of my life with.

“Eric, it’s not… I’m not… I don’t know. I like you, I do, but I’m not looking for anything serious or long term right now. I thought we were on the same page, and I’m sorry if I led you on or made you believe that I’d changed my stance on that, because I haven’t.”

He finished his beer and signaled for the check, and I realized that the date was going to end sooner than anticipated. The thought of an awkward car ride back to Clarksville was not a pleasant one.

“I know, Lucy. And you’re right. It’s just… As I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve realized that you’re exactly the type of girl I want to be with. I guess I was just hoping you felt the same.”

At the time, I was wishing I’d felt the same, but I couldn’t force myself to feel something that wasn’t there. To be honest, when I was younger, I’d thought I’d be married by age twenty-six with at least one kid, but once I’d graduated from college and started my teaching career, I’d found my independence and loved it. I’d pushed back any thoughts of settling down any time soon. After dating the same guy all throughout college, only to break up upon graduation, I’d been ready to just enjoy myself—and well, men. I guessed I’d finally gave credence to that awful—and undeserved—high school nickname, Loosie Lou. I’d figured that one day I’d meet someone who would make me want something more, and until I find him, I don’t have a problem with having a good time.

I sighed and finished my drink before looking at Eric. “I’m sorry, Eric. I really am,” I told him, and he held up his hand, signaling for me not to continue.

“It’s fine, Lucy. I guess that’ll teach me to propose casual dating with no expectations. Just forget I said anything.”

An uncomfortable silence settled over us as he paid for the meal. I tried to make small talk, but Eric didn’t really engage in conversation. After a dozen or so one-word answers, I gave up and just stared out the window on the ride home, berating myself for even thinking that the term ‘dating’ would work with ‘casual’ attached to it. When he dropped me off, he didn’t get out of the car.

“Not coming in? Come on, Eric. Things don’t have to change between us,” I told him even though I knew it was selfish to string him along when he’d just confessed that he had feelings for me. Even though I didn’t want anything more, I’d gotten used to having him around and I wasn’t ready for that to change.

He inhaled deeply then slowly released his breath. “Look, Lucy. I know we said casual, but I don’t think I can do this. If I stay with you, continue this, I’m going to fall for you. As much as I don’t want to, I may as well cut my losses now.” He leaned in, giving me a kiss on the cheek, and the finality of this washed over me.

I didn’t want to lose my relationship with Eric, but I also didn’t feel sad at the prospect, which was just one more reason for me to let him go.

“I understand, and I respect that. Sure you don’t want to come in? One last goodbye?” I asked, not wanting to ends things on a bad note.

He rubbed his hand on the back of his neck as he mulled it over. Finally, he looked over at me and gave me a sexy grin and a shrug of his shoulders. “Why the hell not?”

ERIC AND I had that one last night together and parted ways amicably the next morning. Ever since, it’s been just me and Channing, my favorite battery-operated boyfriend.

Setting my lesson plans and the kids’ homework aside, I lean back and kick my feet up on the desk, taking advantage of my second graders being at recess. Closing my eyes, I force myself to stop thinking about Eric and my dating dilemmas. I make a vow then and there to take a break from men for the time being. Or at least from anything with any form of the word dating behind it.

I’m feeling extremely relaxed and confident in my decision when all of a sudden I hear a throat clear, and a deep, masculine voice begins to speak.

“Umm, excuse me, ma’am,” he says, and I’m quick to pull my feet off the desk. Too quick, apparently, because I’m now on the floor.

Before I can feel total embarrassment washing over me, a hand reaches down, presumably to help me up. A pair of combat boots is in my line of sight, and my eyes climb up his body, over his neatly pressed uniform, until they come to rest on his face. And oh my God, what a face it is. He’s clean-shaven, and while he’s clearly rocking a solid, muscular body under his uniform, but he’s also got kind of a pretty-boy look to him. His brown eyes are dancing with amusement, and they’re soulful as they watch me. I’ve always thought the whole puppy-dog-eyes thing was a farce, but now that I’m staring into his, I’m a believer. They’re two of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, and I could get lost in them for days.

“Ma’am? Can I help you up?” he asks, interrupting me as I check him out, and there it is. The embarrassment I was getting ready for.

Placing my hand in his, I allow him to lift me up. He pulls a little harder than I’m guessing he meant to, and my free hand and chest are pressed against his own. I can feel the hard muscle underneath, and suddenly, the whole taking-a-break-from-men vow flies out the window. Even though I know I should pull away, I glance up at him, and insta-lust consumes me. He’s grinning widely. Then he shoots me a wink which causes me blush for some reason.

“You know, I always had a thing for teachers,” he whispers before releasing my hand.

Stepping back, I smooth out my hair, hoping beyond hope that it didn’t get all messed up when I fell. I look him up and down, my eyes quickly finding his nametape. Montgomery. A hot last name for an even hotter guy. I like it. Checking out his rank, I silently thank Charlie’s dad for educating me on the rank structure then address him directly.

“Sergeant Montgomery, you and eighty-five percent of other horny, impressionable teenage boys. Now, how may I help you?” I ask, mostly disregarding his comment even though I’d be more than happy to role-play for him.

“I’m looking for Ms. Dawson’s classroom. I’m here for the Bring Your Dad to School Day and have no idea where I’m going. Lily told me she had the prettiest teacher, and now I’m hoping that she was right and you’re the Ms. Dawson I’m searching for.”

And just like that, the ‘no more men’ mantra starts replaying in my head. Sure, I may not have the highest standards when it comes to men, but if there’s one type of guy, outside of those who still live in Mom’s basement, it’s parents of my students. I should’ve figured that out before, seeing as how most young, single men don’t find themselves in an elementary school in the middle of the day, but at the same time, I do a quick mental check and realize I don’t have any Montgomery kids in my class. I guess I was just too damn distracted by his good looks to put two and two together.

Extending my hand, I introduce myself. “You’re in luck. You’re looking at the one, but probably not only, Lucy Dawson.”

His large hand takes hold of mine, shaking gently until I squeeze hard. A chuckles rolls through him, and he grips my hand harder, giving me a real man’s handshake.

“A pleasure, Ms. Dawson. Lily was right. I wish my second grade teacher had been as beautiful as you. Then maybe I’d have done a better job with my multiplication tables,” he tells me, giving me another wink as well as a panty-melting smile.

Silly butterflies roll through me as I spot the dimples in his cheeks, and I have to look away for a moment to regain my composure. Stop being ridiculous, Lucy, I scold myself. He’s just a sexy soldier, not Jensen freaking Ackles. Although, he does kind of look like a younger version of him.

Before I can respond, the kids start entering the room, having been led back in by my teaching assistant, Veronica. She’s smiling at me, but then her eyes go wide when she see Lily’s dad.

“Who is that?” she mouths, pointing at him behind his back. I slowly shake my head, not wanting to alert him to her question.

All of a sudden, Lily runs across the room, wrapping her sweet little arms around the soldier’s legs. “Kale! You made it!” she exclaims, and immediately I wonder why she’s calling him by his first name.

Montgomery crouches down so he can give Lily a big hug, and I melt. There’s something about watching fathers with their daughters. A bond between a little girl and her daddy is one of life’s sweetest treasures—one I never got the pleasure of experiencing. So when I see something like the sight in front of me, my heart warms.

Standing up, he grabs ahold of Lily’s hand and walks towards me. I crouch down right in front of Lily.

“Hey sweetie, I think you told your daddy the wrong day. Bring Your Dad to School is next week, silly,” I tell her, ruffling her hair.

Lily looks at me with a confused smile. “Really? Oh, man, that blows!” she says, causing me to laugh out loud before giving her father a stern look.

“I wonder where she learned that language,” I tease him accusingly as I stand back up.

He hold his hands up and gives me an innocent grin. “Hey, I have nothing to do with that. Blame her dad,” he says, confusing me.

“Wait. What? Her dad? Isn’t that you?” I ask, and he shakes his head.

“Ms. Dawson, now you’re the silly one. He’s Uncle Kale, not Daddy. Duh,” she schools me, reminding me of myself at that age with her sassy, I-know-more-than-you attitude.

Placing my hand on my hip, I look down at her. “Well, excuse me. Why don’t you introduce us then, Lily?” I suggest, and she grins wide.

“Ms. Dawson, this is my daddy’s friend Kale. He’s my godfather, and I’ve known him since I was a baby. Kale, this is Ms. Dawson. Isn’t she pretty? I told you she was,” she insists, causing him to give her a sly smile.

“Lily, you weren’t lying. She’s as pretty as a picture,” he agrees, and I blush, something I’m not used to men making me do, yet he’s made me do it twice already.

Apparently satisfied with her introductions, Lily leaves us and goes to her seat to rejoin her friends. I watch as he leans against my desk, appraising me, and I am suddenly wishing recess had been a whole lot longer.

“If you’re a family friend, why are you here for Bring Your Dad to School Day? Or well, what you thought would be?”

He smiles ruefully, looking back at Lily, and I’m guessing it’s to make sure she’s far enough away.

“Her dad’s away on deployment, and her mom’s not around. Her grandmother takes care of her, so I promised Xavier, her dad, I’d look out for her while he’s gone. I pop in a couple of times a week to check in, and it just made sense that I’d stand in for him at school.”

So you know how my heart melted at little girls and their dads? Apparently little girls and stand-in dads are even sweeter, because I’m about to swoon right out of my high heels. Once again, the no-more-men thing slips right out of my mind. And then I feel like an idiot when I remember that Lily’s grandmother informed the school about her father. I swear, one sexy smile and I lose my damn mind.

“That’s very noble, Kale. I’m sure Lily, her grandmother, and her father appreciate it. I hope we didn’t ruin your day and you can still come back next week for the actual Bring Your Dad to School Day, even if you are just a surrogate,” I tell him, secretly wishing he’ll agree to grace us—well, me—with his presence in seven days.

“Why, Ms. Dawson. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you want me to come back,” he says, grinning at me, and it’s irritatingly cute that he picked up on it.

Not skipping a beat, I plaster a wide smile on my face. “For Lily’s sake, of course, Sergeant Montgomery.”

He pushes off my desk, standing up straight. “Right, Ms. Dawson. See you next week,” he confirms as he turns and walks towards the door. He stops before he’s about to exit and looks back at me. “For Lily’s sake.”

Before I can respond, he’s out the door, and I can only stare after him. It’s not until Veronica clears her throat that I realize I have twenty-two sets of eyes looking at me, waiting to be addressed. Glancing back at the board, I’m thankful that I spent the first half of recess putting math problems up. I shake all thoughts of Kale Montgomery out of my head and proceed to spend the rest of my day with a bunch of rowdy seven-year-olds, trying but failing to get him off my mind.

Chapter 4

Kale

IT’S BEEN seven days since I met the infamous Ms. Lucy Dawson, the teacher Lily’s been raving about for weeks. She wasn’t lying when she said she was pretty. I’d been picturing Mrs. Clifford, the old, witchy woman who loved giving me demerits when I was kid. I’d liked pulling the hair of Molly Mortimer, the cute little redhead who sat in front of me. She always wore her hair in pigtails, and I figured she was asking for it. Old Mrs. Clifford didn’t agree, and I was sent home with multiple letters asking my mom for parent-teacher conferences. Unfortunately for Mrs. C, my mom thought it was a way of expressing myself and that the only thing wrong with it was that it might be hurtful to Molly. Instead of punishing me, she made me apologize and forced me to take Molly vegan cookies every day for a week. Seven-year-olds aren’t really into the whole ‘love Mother Earth’ thing, and needless to say, Molly never did warm up to me.

When I walked into what I hoped was Lily’s classroom and saw shapely, toned legs propped up on the wooden desk, I nearly did a double take. She wasn’t muscular by any means, but I could make out the toned calf muscles. Unfortunately, her legs were clasped together, so I couldn’t get a peek under her skirt. I know—pervy. But hey, I’m a young, single dude. If I get a chance to look between your legs, I’m going to do it. That’s the God’s honest truth.

She looked entirely too relaxed to be a teacher. My little sister Kalli’s also a teacher, and I swear she’s always frazzled. The young blonde in front of me looked anything but that. She looked peaceful, content, and I couldn’t help checking her out. She was in a pencil skirt that was tight around her legs. At least that’s how it looked with them propped up on the desk. Her blonde hair fell in curls, spilling over her shirt, covering her breasts. As I drew closer, I took in her features, and I couldn’t help the small smile that spread on my face when I spotted the freckle on the tip of her nose. Freckles? Yeah, they’re my weakness. Clearing my throat, I called out a greeting.

I didn’t mean to scare her, but when she landed on the floor, I had to struggle not to laugh. I know, male chivalry is totally dead. Regardless, as I watched her eyes trail up my body, I held my hand out for her. I suppressed a grin as her eyes met mine, and I knew she was checking me out. I’m a few months out from a deployment and have no interest in starting anything, but I’d be more than happy to have a few rolls in the hay with this woman before heading overseas.

When I realized she thought I was Lily’s dad, my goddaughter did me proud by shutting that thought down immediately. Her beautiful green eyes glazed over, and she blinked twice, as if trying to erase a thought. I almost cheered when I saw the grin spread over her face as I explained who I was.

I replay the rest of the exchange in my head, and I have to slow my eager pace as I walk into the school, hoping she’s been waiting for this for a week, just like I have.

As I walk into the classroom, my heart slightly falls when I don’t see her. A young raven-haired woman is introducing a parent, and I slip into the back, not wanting to interrupt. I see Lily. She grins wide at me, waving, and I wave back. That girl. I’ve been fortunate enough to know her since she was a baby, having been right there alongside Xavier when her mom left town. We’ve been best friends, battle buddies, and brothers ever since, and I’m fortunate and proud to be Lily’s godfather.

“I thought military men were always on time,” a low whisper sounds from behind me. Turning, I see Ms. Dawson, and I don’t hide the fact that I’m checking her out.

She’s in a flowery dress, flowing down to her knees. The bare sleeves show off her tan arms, and she crosses them, effectively lifting her breasts in the process. I have to look away before she catches me staring. Instead, I’m drawn to her face. Since her hair is up in a clip, I’m given free rein to study her features. Her green eyes are even bolder than before, and I wonder if she spent extra time this morning on her makeup, knowing she was going to see me.

Hey, I grew up with sisters. I know way too much about this makeup shit, and I can tell when someone’s gone all out. Lord knows my sister Kalli always did.

Seeing the freckle on the tip of her nose causes me to grin, and she sucks in her bottom lip when I do. I know I shouldn’t be hot for teacher, but I can’t help it. I totally am.

“Got caught up in the line of duty, Ms. Dawson. Apologies. Won’t happen again, ma’am,” I say in a Southern drawl, almost wishing I had my beret on so I could tip it at her.

“I guess I’ll forgive you. Just this once. But next time, you’ll have to see me after school, Sergeant Montgomery,” she responds teasingly, and the sound of her sweet voice does something to me.

“No, ma’am. I’m more than willing to accept my punishment now. I guess I’ll see you at the end of the day,” I promise and grin when I see a pink flush spread over her face. She quickly walks away from me, moving to the front of the class so she can introduce dad after dad.

I don’t skip a beat when she introduces me, and my heart warms when Lily grabs my hand, eager to show me off to all her friends. My heart slightly breaks for Xavier, knowing he should be here, but I do my duty and stand in for him whenever I can. All this time spent with Lily has me reevaluating my whole not-wanting-to-settle-down stance, but seeing as how I’m leaving the country in the next few months, I have no room to be thinking that way. I’m just glad he’s going to be home not long after I have to leave Lily. After having helped raise her since she was just a baby, I know I’m going to miss her so damn much. I don’t know how the fuck parents in the Army leave their kids. Lily’s not even mine and I’m already dreading not seeing her a few times a week.

The kids ooh and aww over my war stories, and I don’t miss the way Ms. Dawson is clinging to every word. I may have made myself sound a little more badass than I actually am, but that’s what these kids like to hear. No one will ever know they’re little white lies, right?

By the end of the class, I’m reluctant to leave, but Ms. Dawson makes it clear that sharing time is over. Begrudgingly, I give Lily a hug and head out.

Fortunately, it’s the end of the day and I know school is about to be dismissed. I normally don’t stick around for a woman, but something about her has me waiting. I watch as the bell rings and kids pour out of the school. I spot Lily and she gives me a wave as Anna, her sweet-as-can-be grandmother, picks her up. I wave back then lean against my car to wait. For her.

When she walks about of the building, I grin as the wind makes the skirt of her dress flow. Loose strands of hair become detached from her clip, and I watch as the wind whips them around her face. She keeps trying to push them back behind her ear, but it’s no use. Too distracted to notice me, she almost walks by without giving me a second—or well, even a first—glance. I whistle and immediately feel like a tool. You know that lame high school jock who rests up against his muscle car, whistling at the cheerleaders? Yeah, that’s me right now, and I inwardly cringe. The damage is done, and I decide to just go with it. Maybe she’ll think of me more like Jake Ryan from Sixteen Candles.

“Excuse me, Ms. Dawson. I believe you owe me a punishment, and I’m here to take it like a man,” I tell her, watching as her eyes widen.

She swallows hard, and my dick is raging in anticipation of her response. “Sergeant Montgomery, I’m not sure you can handle the punishment I have in mind for you,” she says as she places a hand on her hip, her eyes challenging me.

“Oh, Ms. Dawson, you have no idea. What is it Rihanna says? ‘Chains and whips excite me’?” I know I’m probably going too far and making myself look like an ass by referencing a pop song, but I just can’t help it. The way she grins makes it all worth it, and I thank the Lord my sister loves to load ridiculous pop songs on my iPod whenever I’m at home visiting.

“Chains and whips? Amateur stuff, Montgomery. You learn what a Wartenberg wheel is and then we can talk,” she replies, and my interest is piqued. I have no fucking idea what a whar-whatever-wheel is, but I’m damn sure going to find out.

“You have a deal, Ms. Dawson.”

She looks me over, and I love the fact that she’s checking me out. I don’t know why I’m so drawn to her, but I am, and I want to get to know her better—at least where the bedroom’s concerned. Eventually, she extends her hand, and I give a firm handshake—the kind she wanted when we first met.

“Please, Kale, call me Lucy.”

Looking her up and down, I say it out loud. “Lucy. I like it.”

“That’s fortunate since I’m stuck with it. Okay, Montgomery. As much as I love flirting with a hot-ass soldier in the parking lot of an elementary school, I’ve got to get going. Maybe I’ll see you around?”

She starts to walk away, but I grab her hand, reeling her back in. I’m not ready for her to go, yet I don’t want to seem like some crazy stalker guy.

“Can I see you again? You know, outside of an elementary school?” I ask, my eyes bearing down into hers, begging for her to say yes.

She hesitates, and I’m afraid she’s about to say no when she finally responds. “I don’t date. I’m not looking for anything serious, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m the wrong girl.”

My cock practically sings at her words. A no-strings-attached relationship with a hot teacher right before I deploy? I couldn’t have asked for better luck.

“I don’t do relationships either, Lucy. I just want to get to know you and to have some fun. No feelings, no strings, no nothing,” I tell her and watch as a look of relief washes over her.

She starts digging in her purse, and then she scribbles something on a piece of paper before handing it to me. “Number’s right there. Call me when you’re feeling adventurous,” she says.

Before I can say anything, she spins around and swiftly walks away, leaving me to wonder just how adventurous she can be.

I WAIT approximately thirty-seven minutes before putting that number to use. Kalli’s always complaining about the three-day rule, but truth be told, I think women made that whole thing up. I don’t need to wait three days to make a woman want me more. I start locking that shit down the moment they look my way. Playing a waiting game is just that—a game—and I have no interest in those. So instead, I have my own three-day rule: Give her the best lay of her life so that she can’t stop thinking about for the next three days and at least the next three lays. Let’s just say I’ve never had any complaints. Well, at least not any after my first summer of experimenting the year I turned eighteen.

I’m walking into my place when I hear her answer the phone, her voice sounding rushed. “Yeah?” she asks, and I immediately grin at her less than pleasant greeting.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Dawson. Am I interrupting something?” I ask, trying to sound serious, and I wonder if she can recognize my voice.

She’s breathless when she answers me. “Yes, you are, in fact, interrupting something, Sergeant Montgomery.” Apparently two interactions were enough to leave an impression, and I make a manly wish that those two times were also enough to have reeled her in.

“Ahh, Ms. Dawson, anything I can assist you with?” I ask, hoping she’ll say yes.

I can hear her muttering under her breath before she answers. “First of all, cool it with the Ms. Dawson crap. You know my name. Use it. And second, unless you want to come over and shake your hips with Beto, then no, you can’t help me. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to my workout.”

Umm, did she just invite me over to hang out with her and a dude named Beto? No, thank you. “You have fun with him all on your own. Although, it’s apparently not a very good ‘workout’ if you’re answering the phone right in the middle of it,” I tease her, hoping that once she’s done she’ll toss this one to the curb.

“Christ, you’re an idiot. Workout was not a euphemism for anything, Montgomery. I’m doing Zumba in my living room if you really must know, and Beto’s the lead instructor. I swear, you men… Always thinking with your little guy downstairs.”

I’m relieved to know that I didn’t just interrupt her mid-coitus with a Latin lover. “Um, excuse me, but there’s nothing ‘little’ about him,” I tell her. “Plus, if you get to keep calling me by my last name, then Ms. Dawson is most certainly not off-limits.”

She sighs into the phone then responds after a few silent seconds. “Okay, Kale,” she says, emphasizing my name. “Is there a point to this phone call? My heart rate’s already lowering too much.”

Somehow I avoid making a promise about increasing her heart rate in the bedroom. “Go out with me tonight.”

“I’m busy,” she says, not skipping a beat.

I don’t skip one either. “With what?”

“Grading papers.”

“Do it tomorrow.”

“Busy then, too.”

“Doing what?”

And it happens in just a split second, but the moment she hesitates, I jump on it.

“Ah-ha! See, you are free tomorrow, meaning you can grade homework then and go out with me tonight.”

“If I agree, will you let me finish my work out?” she asks, and I know I have her. Hook, line, motherfreaking sinker.

“I’ll even let you shower afterwards,” I offer, grinning.

She laughs into the phone. “You’re so kind. All right, fine. Tell me when, where, and I’ll meet you there.”

I contemplate on it a little bit before answering her. “My place. Seven p.m. I’ll text you directions.”

“Umm, no way, Kale. I’m not meeting you at your place. I’ve seen you all of two times in my life. I don’t care how right Lily might be about how awesome and protective you are, but you’re pretty much a stranger, and well, that’s just a horror flick in the making.”

“Lucy, meet me in my driveway. If you’re uncomfortable, we’ll go out. If you’re not, we’ll stay in. Simple as that. I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head as she thinks on it. Finally, after what feels like a million years she answers me. “Fine, Kale. I have nothing better to do anyway.”

Ouch. The girl pulls no punches. I think Ms. Lucy Dawson and I are definitely going to get along.

“Neither, do I, Lucy. Neither do I.”

We finalize our plans and then hang up, and I realize I’m looking more forward to the evening than most of my random lays.