Page 13 of Narrow Margins
I manage to swivel my body around so I can get my knee under me, then, with his hands under my arms, Griff lifts me upright. We make it to the bed so I can sit down again and I look up to thank him, his mouth is so close to mine I can smell his toothpaste. His eyes dilate and I watch his tongue flicker over his lips. Before I can stop myself, I lean in and press my lips against his. Nothing more, scarcely a gentle pressure against his gorgeous, soft mouth.
When I pull back, I watch him slowly open his eyes and the bright blue sparkles at me. We lick our lips at the same time.
“I’m sorry,” I fumble back on the bed, my towel falling open. Only, this time, my dick is swelling, filling rapidly with blood. All from one kiss, one simple taste of his lips. Dragging the towel back over my hardening dick, I flop back. “Shit! Griff, just go. Please, just go.” Closing my eyes, I lie still, waiting to hear his footsteps retreat and away down the hall. But, nothing, no sound.
Propping myself up on my elbows, I scan around and watch as Griff grabs another towel from the bathroom before mopping up the spilled water. He collects the glass from the floor, putting it back on the table, and sets my crutch against the wall. Then he turns to me and I see no pity, no embarrassment, simply an open, friendly face. I feel like a complete shit.
“Where’s your leg, Corrie?” Griff’s words jar my thoughts.
“What? No, it’s fine; I promise, I’m okay now. Embarrassed to hell, but fine. I’m sorry I kissed you. I’ll be fine.”
“That’s three times you’ve told me you’re fine and each time you said it, I smelt more bullshit. So what if you fell? People fall all the time; I’ve fallen off more bikes, pulling stupid stunts, than I’ve had hot dinners. Don’t worry about it; as long as you’re not hurt, it’s okay.” He walks to the doorway and I think he’s going to walk through but he turns back again. “Oh, and, Corrie? About the kiss? Now that was just fine.” With a flashy smile, he leaves me alone.
What does he mean by that? That it was a just fine kiss? Or that he was just fine with having it? Oh, crap! My life just got way harder.
I take my time getting dressed, making sure my stump is covered properly before attaching my leg. Finished dressing, I stand up and, shit, it hurts to walk. I really have hurt my butt. I’m going to have to use my cane today. Can today be any more embarrassing?
Griff stands in the kitchen with two coffees to go when I get downstairs, he looks at me and smiles. A genuine smile that doesn’t seem to have a hidden agenda.
“I’m not sure how you take it, so I left it black.” Griff hands me a cup.
“Black’s good. I’m a simple man.” I smile and take a sip.
“If you want, we can travel together today?” Griff mimics my drinking but winces when the hot liquid burns his mouth.
“Yeah, what car do you want to go in? We can take mine until you’re comfortable with where you’re going.” I lift my keys off the hook and walk to the garage.
“Okay, I’ll drive tomorrow.” Griff watches me as I trudge with my cane, “Are you okay, maybe we should cancel today?”
“Nah, Raff is an ass when he gets delayed. I’ll be okay once I get moving. I hit my ass harder than I thought.” I chuckle. “Come on, let’s go.”
When we get in the car, the enclosed space makes me hyper aware of Griff so close to me. I smell his scent: sandalwood and herbs from his shampoo, maybe? But, whatever it is, it makes my head spin. I see him take a deep breath in, too, is he as affected as I am?
What am I thinking of? He’s straight, for God’s sake!
“What’s going to happen today? I’ve never done this before.” Griff sounds nervous.
“You’ve done shoots for magazines before, I’ve seen them.” I’m surprised by his admission. “Why is this different?”
“I think, before, it was all about my riding and the bike; this is now a paid job. If I don’t get it right, or I can’t do it, I’ll be out of here.” His voice is low and cautious.
“Trust me, you’ll be fine. As much as my brother annoys me, he is damn good at what he does. He will make sure you give him the shot he needs.” I laugh at the thought of the two of them clashing. “But today will be a fitting of the clothes, the designer is here today to make sure everything is good, then there will be some test shots. You’ll have to get used to spending a lot of time hanging around and waiting.”
“Fun times then.” A grimace distorts his face.
“Oh, and there’s make up to do, too. I hate that part.” Parking in a space at the front of the building, I twist in my seat and look at him, finding him biting his bottom lip. “Hey, don’t do that.” And, without thinking, I pull his lip from his teeth. I watch as he takes a sharp breath in, “Shit, Griff, I’m sorry. I don’t seem to be able to stop.” I turn away to stare out the window, mortified again.
“Corrie, look at me.” Griff’s finger moves under my chin to turn my head. “It’s fine, like I said about the kiss. There’s no problem here. I don’t know what it means, but you don’t have to worry about what you do.” Griff looks from my eyes to my mouth as I swallow the constricting lump in my throat.
“But, you’re straight, Griff, and I am most definitely gay. So, I am crossing a line I know I shouldn’t.” I flush again.
“I think it’s more a narrow margin than a line, Corrie, and I don’t seem able to pull away from you. You bring feelings and emotions out in me that I have never felt for anyone else. But, I have always considered myself as straight. Until you.” Griff replies and it sounds like he has really been thinking about it.
“You see, saying things like that confuses me.”
I’m interrupted by a knock on the window and Raff’s face fills my vision. “Are you coming to do some work or just wasting my time?”
Ignoring him, I turn back to Griff, “You ready?”
“As much as I’ll ever be, let’s go.” Griff opens his door and climbs out of the low car. I have a bit more trouble today since my ass hurts but I manage and grab my cane from behind the seat.
Raff has stalked off, leaving us to walk in together, side by side but not touching.