CHAPTER THREE
ERIS
Lunch With A Friend
†
STILL AS SELF-CONFIDENT, gorgeous and sexy-as-hell as I remembered. Yes, God was in a good mood the day he made Kyle Hampton, that’s for sure.
Kyle was not gentle when he helped me to my feet. I might even have a mild case of whiplash because of it.
Gosh, it was great seeing him again. He and my brother, Alex were best friends. I remembered the laughter, mock-fighting and endless conversations they used to have. I also had the not-so-fond memory of the flock of giggling schoolgirls just popping in to say hello. Yeah right!
Hussies all of them!
I sighed inwardly as I recalled my own feelings towards him. He was my first love, my secret obsession. But I dared not reveal this to anyone and kept the secret my own.
His eyes were just as beautiful as I’d remember – intense and piercing, mocking me as he stared down at me.
Pull yourself together, Eris. Close your mouth, breathe and act normal.
I could feel the heat warming my cheeks once more at the intensity of his gaze, betraying me like an old enemy.
“You were saying?” I stuttered.
“I said let’s have lunch,” he repeated, clearly amused at my discomfort, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“Well, um… okay. I guess one has to eat, right”. I said, throwing my one hand in the air. I cringed at my own clumsiness.
Smooth, Eris! Maybe use those creative writing skills for some grown-up sentences next time.
He chuckled, his eyes filled with pleasure at my conceding to his demand.
“Know any good places around here?” he asked, taking hold of my arm before taking off at a steady pace in the direction of the college cafeteria.
He must really be hungry!
I nodded, struggling to keep up, clutching my books with both arms not wanting them to fall again.
“Yes, I know a place nearby that has good food. Can you please just slow down!” I yelled; my voice louder than intended.
He stopped to look at me, an amused smile played across his lips.
“Yes, of course,” he drawled, flashing me an apologetic look. “Sorry. I forgot what a small little thing you are”. His eyes dropped to rest on my mouth for a few seconds, before continuing its burning trail down my body and up again, taking in every inch. I felt myself responding, growing hot under his intense gaze. My nipples hardened, pressing against my green T-shirt as his eyes lingered there for what felt like an eternity.
Yep. Weened too early!
I shrugged as I straighten my shoulders and tilted my chin upwards.
“Well, maybe it’s just you who’s tall rather than me being short,” I challenged, returning the scrutiny. He was tall. Taller than I’d remembered, and definitely more muscular now with broad shoulders that tapered down to his narrow hips and powerful legs. He still had the same wavy black hair, slightly high cheekbones and a strong, chiseled jaw. His lips were full and firm, making me wonder how it would move in a kiss…
Our eyes met and I could only hold his gaze for a second before looking away, afraid that my eyes would betray me and reveal the secret hidden in my heart for all these years.
We started walking again, this time at a more civilized pace. We remained silent, each busy with our own thoughts.
†
The Pavement Coffee House was java royalty in Boston. Visited by students and professionals alike, it was the one place I visited religiously, their sweet Spanish latte and the student discount being the two reasons for my continuous patronage.
Kyle was sitting across from me, intently looking at the menu.
God, he was gorgeous.
“Ready to order?” he asked as he looked up.
I nodded as I set down my menu. With a raised forefinger, he waived at the waitress, indicating that we were ready to order. That was all it took to send her tripling over, her heels making a clicking sound on the tiled floor. I caught her staring at him as soon as we entered the café, not hiding her clear infatuation with the man as she kept glancing at him from underneath lowered lashes across the room.
She threw him a lingering glance, slightly turning her body away from me, leaning forward as her arms pushed against the sides of her breast, accentuating her cleavage. She barely looked my way as I gave my order.
Oh, please. She must have been at least fifty. Well, maybe forty. Okay, probably closer to thirty and the ring on her finger said she was married, probably with a string of kids as well.
‘Remember them?’ I wanted to ask.
Kyle, seemingly used to the attention, smiled up at her as he placed his order. Before I could catch myself, a soft yet audible ‘Humph’ escaped my lips, indicating my clear irritation. Looking over at Kyle, he was already smiling in amusement at my little display of annoyance – his eyes glistening with glee.
I ignored him, giving my full attention to re-adjust the paper placemat on the table in front of me.
“So, how are you?” he asked.
“How are you?” I blurted out at the same time.
My eyes widened as he chuckled, a deep, low sound resounded in my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. I was flustered at my own reaction, but he didn’t seem to notice as he indicated in my direction, holding out his hand.
“You first.”
“Well, I’m doing very well thanks. I’m graduating this year, and… yeah, I’m doing good.”
Nice, Eris. Real eloquent that.
Kyle didn’t seem to notice my lack of vocabulary and I continued, taking a deep breath. “I’m focusing on my studies right now and as I said, should finish my degree this year. Keeping my head down and my grades high as Alex always says.” We both laughed.
It was my turn to ask the question. “What have you been up to? I mean, how are you? How did you end up teaching here?”
“I’m doing well. I’m happy. A bit tired to be honest. Been traveling the world to our various branches for the most part of two years now. Seen most of the places my parents used to write about as well before the accident.” He paused. “You know all about that?” he asked, lowering his voice slightly.
“Yes, I heard about your parents,” I said softly, almost whispering. “I’m so sorry for your loss. The plane crash was a shock to us all.” I reached across the table to touch his hand, not thinking, just wanting to comfort.
His eyes darkened as his brow twitched into a frown. I quickly pulled my hand back, placing it on my lap, my fingers still tingling where it touched his.
“Thank you. You’re a sweet girl, Eris,” he replied.
It was my turn to frown. Was that really how he saw me?
He continued to explain how he and Claire stepped in, taking over the business when his parents passed – his love and admiration for his sister evident. They were always close despite the age gap of almost ten years, Kyle being the younger of the two.
“You know Claire; always mothering me about,” he chuckled. “It’s great that we work together so well”.
“So you’re opening an office in Boston as well? And how do you feel about guest lecturing? And the book? That must be all so exciting?” I asked, shooting off the questions all at once.
He smiled, leaning back in his seat before continuing. “Well, teaching has always been a passion of mine as you well know.” He was referring to his time tutoring football athletes during his time at University, helping them maintain their grades to secure their scholarships. Alex often teased him about it, but Kyle would just brush it off, saying it was the right thing to do and that you often learn more by teaching others.
He paused to take a few bites of his chicken salad, before continuing, his eyes lighting up.
“I’m looking forward to working with Professor Merkel again; the man’s a genius; he has an amazing mind. I’m used to publishing books more than being an author, but it will be interesting to experience the other side of the coin.”
It was clear that he was looking forward to the experience, his excitement contagious.
“To answer your question about opening an office here in Boston - yes, definitely. It just makes sense. With so many students here, the leaders of tomorrow, we need a greater presence. And besides that, I just love the city. It has a certain energy to it, don’t you think?”
The conversation settled into a comfortable ease and soon I felt myself relaxing, enjoying the exchange more than even the sweet Spanish latte. We talked about everything, catching up on the years that we’d lost touch. It all felt so natural, so easy. I asked him about the challenges he faced working in other countries, different cultures, different people. His passion and understanding of international business strategies were evident.
At some point in the conversation, I even congratulated myself on asking good, intelligent questions.
Take that, Professor Dalton!
The chat eventually turned to Alex and I found myself babbling on about my big brother’s achievements, much to Kyle’s amusement.
“Are you laughing at me, sir?” I jokingly asked, trying to fake a stern expression, but failing miserably.
He laughed at my silliness, shaking his head as he wiped his mouth with the paper napkin. “Yes, I am. But it’s good seeing you so proud of your big-brother working for the FBI,” he teased. “Who would’ve thought? We were no angels growing up, you know.”
Oh, I knew all too well, thanks, Mr. Hampton!
Unwelcome memories of the steady stream of girls trailing after him and Alex, much to my then-dismay, played before my mind’s eye. And watching them through the keyhole didn’t help either as I probably saw more than what a fifteen-year-old innocent should’ve been exposed to.
He reached over and touched my hand; every nerve in my body came alive at his touch. Where was that eager cooperation this morning when I needed a voice? I wondered, hoping to God that he couldn’t feel my hand trembling beneath his. “Kyle?” I asked breathlessly.
Squeezing my hand gently, he flashed me that smile again.
“It was really nice seeing you Eris,” he said softly, “But I need to get back – work you know.”
“Yes of course. I also have a lot to do.” I sounded a bit strangled, not as convincing as I’d have liked to. Trying to hide my discomfort, I pushed my chair back and stood up too quickly, nearly toppling over again.
“You really seem to make a habit of falling when I am around,” he joked as he reached over once again to steady me.
Oh, you have no idea, Kyle. I’ve been falling for you since you walked into my life on that lovely summers day years ago…
“And I have this date tonight as well, so I’m afraid I really need to get going.”
I felt my smile freeze, the all-too-familiar sense of disappointment washing over me.
“We’ll catch up again soon, okay?”
“Yeah… yes, sure. Okay. Take care. And have a good time.”
Really! Have a good time?
†
I watched him disappear as he turned the corner. The cool breeze against my skin reminded me of the time. It was getting late and I needed to get back to my dorm. I still had a lot to do this evening. The thought of him in the arms of another woman plagued my mind like an unwelcome house-guest.
God, how I hated this! I didn’t need this on top of everything else. The intensity of my feelings was just as strong as when I was a teenager.
Dammit!
I could never compete with the type of woman Kyle gave his time and attention to. Anyway, all he saw when looking at me was his best friend’s dorky kid sister.
Great! What a great way of ending this wretched day.