Page 82 of Guarded Deputy
“This little guy?” I can’t help but tease her.
“Nate.” There’s a panicked desperation in her pleading voice. “It’s running away!” She points at it, jumping on the toilet seat cover.
I cup my hand over the small animal, but it’s a fast little fucker. I chase after it from side to side on the ceiling, and when it climbs down the wall, I cover it with my hand, feeling the coolness of the animal against my skin.
“I got it.” I smile triumphantly at Lizzy, who’s clutching her hands together, eyes round with fear. I swear I see tears forming.
Taking the lizard, I step out of the bathtub, leaving a trail of water as I make my way toward the front door. I’ll clean her floor after releasing the intruder. I let go of the little guy, or gal, feet away from the apartment on a bush so it doesn’t find its way back to her house.
When I return, I find Lizzy in the same spot, eyes roaming all over the bathroom as if a million lizards might appear from the walls and attack her.
“Thank you.” Her voice is quiet.
“You’re welcome. Are you okay?”
She nods, slowly stepping down from her perched position. I wash my hands with soap and water and then turn to look at her.
“You’re really terrified of them.”
“I am. It’s not just because they’re gross, I hate them. I’m sorry for kneeing you in the balls. If you want an exit plan to escape my crazy, you’ve got it. I’ll turn around while you leave and will never speak to you again unless work requires it.”
“What are you talking about?” I walk toward her, holding her hips.
“Let me see… I am a disaster and pretty sure I’m crazy. You don’t need to feel sorry for me.”
“I’ll admit you scared the shit out of me. I was wondering why you kneed me, but I get it. You have a phobia, that much is clear, but I don’t scare easily and neither does my guy down there.” I nod toward my crotch.
Lizzy covers her face, hiding herself from me. I hate that she feels that way, that she thinks I won’t accept her for who she is.
“Hey.” I pull her hands away. “Come on, let’s get dried up and put that ointment on your sting before it becomes irritated again.”
She remains rooted in place, so I bend to stare into her eyes.
“Lizzy Andrews, look at me. Do I look like I’m ready to walk because a few awkward incidents occurred? I’m not going anywhere unless you kick me out. But please don’t do that because I really like you, quirks, fears, and all.” Using my thumb, I lift one side of her lips in an attempt to form a smile, and Lizzy giggles.
“I am not going to get over this. I’ll think about it and remember it and get embarrassed all over again. I still can’t believe how today’s gone. This is by far the worst date ever.”
“I’m offended by that,” I say.
“No, I didn’t mean you. For fuck’s sake, shut up, Lizzy.” She shakes her head, chastising herself.
I toss my head back and laugh loudly. “I’m kidding, babe. I know what you mean, but I was trying to lighten the mood. Now, do you have a towel I can borrow?”
“Of course.” She walks out of the bathroom and opens a small closet on the adjacent wall. “Here you go. Do you, uh, need clothes because I don’t think mine will fit you?”
“I have a bag in the truck. I’ll be back.” I kiss her cheek and pat down my clothes to prevent making more of a mess in her apartment, then head to my truck for my bag.
“I’m changing in my room, feel free to use the bathroom,” Lizzy calls out when I enter her apartment again.
I walk into the bathroom and dry myself quickly before putting on shorts and a T-shirt. When I step out, Lizzy is mopping the floors.
“Let me do that. I was going to do it anyway.”
“It’s okay. I’m done.” She leans against the stick and smiles.
“Did you put the cream on the sting?”
“Yeah.”