Page 12 of Echoes of Us

I looked at it and then at him, expectant.

“I can already tell I’m going to be a terrible influence on you.”

I smiled.

“Come on,” he said, approaching me.

I mimicked his movements, pressing it between my lips and looking at him.

“That’s it. Now breathe it in, like inhaling when something surprises you.” He faked surprise, widening his eyes, and chuckled when I raised my eyebrow. He reached for my shoulder and pressed his palm to my chest. “Don’t hold it in your mouth. You have to pull it down here.” He patted my chest.

I took a drag, and he smiled.

“That’s it. Now hold it in,” he said, mimicking taking a deep breath and holding it with me.

I couldn’t look away from his eyes. I swear he was moving closer.

He breathed out. “And let it out.”

I did as he said, breathing the smoke out almost in his face. He didn’t seem bothered.

“That’s it.”

I tried to hold his gaze, but my eyes watered at the effort. I pushed him back as gently as I could and doubled over, coughing. He laughed lightly and patted my back.

“Sorry.” I coughed some more.

“It takes some getting used to.” He began rubbing slowly over my back.

I straightened, and his hand slid to my shoulder.

I handed him the joint, shaking my head. “That was worse than beer,” I said, coughing again while he smirked.

He pulled the flask out of his pocket, opened it, and offered it to me.

“No, thanks,” I said again, and he drank.

“You’re right. Maybe smoking is enough for tonight,” he said, walking back and away from me. Just as I was about to start missing his warmth, he leaned on the ledge next to me, his thigh pressing against mine. The contact sent a thrill through me. I eyed him, admiring the way the dim light highlighted his jawline and the tousled locks of his hair. He stared back at the house, his eyes unfocused, lost in thought.

“Are you okay?” I asked, unable to hide my concern.

“I’m super, Atty. How about you?” he replied, his lips curving into a lazy smile that made my heart skip a beat. His face remained calm, but his slow blinks gave away his relaxed state.

“I’m good. I’m not sure that did anything, but I’m good,” I said, captivated by the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I sighed. “I don’t know. I don’t know what it’s supposed to do,” I told him.

“Well, you’re not usually this chatty, so that might be something,” he said.

I couldn’t suppress the laugh. He looked at me and smiled. I couldn’t keep a straight face.

“Shit,” I let out. “That’s it, right?”

“Yeah, that’s it.” He directed his gaze towards the house, and I kept staring at him until I realized what I was doing and stopped.

“Do you know what you’re majoring in?” I asked him.

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