Read Better Than Safe for Free Online

reflection in the glass behind me. I saw him reach out to brush his finger lightly over the shell of my ear. The gesture was sweet, but too familiar. I turned abruptly to find him closer than expected.
    “I was kidding. The third reason is… I thought you were sexy.” He shrugged and gave me a wry grin, “I still do. I’m sorry I acted like a jerk. I freak out a little when I get nervous and—I’m sorry.”
    The apology was as smooth as walking on a bed of rocks, but his sheepish countenance and silly smile went a long way toward erasing my earlier irritation. Plus he said I was sexy. It didn’t mean I wanted to start over and, God forbid, go on another coffee date, but I suddenly didn’t mind him sitting next to me.
    We chatted idly about general topics ranging from my favorite musician, John Coltrane, to his rock star hero, David Bowie. Seth was pleasant and unexpectedly engaging. He knew more about jazz and probably most genres of music than he let on, but there wasn’t time to delve deeper. The engine slowed as the train pulled into the station. Our fellow passengers scrambled to gather their belongings, talking and laughing at a higher volume in an almost frenzied anticipation of finally arriving at their destination. I tuned out the background noise and focused on my companion. He was telling me about a gig he’d performed at in a dive bar in New York City where the women in the front row took off their shirts and bras and threw them on stage.
    “It was crazy! It was this tiny club so it wasn’t like anyone gave a shit. We played a complete set to this group of bare-chested women dancing with their tits out.”
    I smiled at the bewildered amusement in his voice as I zipped my computer in its case and gave my phone a brief glance. People were filing out of the car now. It was time to go.
    “Are you ready?” I prodded when he didn’t move.
    “Yeah. Hey, I was thinking… um… hang on a sec. It’s in my backpack.”
    Seth stood abruptly and placed his bag on his seat. He rifled through the contents with an almost manic concentration before pulling out a wrinkled postcard. He handed it to me with a shy grin completely at odds with the cocky attitude he’d shown so far.
    “What’s this?” I asked as I quickly read over the black-and-white glossy card. There was a drawing of a guitar engulfed in flames and large print giving details to an “awesome” show featuring Spiral.
    “If you’re looking for something to do later, come check us out. It’s not jazz, but… well, if you feel like it, the info is all there.”
    He slung his bag over his shoulder and turned away abruptly. I watched him grab his guitar case from the storage rack nearby before I stepped forward to follow him. Seth was waiting on the platform when I finally emerged. His playful grin spoke volumes, like he was dying to taunt me for being so slow. It was hard not to smile in return.
    We walked side by side in companionable quiet through the drab station and into the grand entry area with its majestic vaulted ceilings, intricate circular skylights, and pillared columns. I loved this type of traditional architecture and took a second to appreciate the recent renovations as we made our way toward the bank of glass doors to the exit. We stepped outside into the chilly Baltimore evening and stared at each other for an awkward moment.
    “I’m heading to my buddy’s place to practice. Do you need a ride?”
    “Thank you, but no. I’m going to take a taxi to the hotel and prepare for my meeting tomorrow morning.”
    “Cool. Maybe I’ll see you tonight. If not, I’ll catch you another time.”
    “All right. Break a leg.”
    He smiled widely before turning away with a wave. Then he stopped and walked back toward me with an inscrutable look on his handsome face.
    “I just remembered another reason I didn’t like that book.”
    “What boo— The Canterbury Tales ?” I felt my forehead pucker in confusion. What was he talking