Page 26 of Riley

“Well, anyway, I’m heading out, I just wanted to sayhey. See you in class tomorrow,” he said, flashing a grin, and I waved.

When he was gone, I let out a sigh. “I know it’s probably early for you, but?—”

“Turning into a pumpkin already?” Eric said, his voice the same, smooth sound that made my insides melt, but something was off. He sounded... sad, almost.

Guilty.

But that was probably my imagination.

What would Eric have to feel guilty about?

“Yeah,” I said, running a hand through my hair.

“I mean, itisa school night,” I said sheepishly.

Eric nodded as he took the lead, and I followed.

The entire way home, he was quiet. The tension in the air was thick, and I was out of my mind wondering if I’d done something, said something.

If it was because we’d almost kissed.

If it was because wehadn’tkissed.

For a moment, I thought I’d overreacted. Read too much into his attitude. His perfect lips...

“Well, Cinderella, better get you inside before the clock strikes twelve,” he said finally as we pulled up to my house.

I nodded, letting out a sigh, the both of us quiet and still for a moment. Eric opened his door. I did the same.

“What are you doing?” I asked as I walked around in front of the BMW.

“Being a gentleman,” Eric snapped, his tone slightly annoyed.

“You don’t have to?—”

“Yeah, well, maybe I want to,” he said, his shoulders stiffening. “Maybe I want to be prince charming for once,” he muttered.

Something about his words stirred something deep within me. Both a desire to placate and soothe as well as submit.

“Okay...” I said, much more breathlessly than I cared to admit.

Eric walked me to my door, and I fumbled with my keys. I didn’t want him to leave, but...

The moment he turned away, to head back to his car, I couldn’t help myself. I grabbed him by the arm, stopping him in histracks. I decided at that moment, that I didn’t want him to leave without knowing how I felt.

How he made me feel.

I’d been on a lot of dates in my life, but none had ever felt so... right.

“Eric,” I started.

He turned, looking at me with bright blue eyes, full of wonder and dare I say hope?

“Yeah?” he breathed, his voice only shaking the slightest.

“I... I had a really great time tonight,” I said, licking my lips. Sweat broke out on my forehead, and I could feel my insides swirling like a hurricane.

Eric swallowed, flashing me a genuine smile that was both endearing and wistful. And I was powerless to fight the feeling. I was powerless to fight the connection between us.

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