I?”
Chaz gave her a look that indicated she was certifiable. He managed to nod his head to the affirmative. Bella was indeed taken, and any man that sought to change that would have to deal with Chaz. Bella tried to rein in her huge grin and bent to kiss Chaz.
“It was my best friend, Kennedy. I missed our workout today, and she was worried.”
“What did you tell her? You have had several workouts today, so you should be fine.” Chaz sipped on a Corona.
“I told her that I would talk to her tomorrow.” Raising an eyebrow behind the designer glasses, he asked, “What are you going to tell her?”
“Whatever she wants to know, she’s my best friend.”
“Maybe you should leave some things to the imagination.” Chaz moved his crotch against her backside giving her a hint. Bella giggled and would definitely welcome round two, even on the rented couch.
“I don’t mean every single solitary detail, just a synopsis of my weekend. Is that going to be a problem?”
“Nope, do what you have to do.” That damn cocky grin was killing Bella. She was or had she already fallen totally in love with Chaz. His confidence was to be admired. He seemed so sure of himself and this burgeoning relationship.
“You haven’t figured women out by now? We like to keep each other informed. As much as I feel like I know you already, there is a lot that I don’t know. I know there is something that you have to tell me that you do not want to tell me. I can feel that much Chaz. Besides if something should happen, I need someone to know what was going on in my life. Also do not pretend like you didn’t give Horatio the rundown on me in that closet,” she stated knowingly.
“Uh, that was not a closet. That was another office. I just told him that I met you yesterday and that we were hanging out together. That’s all!” His smile tried unsuccessfully to hide the truth.
“You are trying so hard not to laugh, because you know that is not all that was said. I know better than to believe that phony smile.”
“There are some things about me that I haven’t revealed. For now that’s all I can say but I promise to fill you in later,” he said placing his strong arms around her neck. “Now let’s dance.”
Bella and Chaz stayed at the party for another hour before deciding to leave. On the ride back to his place, Chaz talked more about his life and what he likes and disliked. Bella had a feeling he was hinting towards something, but was happy for now that he was sharing. In the last twenty-four hours he had managed to turn her world upside down and she couldn’t think of a better time spent. In the last twenty-four hours, Chaz managed to tap into parts of her mind and body that she had been so afraid to explore. He had helped her out of that comfortable shell. Even though, he had in no way revealed what she knew was going to be a killer detail about his life, she felt certain that despite what it might be she would deal with it. The truth was he was right. They were meant to be together. Bella allowed that realization to set in while he talked about being an awkward teenager.
“Are you listening to me?” Chaz asked interrupting her thoughts.
“Sure! Just kinda tired that’s all,” she replied. In her mind, she was trying to imagine their new life together. A worried expression painted her face as she thought about her friends and what they would think of this relationship. Once again Bella had plunged in heart first, brain last.
“I know we have moved at rapid, super speed. But this all feels right Bella,” he said hoping she felt it too. “We are both adults and we don’t need to fit some preconceived idea of how long it takes to develop a relationship.”
Bella nodded, “I think we are far off the path of normalcy.”
“I know I have a lot I need to explain and in due time I most certainly will answer all questions. I just don’t want you to get hung up on timelines. This is about
Thomas F. Monteleone, David Bischoff
Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna