My Sister's Best Friend (Best Friends 3) (3 page)

Chapter Four

Ashley

It was him, really him. My mind couldn't get around it. He was here, safe, and so solid. Nathan Johnson was home. Without thinking, without a thought to where we were or who this was, I flew across the diner.

"Umff," he said as I threw myself at him.

My heart beat so hard that I knew he could feel it.

"Your home," I said into his chest, I pulled back for a second to confirm it was him. Afraid he might disappear, worried that my imagination had taken over. So many times I had thought of what it would be like to see him again. To hold him like this.

His big strong arms wrapped around my back pulling me into a heart stopping hug that made me feel as if I was safe, the one true place I belonged.

We stood there like that for several moments, just holding each other. Slowly I began to remember who this was. An awkward feeling started to build in the depths of my insides. It burbled up and I knew I was blushing. What must he think? Nathan had never liked being the center of attention. And here his little sister's friend was making a scene.

Stepping back I said. "Chrissy said you wouldn't be home for a couple of days."

"Yeah, well my plans fell through and I drove straight home. I was out walking and remembered you mentioning working here, I thought I'd stop in and say hi."

Before I could stop it, my hand reached out and touched his arm. I had to make sure he was really here. Smiling I said, "Come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee."

He sat at the corner of the counter while I filled a mug for him. Both Joseph and Mr. Casper glanced at him then back at me. I could tell they were curious but they could keep their noses out of my business.

"Thanks," Nathan said as he took a sip. He drinks it black I thought. Something I didn't know about him. I thought I knew everything about him.

Realizing I was standing there gawking like a school girl. Holding a pot of coffee, unable to take my eyes off him I had to force myself to look away. I caught Joseph, the old goat, giving me a knowing smile. I shot him a frown to shut him up before he said anything dumb.

Mr. Casper held up his cup for a refill which I was more than happy to give him. Anything to try and break this spell.

"Order up," Carlos said from the kitchen as he slid two plates' across the shelf, tucking the ticket under the burger and fries.

Grabbing the plates I started towards the couple in the back.  A sick feeling flashed through me making my stomach drop. What if he left while I was busy? I quickly spun around.

"I'll be right back, don't go anywhere," I said. He smiled and nodded allowing my stomach to rearrange itself back to normal.

Of course the couple in the back needed refills on their cokes. It seemed everything was conspiring to keep me away from Nathan. All I wanted to do was get back to him and look into those chocolate eyes of his and make sure he truly was all right. 

After I delivered their drinks I turned, running my hands down my dress. God, why did he have to see me in this awful uniform? I'd spent the week planning what outfit to where when I visited the Johnsons.  Finally deciding on jeans, fitted white shirt, Hair down. Casual but attractive. I couldn't decide whether to wear the scarf or not.

Now it was all ruined because he saw me in this frumpy dress from the fifties.

"Listen Ashley, I didn't mean to interrupt you at work. I ..."

"No, you're not interrupting," I said. "I get off in fifteen minutes. Can you wait? Really it won't be long. Here, have some more coffee. Do you want something to eat?" Okay, even I knew I was babbling but I couldn't seem to stop.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Mr. Casper silently shook his head while he concentrated on his meal.

Nathan smiled. "Ashley, I've already been by my house. Do you seriously think my mother let me leave without feeding me enough food for a full platoon?"

I laughed. He was right, no way would Mrs. J ever do that.

"But sure," he continued. "If it's not a problem, I'll wait."

My heart soared and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. Smiling my appreciation I darted off to start making preparations for my relief. If Meagan was late tonight I would kill her.

Between counting out my drawer, shooting glances at Nathan to make sure he was still there, and watching the front door for Meagan I felt like I was on a runaway treadmill. Afraid that if I made a wrong step I would crash and be flung into a nightmare.

Meagan showed up five minutes before her clock in time, bless her little heart.  She came out of the back tying her apron on when she caught sight of Nathan. I saw the immediate interest flash behind her eyes and had to stop myself from clawing at her face. How dare she?

"Who's that at the end?" she whispered, her eyes never leaving him.

Nathan was looking out the window and oblivious to the feminine perusal he was being subjected to.

"That Meagan, is Mr. Nathan Johnson, and he is so far off limits that you are not even allowed to talk to him."

She glanced at me, her eyebrows rising in surprise. She smiled and nodded. "Ok Ash, normally I'd fight you for him, but something tells me I wouldn't have a chance in hell."

"I mean it Megan, You see him walk in here, you walk out the back."

She laughed and shook her head. "Wow, you've got it bad. Like I said, OK, I know, off limits. But honey, I'd be careful a man like that is going to be caught by a dozen women before he's done."

Not if the right one catches him first, I thought.

Normally we would stand around and gossip like a pair of fish wives but not tonight. Ignoring her I clocked out and grabbed my sweater.

Nathan stood up, smiling at me as I approached. A girl could get lost in that smile of his. He's not the same boy you knew Ashley I reminded myself. He is also most definitely not the same as the high school boys you're used to.

This is a man. A man who has done stuff and been places you can't even imagine.

Placing money on the counter for the coffee and a tip he held the door for me and touched my lower back guiding me through to the street. A sweet electric tingle sparkled up my spine.

The long gray sidewalk to home lay before us. The night had grown cool, silver stars danced in the black sky. It was a magical time. Every building and each loud and obnoxious car ceased to exist. All my problems, doubts, and worries seem to disappear as my world narrowed down to just the two of us. Two young people walking down a sidewalk together.

He shifted to put himself on the street side and I smiled. Nathan was like that, always the gentleman. Mr. J was like that too. He always treated Mrs. J as if she were special. It was nice to see that Nathan had picked up his father's habits.

We began walking, engulfed in silence. Suddenly I didn't know what to do with my hands. I had to constantly restrain myself from reaching and caressing his shoulder. He was home, really home. I'd lain awake too many nights panicking over what it would be like if he got hurt or god forbid if he didn't come home.

I shoved my hands into the pockets of my sweater. The last thing I should do was start caressing Nathan Johnson. He'd freak out and I'd never see him again.

"So, have you decided what you're going to do this fall?" he asked, breaking the silence and making me jump.

"No not really." I said shaking my head. "Probably take some classes at the community college. With tips I'm making good money at Sam's. I just don't know what I want to be when I grow up."

He nodded his head as if he understood. Nathan had never been judgmental. Was that because he didn't care enough to have an opinion? Or was it because he trusted me to figure it out on my own.

Everyone else had an opinion about what I should do. Chrissy thought I should have applied to the University of Washington in Seattle with her. Dad thought I should work in his law office. Pushing papers from one side of the room to the other.

Mom? Well, who knew what she thought I should do. It didn't really matter because whatever I chose it would be wrong.

"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Nathan said, answering my original question.

A sweet silence settled over us as we walked. I could feel his presence next to me. He’d adjusted his step to meet mine. Steeling a glance at him I caught his profile in the glow from the street light. He was so heartbreaking handsome I thought. A strong nose, firm chin, wide, solid shoulders. Eyes full of laughter and intelligence. His short Marine haircut made me want to run my fingers across the bristly sides. Most of all, lips that were designed to make a girl want to kiss them.

My heart skipped a beat making me trip over a crack in the sidewalk.

I stumbled and instinctively reached to grab his arm to steady myself. I swear it wasn't intentional. At least I don't think it was. Maybe my subconscious was doing it.

Nathan spun and caught me at the waist before I could fall. His strong hands holding me steady until I could gather myself. Again that sweet electric buzz emanated from where he touched me. A gentle warmth that caressed my soul. I could quickly become oh so addicted to that feeling.

Smiling I waited for him to tease me. Something along the lines of, Walk much Ashley? Or, Jesus Parker, we can't take you anywhere. But he didn't say a word, instead his eye bore into me with a concerned look, checking to see if I was alright.

Gathering myself I mumbled a quick "Thank you," then started walking again before he could see the deep blush on my cheeks.

A not so sweet silence settled over us again. All I could think about was that this was Nathan, Chrissy's big brother. Nothing was ever going to happen, but if by some miracle it did, then I'd be betraying Chrissy somehow. My stomach turned over. Why couldn't life be easy?

We continued on for several minutes. Why couldn't I think of something to say? I should be able to flirt, right? I'd flirted with other boy's. It was easy, tell them how special they were. Smile, laugh, toss your hair, they loved that. With Nathan though, it seemed too silly to even think about it.

It had been so much easier when I could put stuff down on paper in a letter to him.

"I'm only going to be home for about four weeks then I have to head back," Nathan said suddenly, where did that come from?

"Uh, okay," I said, demonstrating once again my outstanding conversational skills. "Have you decided what you're going to do long term. Re-enlist or get out?"

He hesitated for a moment then shook his head. "I guess I haven't decided what I want to be when I grow up either."

I laughed then we turned onto my block and the laughter died in my throat. I didn't want this night to end. Couldn't I just keep on walking with him all night? We could go around and around the block, over and over. Or better yet, walk right out of town and just keep on going.

Sighing to myself I tried to get a grip on my insides. This is Chrissy's brother remember. Do not say or do anything stupid. Do not let him see how you feel about him. It'd just make him uncomfortable and Chrissy would never speak to me again. I'd lose them both, I'd lose the entire Johnson clan. The thought of it made me shudder.

My house was right there, two doors down. The porch light beamed like a beacon. Dad's car was in the driveway. He and mom would be sitting in the living room watching TV. A different world, a world without Nathan in it.

Stepping up on the porch I turned to face him. We came eye to eye and I smiled. "Thank you for walking me home."

"Do you walk home by yourself every night?" he asked. "It's really not safe."

"I was supposed to call my dad to come get me. My car’s in the shop and won't be ready until Friday. You saved him a trip."

"Are you working tomorrow, I can give you a ride."

"Oh I don't want to take you away from your family. I'm sure your mom has a hundred things planned," I said looking down at my shoes. He was so sweet offering to give me a ride. I wanted to say yes so badly. Please offer again I thought to myself.

"That's okay, believe me, I'll be looking for reasons to get out of the house. What time to you go in. I'll be here."

My heart jumped and I couldn't help smiling. "I work eleven to seven, we overlap for the lunch crowd."

"I'll pick you up at ten thirty then."

"Make it ten and I'll treat you to breakfast, Carlos makes killer biscuits and gravy."

"Great, ten it is then," he said.

We stood there for a moment as if neither knew what to do next. That awkward end of the first date moment washed over me but this hadn't been a date. Even if it had felt like one. Do not, under any circumstance think of it as a date I told myself.

He shifted back and forth as if he didn't know what to do either. Stopping for a moment he looked into my eyes. I felt myself being pulled toward him by some magical magnetic force. His eyes narrowed and burned for a moment, was that desire I saw buried behind them.

I watched his tongue moisten his lips. He's going to kiss me I thought. Really, Nathan Johnson is going to kiss me. Every dream, every prayer was about to be answered.

My heart stopped as I waited. I couldn't look away.