Watch Me Follow (Page 18)

Color paints his cheeks as he averts his gaze.

“I’ve never been kissed,” he mutters while glancing at me from under his long lashes.

“Me either. That was a little peck to get us started. You’ll get a proper kiss later, after our date.” I smile at his shy expression as excitement prickles my scalp.

Everything changes, starting today.

Ryker

I vow to captivate her as she has done to me.

LENNON KISSED ME.

It wasn’t a dream when her lips briefly dusted mine but rather, an undeniable fact. That slight connection, a quick peck, over before it began, was groundbreaking. My soul wept in relief and my mind switched to slow-motion so that mere moment was playing for hours. My eyelids flutter with the memory, like watching a looped snapshot. That flicker in time is something I’ll never forget.

My radiant sunshine gave her first kiss to me, a weirdo no one spares a minute for except to ridicule. Lennon is different, she always has been, she sees me, just like I always wished she would. Someone is finally giving me a chance and I’m so fucking grateful that person is her.

Our life together is finally starting. We’re going on a date in less than an hour, another first for us. I’m picking her up, like a gentleman, despite her living next door. Lennon doesn’t know we’re neighbors yet but I’ll reveal that offense tonight. Can I blame it on a strange coincidence?

Lennon seems to accept my need to keep her safe so my stomach shouldn’t be in a jumble of knots. Her patience and understanding never ceases to amaze me so there’s hope she’ll forgive my violations of her privacy. She deserves the truth but terror scratches my skin whenever I consider exposing my secrets. I shove the mounting worry to the back of my brain and concentrate on the evening ahead.

While she’s been in class, I’ve been busy planning a romantic outing. Too bad I don’t know the first fucking thing about wining and dining the girl of my dreams. Thankfully the internet is good for more than just making money. After some research, I selected the best spot for a quiet and secluded dinner. The reviews claim the intimate Italian restaurant has the best cheesy pasta, which Lennon will appreciate it. There’s a spectacular view of Lake Michigan too.

Choosing the correct flowers was another task I wasn’t prepared for. After much internal debate, I settled on a bouquet of brightly blooming peonies that remind me of her vibrant aquamarine eyes. The fancy sewing machine from Lennon’s wish list sits in the entryway, wrapped in pink paper and ready for her talented hands. The message boards warned me that I was going overboard but what the hell do they know? This will make her happy and I want that blinding smile aimed directly at me.

I blow out a slow breath to cool the incessant nerves poking at me. I step in front of the mirror for a final appraisal of my appearance. I’ve never put much thought into what clothes I’m wearing but for Lennon, I stepped out of my usual black attire. The navy and gray button-down offsets the color of my light eyes. I peer closer as the blue hues of my irises swirl together like a tragic storm.

What does she see in me?

My head jerks out of habit, expecting hair to cover the direct view. With my crazy stare still on display, I clench my lids shut and turn away. Lennon will make me feel better and I don’t want to waste another moment here alone.

I grab her gifts before locking up and walking the short distance to her place. Apprehension slithers under my skin but I shake it away. Everything about tonight will be perfect, just like the woman waiting for me behind the door. I lean the heavy box against the wall before knocking hesitantly. While waiting, I hide the flowers behind my back and send off a silent wish to whoever’s listening.

Please stop me from fucking this up.

With a whoosh, Lennon stands before me with an odd look crossing her glowing features. “Hey, Ryker. How’d you get in? I didn’t buzz you.”

She looks stunning with her long brown hair loose around her bare shoulders. Her face has a light layer of makeup that adds glitter to her skin and those lips that touched mine earlier look glossy. Lennon is still wearing the bright yellow sundress from earlier, which hints at her curves without giving too much away. When I’m done perusing her beauty, her question bangs into my distracted brain.

Shit, here goes nothing.

I gaze into her warm aqua pools and whisper another truth, “You don’t have to because . . . I live in the building. Just down the hall, in 303.” My head motions in the direction of my apartment.

She looks at me with a blank expression, as if her gears are grinding. Lennon’s mouth is all that moves when she asks, “For real? Like, no joke?”

I shrug and bob my chin, feeling my cheeks flame.

“Huh, interesting. Do you live there on purpose? To be near me?” She tilts her head and pops out her hip.

“Yeah. That probably freaks you out, but I just want to keep you safe. To do that best, I need to be close.” My voice is steady but my insides are thrashing.

Lennon hums, “Hmmm, do you like, spy on us in the shower or anything?”

“No! I would never do that,” I sputter as my face tingles with shame. I’ve imagined watching her that way countless times, but I’d never act on those impulses.

“I’m totally messing with you,” she giggles softly. The noise soothes the ragged tension in my muscles. “I’m mostly surprised you stayed out of sight this long. Lucy and I always wondered who lives there. We figured it was an older couple who never leaves.”

“You’re not upset?” Awe rings clear in my voice.

Lennon straightens and places her fingers around my forearm. “It doesn’t bother me that you’re always here if I need you, especially now that I know who you are. I think it’s sweet that you watch out for me, like you can’t help it. Am I romanticizing? Probably. Do I care? No.” She adds pressure to her hold on me and I almost groan from the tingles zipping up my arm. “All I know is there’s something special between us and we’re finally going to explore it. Starting tonight, right?” My nod mirrors hers. “Good, I’m glad we got that out of the way. Anything else you wanna share?”

My limbs lock up like concrete as my pulse roars. There’s so much I need to tell her, that she deserves to know, but I can’t force the words out. My eyes shift around, searching for something to anchor me. I swallow before trying again but right versus wrong keep warring in my chest.

Her candy-coated tone yanks my stare back to her. “It’s alright, Ryker. You’ll tell me when the time is right. Just don’t hold back forever because I wanna know everything about you.” Lennon points to the bouquet peeking out from behind me. “Now, those can’t possibly be for me. Are you making another stop to deliver those somewhere?”

I manage to respond, “Of course they’re for you. As if I’d bring gifts to anyone else.” My eyes roll as I scoff. “Glad you saw them because I almost forgot.”

“They’re kind of hard to miss. You really shouldn’t have brought me anything else. There’s so much you’ve already done,” Lennon states smoothly.

Her eyes widen when I grab the large package from the floor. “This is for you too,” I explain while holding it up for her to see.

She shakes her head as the smile on her lips stretches wider. “Do you want to come in quick while I open that and get the flowers into some water?”

I nod silently before following her inside. Lennon sets the flowers on her kitchen table and I place the box down next to the blooming bundle. She motions over her shoulder. “Would you mind grabbing a vase above the sink? I always have to drag a chair over since I’m vertically challenged.” She laughs while I move toward the cabinet. “I can’t believe you brought me more gifts. Seriously, you’re—holy shit!”

I spin around at the alarm in her voice. Lennon rips off more wrapping paper so the sewing machine image and brand name are exposed. Her trembling fingers stroke over the cardboard and my skin tightens with longing.

Great. I’m jealous of a box.

“Ryker! You bought me a Brother SE1800? I repeat, holy shit! This sucker costs over a thousand bucks!” Lennon’s pitch is loud with excitement and a tiny grin curls my lips. Her reaction is worth every penny. I’d spend far more and expect nothing in return but her smile. The fact she’s here with me, beaming so bright, is better than winning the lottery.

She lifts her shocked orbs and blasts me with overpowering light. I’ll never be cold or dark again. “Ryker, I can’t possibly accept this. You spent way too much money. This machine is truly amazing but I wouldn’t feel right letting you pay for it.”

I immediately shake my head before shutting her down. “No way. This is a gift and I want you to have it. For your own studio someday.”

In the next breath, Lennon rushes over and flings her arms around me. “Thank you so much. I don’t deserve all of this but please know I’m grateful. This is the sewing machine I’ve been saving for. How did you know?” She utters sweetly with her face tipped up to mine. There’s something secret in her eyes I don’t understand, or can’t give so much hope to.

“You have a public wish list online. I didn’t have to use any special skills to discover you wanted this.” I whisper along her temple, fighting against temptation to taste her soft skin.