Page 55 of It Starts With A No

“Why not incorporate it with the brain wave band?” she asked, walking back toward him. “Are you okay?”

He put a hand on her back and pointed out an external wire the exoskeleton was connected to, one she’d almost tripped over.

That was the fifth time he’d reached out to her. Twice he’d put his hand on her back, and three times he’d taken her hand. That was five times more than he’d ever done with anyone else—besides his brothers.

“Seth.”

He blinked.

“Are you okay? If you’re tired, we can go.”

“No.” He didn’t want to leave. He’d enjoyed every second with her, even the conversation on God where they had completely different views.

She beamed. “What’s next?”

He’d already shown her more than he ever showed anyone. Everything they were working on here was top secret. Not even all employees had access to the laboratories. Only personnel working on a particular project had access to that project.

But Seth was already mentally raking through the various projects to find something fun for her to play around with.

Until his phone’s alarm rang.

“Oh, no.” Clary checked her watch. “We should go. You won’t be able to get home when your car becomes a pumpkin.”

When was the last time Seth had forgotten about the time? He’d set the alarm as a precaution, but he’d never needed it to remind him of the time.

Without another word, Clary headed for the door.

Seth reached out and grabbed her hand.

She spun back to him, and when their gazes locked, she froze. As did he.

Again, not out of discomfort.

And he would have taken the time to marvel at that, but he couldn’t think. Her eyes were making it impossible for him to come up with a coherent thought.

Clary’s chest rose, and she tore her gaze from his. “Did you give Mr. E this tour?” she asked while staring at the exoskeleton.

The reminder of Edward Eolenfeld should have been enough to snap him out of whatever was wrong with him. But he couldn’t uncurl his hand. He couldn’t even formulate an answer to her simple question.

His entire focus was on her hand. He waited for Clary to show any sign of discomfort, for her to pull her hand from his.

But she didn’t.

Concern did suddenly flood her eyes as her gaze roamed across his face. “Seth?” She took a step closer.

Closer.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

“I have no freaking idea.”

She looked around. “Do you need to sit down?” She stepped away, but he tightened his grip, pulling her back. “What do you need?”

His lips curled, and that made her frown. “I’m fine,” he said.

Her gaze roamed across his face. “Are you sure?”

He nodded and ran the pad of his thumb across her knuckles. Such a simple action, but it was something he’d never done before.

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