Page 44 of Wilder

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Lexi looked up in time to see Wilder’s eyes widen. Why had she asked that?

He stared at her, not answering her right away, making Lexi wonder what was going through his mind. She didn’t think he’d considered their time together a date, so she should have just left well enough alone.

Strangely enough, the thought of being on a date with Wilder wasn’t as unappealing as she’d thought it would be. Did that mean she was over Mik?

Because of how their relationship had evolved, she’d never had another boyfriend. She’d never had the experience of dating or falling in love with anyone but Mik. Her heartbreak over what happened with Mik had been a constant in her life over the past year and a half.

And yet, when she was with Wilder, the hurt she’d carried for so long seemed to dim.

It was true that these days, when she thought of Mik, she found herself missing his partnership on the ice more than his romantic partnership in her life.

Unfortunately, Wilder wasn’t a man she could ever consider dating because he was just so different from her. She had a hard time understanding the way he lived his life. With no real direction or focus on the future. She was being forced to live that way right then, and she absolutely hated it.

One of the things she’d loved about her relationship with Mik was that they shared a passion and a drive for skating. And shehad no doubt that if they’d been able to stay together, they would have achieved everything they’d planned for their future.

“No. Usually when I ask a girl out, I make it clear that it’s a date.”

“Okay. Good. I just didn’t want there to be a misunderstanding.”

“This is just friends hanging out together. I wanted to show you a bit about the area since you’re new here.”

“I appreciate that. It was a lot of fun.” Lexi searched for a way to continue their conversation. “What’s been the favorite place you’ve visited?”

Wilder’s expression turned contemplative. “It’s hard to pick just one because I’ve enjoyed several locations for different reasons.”

“How about places you don’t want to visit again?”

A smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “Honestly, I’m not trying to avoid answering your questions, but that one is also hard to answer.”

“Why?”

“I’ve had plenty of negative experiences over the years, but none bad enough to keep me from going back to a country where I’ve also had positive experiences.”

“Dare I ask if there are countries you haven’t visited and never will?”

“That one I can answer a bit easier. There are countries I haven’t been to and, as it currently stands, some I never will. Those are places where my personal safety is a concern. My parents worry enough about me as it is. I don’t feel so drawn to visit those countries that I’ll ignore their concerns.”

“Do you already know where you’re going when you leave here in the spring?

Right then, the waitress returned with their meals, and after setting them down, she left them again. Lexi opened her mouth to ask her question again, but then Wilder bowed his head for a moment. She snapped her mouth shut, waiting until Wilder looked up again before picking up her spoon.

“To answer your question,” Wilder said after he’d taken a couple of spoonfuls of his soup. “I don’t have a definite idea. Something usually comes together in the weeks before I plan to leave.”

And there was the proof of how differently they lived their lives. She needed a plan. Uncertainty stressed her out.

“Oh, this soup really is good,” Lexi said, deciding to change the subject.

“Make sure you dip your sandwich in the soup. It’s the best way to eat it.”

Lexi frowned. “Dip my sandwich in the soup?”

“Yep. Trust me. It’s divine.”

She really wasn’t sure it would be, but Wilder’s excitement about it made her want to try. Picking up the thick triangle of sandwich, she carefully plunged one corner of it into the bowl of soup.

After she took a bite of it, she had to admit Wilder was right. “It really does taste good.”

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