STAY WITH ME: Ketitech Rejects Book One Read online

  The left side of my body feels warm, only because he is sitting there. I feel an electricity running up and down my arm from where he kissed it, fogging my brain and not letting any coherent thoughts through. What did he ask? Drawing? Oh yeah... “All my life, it helps me relax.” Usually...

  “That sounds wonderful. Are you a professional artist? Would I have seen your work anywhere?” He’s serious. Professional? Now that’s a joke, enough so that I laugh out loud, and feel my shoulders relax enough to speak again.

  “No, just a hobby. I’m not very good. I brought that along to draw when I get to Arizona. I want to sketch the desert in person and do a little sightseeing. I think. I haven’t really decided.” I’m rambling.

  “You think? Decided on what?” He has a look of curiosity in those green eyes, like he is really interested in what I have to say.

  “Um.” I haven’t really said my plans, or lack thereof, aloud to anyone yet, and I’m about to let this strange man know all about me? “I’m not really sure where I’m going yet, is all.” I don’t think I’m ready to talk about this, so I change the subject. “Could I have my sketchbook back? I’d like to finish my drawing please.” The coward’s way out.

  He hands me my notebook, and I leave it open on my lap while I decide which color pencil would hide my shame the most. I couldn’t color right now if I tried, but I don’t know what else to do with my hands. He just keeps looking over at me. It would be creepy if he wasn’t so damn hot.

  “Let’s go grab some lunch in the dining car.”

  “I’m sorry?” He’s serious, waiting for an answer to come out of my mouth. “Umm... I think I’ll just order something to eat here. Thank you though.” I couldn’t walk right now to save my life.

  He gets up out of the chair and holds out his hand. “Are you sure? I hear the food is mediocre.” My eyes are blank, not following his train of thought. “I’m kidding! I hear it’s fantastic. Will you join me?”

  My shoulders relax. He’s trying to lighten the mood. What the hell...

  I allow him to help me up. The energy runs from his touch through my body. My head spins as he smiles down at me, then releases my hand and starts walking towards the edge of the car.

  I grab my purse and follow. My ears are ringing, making it hard to hear the door slide open as we exit to the adjoining train car. He continues walking, looking back and giving me a handsome smile. We say nothing as we walk through several aisleways, passing people on their phones or looking through windows. No one notices me, or sees how red my face is. It’s surprising, because I have a giant sign on my forehead that reads hot and bothered.

  Soon we reach a car with tables, and it smells delicious. My stomach rumbles, remembering the small piece of toast I had this morning, and I’m suddenly thankful this mystery man is making me eat.

  Daniel is shown to a table with only two seats across from one another, then stands behind a chair, motioning me to sit.

  I take a deep breath, figure it’s just food, and walk forward. As he sits, I look around at the couples and families together, enjoying their meals. This public space should be fine, even if it is with someone I just met. As I reach for my menu, a young man in uniform approaches the table.

  “Hello, my name is Kevin, and I’ll be serving you today. Would you like to see the wine menu?”

  “Absolutely.” Daniel takes the menu from the waiter and quickly browses through the selections. “We will have a bottle of the Etude Cabernet, thank you.” He hands the menu back to the waiter, who smiles in return.

  “Yes sir.” As Kevin trots off, my eyes open wider, and I stare open mouthed at Daniel. Who orders a bottle of wine at lunch? He continues to browse his menu, then notices my expression.

  “Sorry, old habit. I can order something else if you’d like?” There is that smirk again. It makes my stomach flutter when he does that.

  “No, it’s fine. I just…” Not able to find the words, I look back down at my menu. Am I on a date? No way. Someone like this would never look twice at me, not in a normal situation. He’s just looking for company on the train, not wanting to eat alone. I barely notice any food items on the menu. I can feel him looking up periodically, so I concentrate harder to find something to eat. Salad, that works. With tofu, perfect. Now what?

  The waiter comes back with a wine bottle and opens it tableside. His movements flourish, catching my attention. The young man tips the bottle, and pours a tiny amount of wine into Daniel’s glass. Daniel smells it while slightly swirling, then as he takes a sip, looks over the glass into my eyes and winks. I can’t help but sigh. Even though he makes this knot build in my stomach, I could watch those green eyes all day.

  “Is it to your liking, sir?” Daniel nods, never breaking his gaze towards me. I give an awkward side smile at Kevin, which I’m sure isn’t very convincing. He pours my glass first, then Daniel’s.

  “Thank you.” My voice cracks a little, my face reddening. The waiter walks away, leaving the bottle on the table. I lift my wine glass up to my mouth and can smell the aroma of oak and berry. My first sip, and the liquid pours down my throat, filling my mouth with flavor. An aftertaste of cherries, almost sweet, but not. “This is good. I’ve never had wine like this before.” I sound like an uncultured moron. Stop talking, Vee.

  Daniel laughs, “It’s the best cabernet they have on this train. Not my favorite, but it will do for now. So, Vee, what brings you here? Since you don’t know where you are going, then why? Looking for some artistic inspiration?”

  I get my thoughts straight, trying not to sound too naive. “I’m leaving town for a little while. There’s nothing left for me there, but I’m not really sure what I’m doing. I just- picked a direction and bought a ticket.” I take a deep breath. It’s good to say that out loud, and I don’t feel as sad about it anymore. His boyish grin spreads wide, his face lighting up. He’s so cute.

  “That was very brave of you, leaving without a plan. Are you nervous?” His glasses slide down the bridge of his nose, and he presses a finger to slide them back up. He has a handsome nerd look to him, like a teacher, one that all the girls had crushes on. I have a hard time remembering the question, watching him. Nervous? Oh yeah.

  “I am, yes, but also excited. It was time for me to leave. I have a little money saved up and didn’t want to waste any more time. I want to see more of the world, and paint some of it if I can.” I hold my chin a little higher, and take another sip of my wine. Just a pleasant lunch with a mysterious man.

  He lifts his wine glass to toast. “To new adventures.”

  “To new adventures.” I take another sip, having a good time so far. He is very easy to talk to. I glimpse the changing scenery outside, with corn fields and small barns dotting the land. It’s surreal, like I’m an elegant traveler passing the time with a gorgeous man.

  The waiter takes our order, then we slip into polite conversation. Curiosity overpowers me to get to know the man sitting across the table. “Where are you headed?”

  I watch his eyes move from mine, out the window, his brow furrowing.

  “You could say I’m on vacation.” He sips his wine, saying nothing for several more moments. “The train is not a very common way of travel these days, and I thought it would be nice to take the long way.” I can see the strained smile, knowing it’s not all to the story. His fingers run along the wine glass, then he changes the subject. “What made you want to leave?”

  This personal question throws me off balance, but I allow the conversation to stop, only because of the look in his eyes. He seems… genuinely interested in my life. I let the memory of this morning come back, looking down at my glass. “I, um… got fired this morning. It wasn’t a great job, didn’t pay well, but it was work. I guess I’ve had a rough few years, and it got worse the last few days.”

  I’m being a fucking Debbie Downer. I can see concern growing on his face, and the last thing I want is him feeling sorry for me. “It’s nothing to worry about, just time for me to move o
n. I think getting on this train was the right move for me.”

  Daniel tries to respond, but our food is delivered to the table. I look across at him, nodding at the waiter, watching Daniel cut into his steak.

  “Tofu, huh? Never thought I would like it. Steak is far superior.”

  He takes a bite of his rare steak, and my stomach turns, but I grin because the conversation has moved away from my horrible morning. “I haven’t eaten meat in 8 years.”

  “You’re kidding! Why?”

  “It’s not for me. Never liked it much, stopped eating it one day. I’ll still eat seafood every now and then, especially sushi.” My salad is perfect, with pecans and strawberries, tofu, and a light vinaigrette dressing. It tastes delicious with my wine. “I prefer other proteins though, like tofu. Would you like to try?”

  Daniel leans over and stabs a small piece with his fork, then pops it in his mouth. That cute little side smile shows he’s obviously enjoying himself. “That’s actually quite good, especially with the dressing.”

  The fields roll by as we finish our meal, making small talk about the nice weather as we eat. Daniel pours the remaining wine into our glasses. My body is relaxed, and I’m braver with my voice. “Did you enjoy your steak?”

  “I did. Nothing compared to Valentino’s, but still good. Better than what I was expecting on a train” His snobbery is showing again, like when he ordered the wine. It’s kind of cute. He knows what he wants, and how to get it.

  Kevin comes to the table again to clear the plates. “Would you like dessert today?” Daniel looks at me, waiting for an answer, one eyebrow raised.

  “Oh no, I’m fine.” I couldn’t possibly fit cabernet and dessert in my stomach right now.

  “That will be all, thank you. Please charge to room fourteen.” Daniel stands after the young man walks away. “Let’s finish the wine back at your seat.” He picks up his wine glass with one hand, then holds his other hand out to me.

  “Um, alright.” I allow him to help me up, then take my glass from the table, pulling my bag onto my shoulder.

  “Be careful not to spill, the train is a bit shaky.” We continue to walk, and I notice when the aisle allows, he falls back to walk next to me, sneaking cute glimpses towards me. I try ignoring him, but he has that boyish grin, and his hair falls over the edge of his glasses, making him irresistible.

  When we go through the doors at the end of the train cars, he slides it open, and waits for me to walk through first. I’ve never had men open doors like this, but it is something I could get used to.

  Once back at my seat, I walk around and sit, watching the sun move across the sky. It’s a beautiful clear day, and the wine is making me warm inside. I’m very relaxed, and curious about the hunk sitting next to me.

  “So, Daniel, where are you from? Or do you just ride trains to take random girls out to lunch?” Something I wouldn’t normally say, but he did buy a bottle of wine, so why not?

  My boldness doesn’t phase him. “I’m living in Atlanta right now, or that’s where my condo is. I’m originally from Toronto.”

  “I’ve never met anyone from Canada before. What made you move to the United States?” I sip my wine once I ask the question, relying on liquid courage to help me through the conversation.

  “Landed a job in Atlanta. I’m not sure if it’s going to work out though.”

  “Is that why you are going on a trip?” He stops speaking, and that strained look comes across his face again. Maybe he’s had some bad days too and doesn’t want to talk about it. “Nevermind, I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine, I’m- going through a rough patch at work right now.” We sip our wine in silence, awkwardly watching the world go by.

  I can’t think of anything to talk about. He’s probably bored of me.

  Daniel takes the last sip of his wine in a swig while standing. “Thank you for the company, and having lunch with me. It took guts, what you did today. Remember that.” He takes my hand and kisses it once more. I stare into his green eyes, suddenly aware he’s leaving, and I don’t want him to go. “It was nice to have met you, Vee.”

  “You too.” He releases my hand, turns, and walks out of the train car. What the hell was that?

  The back of my hand burns in the spot he kissed. I sit, stunned and silent, finishing my glass of wine, watching the sun slowly move further to nightfall. His eyes are stuck in my mind, his chiseled jaw, that scruffy chin, the light brown waves falling over the rim of his glasses.

  I sigh, and set down my empty glass. Rummaging through my sketchpad, I try to see my drawings how he saw them. He likes my work. I pick up my pencils and continue my landscape view from earlier, but all I can see now are his eyes staring back at me.

  CHAPTER 2

  Another couple of hours go by, leaving me time to finish my sketch and read a few pages of my book. Only a few pages though, my brain not settling long enough to concentrate. I need a game plan. I know where this train will take me, when it will arrive, but I have no idea what to do when I get there.

  The three thousand dollars in my bank account and five hundred in cash in my purse will not last me very long, so I pull out my phone to search for jobs in Phoenix. There are a few easy applications for restaurant work, so I fill these out first, then move to apartments. There are several places I can check out close to the train station. Also very close to a bus stop, so I won’t have to worry about a car at the moment.

  After I get to know the area with my phone, I search for beautiful scenery to paint in Arizona.

  Wow!

  There are so many places, like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, mountains in Flagstaff, the list goes on. This could be my new home, for a while at least.

  Could Daniel be going there as well? No. That was a lovely lunch, and nothing more. I have more important things to worry about.

  The intercom clicks overhead, a man’s voice reminding me we will be stopping in Chicago in twenty minutes. I see Sylvia walking through my car, so I wave to stop her.

  “How long will the train be stopped in Chicago?”

  “Around twenty minutes. If you want to get off, stay close to the train so you can hear when we have final boarding.” She grins and walks down the car, leaning to speak with another passenger.

  I could just look around. I’ve never seen Chicago before, and I am on an adventure. When the train gets closer, I see other people around me packing up bags and putting away their phones. They must be getting off here, which means Daniel could be done with his trip as well.

  Shaking off the disappointment that I might not see him again, I stand with my purse. Maybe the station will have a souvenir I can send to my sister Tabitha, or a postcard for mom and my stepdad. My legs could use a stretch anyway, so I walk towards one of the doors, standing with other passengers.

  When the train stops moving, we all exit together, and I move across the yellow safety line, then through the tall corridor. Every step I take makes me feel like I should be moving faster, like I’m still on the train. It’s a bizarre sensation, but it only takes a few steps for me to get acclimated.

  I enter an enormous open space, with a curved glass ceiling and pillars lining the room. This is even more beautiful than my train station at home, and a lot bigger. There are several benches lining the middle of the room, but no gift shop is in sight, so I walk along the perimeter staring up at the ceiling. The sun has fallen low enough to show a faint light through the top, and the evening twilight shimmers through the room. It’s a magical space, and I’m mesmerized by the ambiance of the lobby. I don’t have much time left, but it's enough to walk around the room once.

  I make my way along, admiring the people bustling toward trains or resting on benches, then notice Daniel out of the corner of my eye. He’s heading in my direction, fast, looking right at me.

  I stop walking, not knowing whether to wave or turn the other way, when he stops directly in front of me, panic glowing in his eyes. My breath stops, but before I can get a word out, he sa
ys, “I’m sorry- ”

  He dips his chin down to make our eyes level. The flutters in my stomach are back, and my entire body goes rigid. His lips touch mine, and my world spins.

  With my eyes closed, I feel his mouth pressing harder onto mine, his hands around me, moving along my back, bringing me closer to him. My mind wants to step back, but this warm feeling in my body moves me closer, hearing my heart beating faster in my ears, then my hands reach up to touch his hips. His fingers move up to the back of my head, and he pulls me in closer, deepening the kiss even more.

  What the fuck is happening? My hands push his chest, and I step back, trying to catch my breath, moving my hand up to my lips. I look up at Daniel, but his eyes dart around, no longer paying attention to me.

  “I, uh- ” He takes off, walking away like nothing happened. My heart racing, I turn to watch him go. Who the hell is this guy?

  I hear the speaker say I’ve got five minutes until the train leaves, so I hurry back to my traincar, dazed. There are more people in my section now than there were before, but I still have the empty seat next to me, and I’m ready for this train to get the fuck out of here.

  Settling back into my chair I watch the sky fade into darkness. I take out my book, but it just serves as something to stare at. I can’t concentrate on what the words say, only look at the blurred pages in front of me while I run that kiss over and over in my head.

  Surely the other passengers can sense I’ve been deeply and thoroughly kissed. My fingers brush my face, knowing the heat is making my cheeks red. Embarrassed, I sink lower into my chair, trying to hide.

  Wow. I’ve never been kissed like that before. He just… grabbed me. Like I didn’t have a choice, and I was his. This is not going to help my situation. I can’t be grabbed by strangers, stealing a kiss in a train station under the twilight sky. This is not romantic. In fact, I should be infuriated. I don’t even know this man, and he has the nerve to assault me in public. Well, I didn’t stop him at first, and it was rather enjoyable, but even so. No person in their right mind kisses random people like that.