Page 11 of Wishes and Research

What?

Oh.

Really?

Whatever he saw on my face made his grin turn wicked again. “You are delightfully innocent.”

“No, I’m not.” I was just a bit slow sometimes. “My brain just does not go the same direction everyone else’s does around here.”

Snickers escaped my naughty guide. “Don’t worry. We can teach you.”

That was not the reaction I’d been expecting and it took me a second to catch up to what he was trying to say…and that stunned silence made him even more delighted. “Yep, you’re just as cute as I thought you’d be.”

I was not going to discuss his propensity for stalking.

“I am not cute.” I was a smart scientist. “I’m an adult.”

For some reason, he thought that was hilarious, and I had a feeling it came back to something associated with that ridiculous stoplight discussion from earlier.

So I ignored it.

Raising one eyebrow, I did my best to channel one of my college professors. They’d been an annoying bunch, so it looked impressive. “Thank you for agreeing to provide dinner for me.”

Fraser pressed his lips together again, but he got ahold of himself fairly quickly. “You’re welcome. I’m looking forward to…getting to know you.”

The pause had been deliberate because his eyes were sparkling with mischief and the light from whatever glare had to be driving him crazy.

“It’s always easier to work with someone when you’re more familiar with them.” I wasn’t going to react and give him something else to laugh about.

“Familiar is very good.” His grin flashed again and then he winked at me.

He winked.

It had to be the water.

They were all insane, and I’d caught it too because he should’ve been annoying, not funny.

“Beetles. We were going to talk about the beetles.” And have dinner, but I wasn’t sure what he’d do if I mentioned that part. “I’m ready to go.”

For some reason that pleased him and not in the giggly way he’d been enjoying himself. “Then let me help you in.”

Hmm.

I’d missed something.

Local subtext?

Could it be related to something he’d been teasing me about?

Not sure where to steer my thoughts, I was too distracted to notice the way he shifted closer and put his hand on my lower back until it was actually there.

And warm.

And firm.

And he was touching me.

“Thank you for letting me help you in.” All it took was a faint brush of his hand to move me forward but that was only because it was the polite thing to do.

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