John was my older brother's best friend throughout their entire school career so I pretty much grew up knowing him as well. About the day I started showing interest in boys is the day he started showing interest in me. I never thought of him as anything more than a friend then. I merely brushed it off as a passing phase because they left for college the year I became a senior. I dated a few guys but nothing ever came of it. Then something changed when he came home that summer.
I was out on the side of the driveway that served as the basketball court as I watched the two play one on one like I always did but there was something different about him. Like I said, we were nothing more than friends in my eyes but the way I was looking at him these days was more than friendly. The way his golden sun kissed skin glistened with sweat. Mmmm! I wanted to eat him up. Hold back here just a minute girl! This is John we are talking about after all. His emerald eyes sparkled with mischief as he glanced toward me as I pulled my knees toward my chest. I must have had a slight blush from the way he smiled. For the first time in my life I was actually embarrassed about the way I felt toward a man.
"I'm going in for something to drink," I brushed the grass from my straight hem lavender running shorts." Anybody need anything?"
"Why don't you bring us a couple of bottled waters sis?" Dave responded.
"Sounds good to me."
"I'll be right back," I left the two oblivious to the fact that John was memorizing every swing of my hips before I entered the house.
"Something going on with you and Abbie?" Dave inquired.
"Huh?" John turned back to Dave.
"You seeing my little sister?"
"No! Don't be ridiculous."
"Well she sure is doing something to ya."
"Excuse me?"
"You're eyes just about popped out of your head when she went inside."
"So I noticed her. Big Deal!"
"John I've known you since grade school. There's been a couple of times I've seen that look in your eyes."
"So what you want from me? I'm a red blooded American boy. You're sister has grown into a fine looking woman."
"That's my sister you're talking about."
"Did I interrupt something?" She handed each one of them a bottle; lingering near John just a touch too long.
"Nothing sis," he interrupted their not so stolen moment.
"Jeez Dave. Why don't you be just a little more protective. I'll just go over there and pretend I'm seven again."
Never in a million years John thought.
"Don't even say it," Dave threatened.
"You know Dave, I think I'll head home and let you cool off a little bit. It was nice seeing you again Abbie. Maybe I'll see you around sometime."
"Don't count on it."
As soon as John had left, I tore into Dave." What the hell is wrong with you?"
"He was eyeing you like a piece of meat Abbie."
"Like you haven't done that to any of my friends."
"That's different. I know how guys work."
"So it's okay for you to ogle my girlfriends but the minute I start noticing one of your friends it's not okay."
"It's not okay because he's been my best friend since I can remember."
I stormed in the house with him following close behind.
I found the keys to her car and grabbed my purse.
"Where the hell do you think you're going?"
"Somewhere where I'm not bothered by you!"
"Abbie!"
I turned in the foyer and stated," I'll be back when I cool off Dave. Mom and Dad aren't here for the weekend so rest assured, I won't be either."
I just drove not sure really where I wanted to go but an hour later, I ended up on John's doorstep. What am I doing here? He's the main reason Dave and I are arguing. Who Cares? Dave's a big boy and so is John I reminded myself. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight before me. John opened the door in nothing but a towel.
"Hey Abbie. What's up?"
"Do you even have to ask?"
He rolled his eyes." Come in and have a seat. Can I get you anything?"
"No thank you."
"I'll be right back then," I watched as he left the room. Damn college had been good to him! Every muscle rippled as he once again entered the room in his current state of dress. What was this strange sensation knotting up in my stomach?
"So what's up?"
"What's wrong with him John?"
"He's just protecting his baby sister."
" It's okay for him to look at my friends but when you look at me," she lost her train of thought as those mesmerizing jewels met hers.
"When I look at you what?"
I looked away from him and spoke because it was hard enough with the thought of him being completely bare underneath that towel." When you look at me I guess it's like he thinks it's incest or something," I felt my eyes drifting slowly downward.