Chapter 4
He had been thinking about her delicate, soft hand. How it gave a slight tremble above his palm; how they remarkably seemed to fit. There was a slight tingle that lingered in both of them, invigorated by the mere and quick touch. They never met eyes. John was a little unaware of the smile that lingered on his face until a flood of icy water startled him to gasp loudly. The legs of his chair scooted backward and screeched along the floor. Audrey was already active to tend to the mess but the young girl, who had caused the disruption, went to the floor quickly. Laughter and apologies filled the air, John a little numb to all of it. He stood straighter and more liquid fell from his lap, he carefully stepping around the girl. Under the chair Billie blushed deeply as she watched his shoes side-step over her.
With a grunt he padded up the stairs and to the bathroom on the second story. Billie pushed around the liquid, sopping it up in a rag, observing the mess while her mind raced. Was she more humiliated by the accident, or possibly tainting whatever impression she wished to make on the man? The whole thing was a silly daydream, an immediate crush to where her whole mind was crowded with impossible fantasies.
"Audrey!" the deep voice bellowed down from the higher floor. "I need my bag!"
The woman turned her head to find her daughters friend just rising from the floor. "Oh, Billie," she called her expectantly. "Would you mind bringing it to him? It's in the living room."
She spoke to her from across the table where the immense family continued to dine, undaunted and not wishing to be disturbed further by the incident. Billie nodded obediently, stepping into the kitchen before hand to rinse and lay the cloth out to dry. In the living room she found the suitcase easily, her legs beginning a slight shake as they advanced up the staircase. Nerves were gloriously taking hold.
With the rest of the family downstairs the second story appeared empty, the hall looming and long. Through little illumination Billie saw light under one of the doors and approached. Her hand raised and knocked twice, her eyes downcast while she dangled the heavy bag off her wrist.
"Well! It took you long e...nough..." John threw the door open and his voice drifted at the view of the attractive young girl. He had been expecting his sister but now a pair of blue eyes, exquisitely pronounced, starred back at him. However, the look was fleeting. When she caught sight of the man likely the first things she noticed were his bare chest and an unbuckled belt. He had been changing. She adverted her eyes to the personal sight.
"I thought I'd help," her hesitant voice offered, placing the bag he desired down close to him. A beat passed, John still starring at the face that gazed away from him. A mischievous smirk started to tug at his lips.
"Help me change?" he questioned with a playful grin. Perhaps it was the near sight of her, or that fact that they were alone that caused him to become flirtatious. Much to his amusement she seemed startled and blushed, looking to him than darting away again, his comment effective. She made no move to speak. Smiling to himself John leaned down to take hold of the bag.
"Thanks..." he rose his eyes up to her questioningly.
He seemed to be waiting, she allowing her eyes to meet his again. "Billie."
She told him her name with a hint of a smile. She was having trouble not focusing on his lean, fit frame, all the bare warm skin too enticing. It wasn't as though she had never seen a shirtless man before, this one was just exceptionally breathtaking. This one she wanted to, dare she admit, touch.
He repeated her name with a smirk. "Billie." The sound of it within his rolling drawl caused another wave of emotion. Taking a step away Billie felt as though she had already remained far too long in his compromising position. "I'm Jimmy," he replied brightly, possibly wishing to draw her back.
Billie did turn on her heel when he spoke again. Hearing the enthusiasm in his voice made a smile grow on her lips. She looked to his face, meeting his eyes, feeling a small wave of confidence. "I know," she grinned. With lightness in her step she turned to proceed down the hall, leaving John with the last vision of her poised back.