Tall Dark & Different Page 2

Justin wanted the conversation to keep rolling smoothly, so he decided to tell her how close they lived from one another.

  “I live only five minutes from here, can you believe it? What a coincidence, huh?”

  “Really? Where do you live Justin? How long have you been in small town Tennessee?”

  He told her his street name and she knew exactly where it was. His accent was also a dead giveaway.

  “I knew you couldn't be a born and bred country boy. “ Megan grinned at him as she said this.

  “What gave me away? My lack of a southern drawl?" He teased her with a country twang in his voice. "No, actually, I'm from Indiana, born and raised. I have lived here for about six years now. I moved here with my ex-wife while we were still married, of course. Her family was originally from here and ended back where they had started from. The next town over though, thankfully, since she is now my ex. I do have two children in Indiana that live with their mom. A son sixteen and a daughter fifteen. It's hard sometimes, not seeing them often enough, I must admit. At least I can kill two birds with one stone when I do visit, since my parents are still there. What about you, where are you from originally, here? “

  “Yep, born and raised. I have barely been outside of Tennessee, let alone lived anywhere else. I also have two children, by the way. Both girls, twelve and seven. They live with me full time. They are with their dad today. He always has them on Saturday and Thursday nights, every week. “

  He could sense a cynical side to her and an almost desire or a need in her also, to live or travel maybe, to other places. It was possible she was no longer enamored with small town life. He was very curious about this girl and he wanted to learn as much as he could about her.

  “Megan, where would you live, if you could move to any place in the world? “

  “Oh that's easy, the east coast, but right on the beach or very close to it. I love the smell of the ocean and how peaceful it sounds. It has been so romanticized in the movies, so what's not to love, right? I have also been there, many times, and it is always the hardest thing for me to have to leave it. What about you Justin, where would you live if you could choose anywhere? “

  “The coast is definitely tops on my list, followed by right where I am, here in the mountains. “ He could tell they were going to have a lot in common and Justin really liked this girl. Every minute he spent with her was that much better. He knew already, she was his type of girl and he was going to try and win her over. He saw the tough exterior she was hiding behind and he knew there was more to this girl than meets the eye. He wanted, no he needed, to find out all there was to know about Megan and in every aspect; even the smallest of details

  No coffee date next time he decided, it would be dinner and as much of her time as he could squeeze out of her. Justin studied her as she talked, he loved how animated she was. She had a sparkle in her eyes when she spoke, especially if it was something she was excited about. He was daydreaming and so completely lost in her voice and her eyes, that he almost missed the fact, Megan was asking him a question. He had to make her repeat what she had said.

  “I said, do you like dogs? My dog is very skittish around men. I think she was abused by her original owner. I adopted her from the animal shelter when she was nine months old. She is a spoiled, happy and healthy three year old now, though. “

  “Oh, I love dogs and they love me too. I have not met one yet that didn't like me. Besides that, I have to be an animal lover, since I am a cable TV worker. We're like the mail men, we could get bitten just as easy as they could, since we are always going to so many houses all the time. That would be pretty bad to get bit! I have always loved animals, all my life, so I really don't need an excuse."

  Hmm, Megan took this as a challenge, if he could win her dog Precious over, he might just be alright.

  “Justin, Precious is real timid, so don't expect her to like you too much. She is very scared of men in general and she will probably keep her distance from you. But hey, look on the bright side though, she's not a biter at least.

  ”They both laughed at that and it felt real good. A man with a good sense of humor and sexy, Megan thought, he was worth spending more time with.

  Precious must have understood what they were discussing, because as if on cue, she was schmoozing up to Justin little by little, she was becoming a big trader! My dog, Megan decided, was making me look like a liar.

  Justin said, “I bet I could have her practically sitting in my lap before I leave here today! “

  Okay, Megan thought, she'll take his bet, she had nothing to lose. “You are on! “

  Precious was not a lap dog, so Megan should have won the bet hands down. Nope, she made her look like an even bigger idiot than what was already feeling. What was it with this tall hunk, that he could have the girls and dogs alike, swooning?

  Precious kept scooting closer to Justin every minute and every minute his thousand watt smile was getting brighter. Megan thought, he knew he had the magic touch, with the dog and with her too. She suddenly realized, if her train of thought wanders too far with that, she'll be blushing as bad as she was earlier today. Although, she would love to learn all about his magic touch.

  Wow, Megan couldn't believe it, she had this very sexy animal lover and an all-around genuine nice guy in her own home. This had to be the best day of her life, she had no doubt. She had to know all there was to know about this man. Megan felt very confident about something, for the first time in a long time: If my dog likes him that says a lot! I like him too and that says a whole lot!

  Chapter four

  Megan couldn't help but hope Justin wanted to see her again as much as she did him. After their time today it was pretty obvious, there was something almost magical between them. That was, if she was reading him right and not just the hormones, she thought. Justin's smile was melting Megan's long frozen heart with every second. She knew she had to tell him goodbye if she was going to make it to her nieces. She was already pushing it and very late. She really did not want him to leave yet, wasn't that just crazy?

  Damn Megan thought, I wish I hadn't promised her I would come over! It was too late to bail on her now.

  “Well Justin, I hate to cut our time short, but I do have a prior engagement and I needed to leave over twenty minutes ago.”

  “I understand completely Megan, can we get together again soon? “

  Wow, did he really just ask if we could see each other again? Calm down, calm down, you need to play this cool. She took a deep breath and hoped the words would come out the way they were intended and not like a silly school girl facing her first crush!

  “I would like that very much. “ Now breathe, it was not a real good time to pass out, she thought and you would look pretty stupid on the concrete driveway, possibly with a busted nose to boot.

  They decided to walk each other out, since Megan needed to leave right away, although, she had to admit, she was now feeling a bit awkward that she was in this hot guys company, and that she was also feeling very reluctant, to let him leave.

  Justin said, “Do you mind if I hug you goodbye? “

  Uh no, I didn't mind she thought, but she sweetly said, “Sure, that would be nice.” Oh he is so incredible, he has to be too good to be true. When he hugged her, She thought she was going to wet her pants, because Megan could feel an electric charge surge through her entire body! This, she had to admit was a first for her as most guys just grabbed her like they owned her. Not Justin, he was so sweet and yet so strong and manly, all rolled in one.

  Yes, Megan thought, I will definitely see more of this man, and I will be looking forward to more than a hug next time.

  “Okay Ms. Megan, I will talk to you soon. Be safe and text or call me anytime. We can firm up some future plans. “

  “I will, have a nice evening Justin. “

  They both drove away without the other knowing how they really felt. They were both just as equally drawn to the other and felt that same electric charge as Megan had. Justin had fe
lt it just as strong. They each played it cool, but it was a big deal for both, how they had found each other. They had each been through terrible marriages and relationships and had suffered a lot of pain. Maybe luck or even fate was in both of their favors for a change.

  Megan decided she would make the first, next move, so she made up an excuse to text him right away. She decided to send him a thank you text and an, I'm looking forward to getting together again. Why was everything, so much easier through text messaging, she wondered? Maybe, because there was no need to hide your blushing if you got all red faced.

  You need to get a grip, Megan told herself this is just a man, for heaven sake! No, not just any man, she thought, a real man with needs and desires and she wanted to be the one to fulfill them! She definitely wanted him to fulfill hers too.

  Alright Megan, she admonished herself again, get a hold of your lustful self and thoughts, he may not be on the same page as you are. He may not even like you as more than a friend, maybe that's why he hugged you good-bye, silly girl.

  Megan could not help but think, damn, I need a life. She knew she would never get through this evening with her mind somewhere else and knowing her niece, Jess, she will see right through her and realize, she was not acting like herself. She will pick up on the vibes, Megan was sure to be sending out. She knew that her own niece, knew her so well, for her to even try to fake it, was a waste. She might as well not even show up. She knew she would just have to spill it when she saw her.

  Megan barely made it to her niece's neighborhood before she was calling her.

  “Meg, where are you? You were supposed to be here almost an hour ago! “

  “I know, I was held up and I'll explain when I see you, I'm pulling in now. “

  Oh well, here we go, Megan thought. Jess grabbed her and hugged her tight, already forgetting she had just berated her on the phone. She can be so damn bossy sometimes to be the younger one and it drove Megan crazy.

  “I'm here, settle down and give me a chance to explain. I need a drink and please, let me catch my breath for a minute. It has been an eventful day, girl!

  “What do you mean, eventful? And why are you late Meg? This better be good! “

  “Well.............I kind of met someone today and before you get all worked up, it's a man and he is so damn FINE! “

  “Really? Does this fine man have a name? “

  "He does have a name and it is Justin and he is absolutely gorgeous, tall, dark, and did I mention he was gorgeous?”

  Megan was swooning at the thought of him, she couldn't help it he had that effect on her.

  "He is so very different than anyone I have ever met and he wants to see me again. We had coffee this afternoon, hence, the reason I was late. So there, the truth is out. Are you still mad at me because I was late? At least I do have a good excuse."

  “Well, I guess I will let it slide this time.“

  They both busted out in a fit of giggles, like two silly teenage girls. That was exactly how Justin made Megan feel, like a teenager getting ready for her first date. She has to admit, it was a phenomenal feeling. She had missed the dating scene entirely. Getting married at fifteen tends to have that effect.

  *****

  Megan tried to stay focused on Jess and what she was talking about all evening, but it was so difficult to stop her mind from wandering to Justin.

  Justin! Damn, Megan just remembered, she sent him that text. She had forgot all about it and left her phone in the car and she knew that she needed to know, now, if he had replied yet. Great, she knew she was about to get berated once again, but her niece would just have to deal!

  “Hey Jess, I need to grab my phone from the car, I'll be right back. “

  “Um hmm, you just want to see if lover boy has called you or maybe sent a text to your phone. I know you too well, you forget that. You also have about as much patience as a newborn baby! “

  Busted! She does know me better than most, Megan thought.

  “Yes, you may be right about that, but damn it, I can't help it you should see him! When you meet him I want to hear an ass kissing apology. You can say, oh Megan, you were right, he is hot and grovel at my feet.

  They both laughed again. It was always so good for Megan to spend time with her. Their age difference was only a few years and they felt more like cousins, than aunt and niece.

  “We will have to see, she said."

  Almost shocked at her snippy remark, Megan was wondering: What did that mean by that? Did she not take her seriously when she told her how fine he was? That's okay, she will.

  “I'll be back sass mouth! Just give me a minute to get my phone. “

  Megan also needed a private moment alone, with her phone and the thoughts in her crazy head, especially if he had responded, even more so if he had not. She ran to the car with her heart pounding, but not from the sprint, just the mere thought of him and the effect he elicited. She didn't think she could handle the disappointment if he hadn't replied. Please, please, be there, she prayed. She had not been so excited about a damn text message in all my life!

  Megan reached for her phone and immediately, she saw the blinking light that indicated there was a message. From whom, was the question. Damn girl, act like a grown ass woman! This was getting ridiculous, he had gotten under her skin, in only a few hours of time. She thought for sure, she must be losing it.

  The phone showed one new text message. Drum roll please, Megan felt like saying. She pushed the button to open it and sure enough, it was from Justin. She wanted to shout, thank goodness the wait was over! When she opened the message, it read:

  "Hi Megan, it was a pleasure spending time with today also. I look forward to seeing you real soon. In fact, tell me where you would like to go eat for dinner and we will set a date, Justin."

  A date, he wants a date! She had to go tell this to Jess. Before she could take a deep breath, her niece was walking towards her car, just as she was shutting the door. Megan should have known she wouldn't wait.

  “There you are, I thought you got lost, since you were gone long enough. Well come on, let’s see it, let’s see the text. What did he say? Is he hot for you like you are for him? “

  That crazy girl knew how to embarrass her, that was for sure. She managed to stop blushing long enough to show Jess his message.

  “Ooh girl, he wants a date! Where you going to let him take you, I think it should be an expensive, fancy place. Let's see how bad he wants to be with you. “

  “Shut Up!! You are crazy, Jess. You know I am not like that. “

  “I would be. Nothing is free! You want to be with me, then you are going to wine me and dine me. I can do a Big Mac anytime! “

  Now they both completely lost it and busted out laughing again. Jess always brought the joy and laughter out in her. It was so fun hanging out with her, big mouth and all, but Megan was so ready to go home and sit with her thoughts, uninterrupted. She knew she needed to tell her niece goodbye. She would just have to get over it and understand.

  “Hey Jess, I'm going to head home now, I have had a long day and I am exhausted. “

  “Hmm, Really? What has been so tiring about it, all that daydreaming you've been doing? “

  “Maybe. Wouldn't you like to know? You better be glad I love you, because you are a major pain in my ass and a brat! I'll call you after our date and let you know if he wined and dined me.”

  Jess said “You do that girl and don't leave any of the details out, wink wink. “

  “You are too much! Try to behave, at least until I see you again, Jess. Oh, and by the way, a girl doesn't kiss and tell everything, I got to save something for myself after all. “

  They both said their goodbyes and Megan headed home with her rambling thoughts in tow.

  Chapter five

  Megan couldn't seem to get home fast enough. She needed to get comfortable and relaxed in her own space. She needed to be able to take it all in without any distractions. The day she had just had was the best one in a
very long time and if nothing else, she needed to relive it for that reason alone. She needed just long enough to understand where this was possibly leading.

  Was she ready for a relationship? Could she handle another failure if things didn't work out? It was a lot to absorb. Megan's past was a difficult one and she finally had her future on track. The thought of going back to where she had come from was too much. She couldn't and wouldn't, go through it again.

  She couldn't stand the thought of reliving another divorce. The commitment part wasn't the issue, but the breaking up and losing a part of yourself in the process sure was. Megan had lived this hell, enough times, she knew all too well how devastating it could be. Dragging her girls through something bad, or even someone else's drama wasn't fair to them. They deserved better than that. Megan also knew she deserved better than that!