Still Water by A. M. Johnson

sexual prowess.
    I quickly got ready to leave and waited for Jace by the front doors. The cold unspring-like weather was getting worse after the sun had set. A cold gust of air hit my bare legs as someone entered the climbing gym. I needed to stop wearing shorts.
    "Your place or mine?" Jace held the gym door open for me. He had to be kidding.
    "I think I'm going to just call it a night." I made a show of yawning. "I'm drained. The first week of work really killed me."
    Jace's jaw compressed. "Let's get one drink." he persisted.
    "Look, I had a nice time, but I don't—"
    "Stop, don't say it," he interrupted. "Let's just call it a night. I'll drop you off, and we can try again another night." Jace's smile didn't touch his eye, and it felt a bit off. I felt guilty though. I didn't want to date Jace, but I didn't want to hurt his feelings either. He was so much nicer when he wasn't trying to get in my pants.
    "I don't know. I probably shouldn't date people I work with — unnecessary drama, you know?" I tapped my feet on the concrete. It was getting cold.
    "Oh shit! Sorry, Lily. Here get in." The beep of his car unlocking signaled me that the torture of standing in the cold was over. Praise the heavens . Once in the car, I had hoped the conversation was over. I was wrong.
    "So?"
    "I don't know, Jace. Let me sleep on it, okay?" I should've just been straight with him instead of trying to spare his feelings. The guy really did need to be knocked down a notch anyway. I just didn't want to be the one to do it.
    "That sounds good." He smiled his fake smile at me again. The rest of the drive home was filled with awkward silence, and the ride to my house couldn't have taken any longer. Jace jumped out of the car and practically ran to open my door. He took my hand and helped me out of the car.
    "You don't have to walk me to the door. Thanks for everything." I quickly moved my feet, one in front of the other, trying to create space. Jace grumbled under his breath as the door to his car slammed shut. I didn't want to give him any false hope by giving him a goodnight kiss. I slowed my pace and watched him drive away. I stopped for a minute at the end of my driveway and looked up at the clear sky and wondered what my dad would be doing right now if he were alive. We'd probably be sitting on the back porch listening to Van Morrison and drinking beer while the cicadas sang in the background. We'd be laughing and talking about what a shitty date that was. I took a deep breath loving how the clean air filled my lungs. It was getting late, and I was ready for bed.
    I was about to head inside when Todd's silver 4Runner pulled up to the curb. My heart rate began to sprint. What was he doing here? He turned off the truck, and I watched as his hard frame moved toward me.
    "What are you doing here?" I asked with irritated confusion. Why did he think he could just show up like this? I meant nothing to him.
    "Wanted to make sure you got home okay." His deep voice vibrated through the cold, quiet air.
    "Why?" Was he worried about me? My voice trembled as he moved closer, our bodies just a small fraction apart. The heat radiated from his body. He looked sexy in the dark gray T-shirt that stretched across his broad chest and fitted jeans. Todd's arms were so stunning. The cut muscle was only amplified by the artwork that scrolled across it. I loved how the ink was brightly colored on one side and dark on the other. I had a feeling there was a deeper meaning behind that choice. Ugh, I shouldn't want to know anything deeper about Todd. He was a playboy, and I needed to remember that. Still just the sight of him had me nervous and my stomach twisted in knots.
    "Why?" His right eyebrow turned up. "Lily, Jace is a shit. I told you that I was worried."
    He seemed different tonight, softer somehow.
    "Oh," I mumbled lamely. I didn't know what to say, this man was such a puzzle. He put two fingers under my chin, lifting my face and giving me no other choice but to