Free Finding Home by Aine Kelley

tense or nervous.
     
    With my hand still in his, I turn it over and trace my fingers over his palm. Taking a deep breath, I let my feelings come out. “Ben, most men make me nervous, but for the first time in my life, I don’t feel nervous. You calm me.”
    I can hear his breath hitch and see his eyes turn darker. He removes his hand and gently brushes his hand along my cheek. I lean into it, and his touch engulfs my senses. I don’t know how long we stare at each other without speaking a word. I’m under his spell, and I don’t want to break it. It’s a feeling I thought I knew before, but I clearly never really have. It’s the feeling of home—a home where I want to stay and rest my weary body and soul for a while.
    Breaking the spell, he removes his hand and I miss his warmth instantly. “We should get going.” He turns the car back onto the road, and we begin our journey again. However, I have a feeling the journey we’re on is not just a simple drive to his house, but a whole lot more. I think I like more. A contented smile slowly grows across my face.
    My hand itches for something to do so I make a move to turn on his radio. Perhaps some music will lighten the mood. “Do you mind if we listen to some music?”
    “No. Not at all. Put on whatever you like.”
    I decide I am going to test that statement. “Really, whatever I want? Wow. Thanks. What station plays Brittney Spears and Selena Gomez? I just love some good bubble gum pop music!”
    I can see his jaw tighten and his eyes twitch. He’s clearly not a fan of pop music.
    “I thought you said I could put on whatever I want, but that weird twitching you got going on tells me another story.”
    “Ah, I guess I’m not a fan of pop music, but if you like it, please put it on.”
    “I’m just messing with you. I’m more of a rock girl. But I do like all genres. Actually, I’m kind of a music freak.”
    “A music freak? That sounds interesting. Tell me more.”
    “Well, I have this weird ability that once I hear a song I kind of just know the words and melody. I usually only need to hear a few notes and I know what song it is.”
    “So, you’re telling me that if you hear just a snippet of a song, you can identify it and sing it? Kind of like Name That Tune?”
    “Your ears would not want me to sing it. But I guess the way you’re describing it is accurate.”
    He reaches over to the radio and looks briefly at me while wagging his eyebrows. “Hmm, let’s test that freakiness, shall we? I’m not sure I believe you.”
    “Ben Foster, are you challenging me?” He winks again and damn what it does to me. “Challenge accepted!”
    He chuckles as he turns on the radio. “Okay, so I’m just going to turn it on for a few seconds and then off. Let’s see how you do.”
    “Okay. Wait, shall we make a wager? You know … to make it more interesting?”
    His eyes go wide as if I’ve just made his entire day even more interesting. “A wager? I love it. What should we wager? Hmm, I know, how about dinner and a movie? If I win, you take me, and if I lose, I take you?”
    I let out a loud humph. “So basically, either way, win or lose, we’re going to dinner and a movie. It kind of seems like a win all around, don’t you think?”
    “Exactly!” He looks at me and does that wink thing again.
    “You’re kind of a wise ass when you want to be, huh?”
    “I have my moments.” His smile is so smug right now. “So what’s it going to be? I know it might not follow your plan, but I’m harmless, really.” He turns to me and gives me a pouty face. I reach over and smack him on the arm.
    “Okay, wise ass, you got yourself a deal. But you’re going down!”
    “Hey either way I win, because I get to spend time with you.”
    I feel my blush cover my face and spread down my neck. “Smooth. Real smooth. Now just turn on the radio.”
    “Okay, okay, here we go.” He reaches for the knob and pushes it. A few notes play and I don’t hear any words,