Page 20 of Lodged

We all laugh, and after I hug Penny and double check that she’s okay staying, I go back to the airport. On the entire flight to Raleigh, I find myself daydreaming about a certain redhead who, in such a short time, has become a very important person in my life.

Chapter 10

Ruin MacAllister

Exam week is over, and I’m in the elevator on my way to environmental lab. I haven’t seen Gio since that time I saw him at the library. I still cannot believe I texted him asking him out. Andfurthermore,that he said yes.

I know it was a rookie mistake to text him—leaving a trail that can later incriminate us wasn’t my brightest idea, but I really needed to ask him. And not doing it in person gave me the courage I needed. But now, seeing him at the front of the roomas I walk into the lab, I don’t feel so courageous anymore—my hands are clammy and my heart is racing.

“Good afternoon, class. Today’s lab is pretty straightforward. We’re going to check a set of contaminated water samples, and we’ll determine which compounds are present in each sample. I’ll be at my desk if anyone has any questions.”

Gio starts the lab, and my heart skips a beat at the sight. He’s wearing a plain gray tee, jeans, and black Converse shoes. I think he has Chucks in every single color of the rainbow, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him wearing a pair twice. I know for most people, Gio would be an okay guy to look at, but for me, he’s everything. His relaxed stance, casual clothing, and smart gaze make me hot and tingly in all the right places. And his eyes… How can I describe that color?

“Cobalt,” I murmur. My lab partner looks at me, confused. “Oh, nothing. I was just thinking of how to describe a pretty shade of blue.” She nods and smiles at my explanation, and I release a breath. That was close—I can’t let anyone know I’m falling for our lab instructor. What I’m beginning to feel is not only,oh, he’s hot and good to look at; it’s more like Ireally enjoy talking to him and want to spend more time with him,kind of thing.

I’m ruined. I giggle at my joke, only to find everyone looking at me. My lab partner’s eyes are wide, as if to say,What the heck is wrong with you? I feel my face grow warm. Oh, Lord. I want to dig a hole and hide for the rest of my days. I didn’t realize I said that out loud. Now, Gio must think I’m crazy.

“As I was saying, I’m going to finish grading the exams, and I’ll post them to our portal as soon as possible—hopefully by tonight.” A collective groan fills the classroom, which makes Gio chuckle. I shake my head in an effort to get rid of my thoughts, and after a deep breath and straightening my shoulders, I dive into running the experiment with my lab partner.

After about an hour into the lab, I ask Kelly, “Do you want to take a break?” She shakes her head. I shrug and remove my lab coat to wash my hands before making my way out of the lab. There’s a vending machine in the break room, so that’s where I’m heading. I need something sweet to get me through the next couple of hours before I can have a real meal.

There’s a huge table in the middle of the break room with about eight chairs, a fridge, and a microwave for those who bring their own food. Of course, the vending machine is next to the door. A huge window faces the road, which is always busy with traffic, but beautiful oaks line the sidewalks.

I jerk back as I enter the room. Gio is in front of the window, his back to me. He’s quietly munching on something, and even though I’d love to chat with him for a bit, I know it’s not the smartest idea.

After recovering from my shock, I look for change in my pockets to get a candy bar. Gio looks back at the noise, and the moment our eyes lock, I feel my insides burning. His face softens into an easy smile, and I can’t help but smile back.

“Having a good day?” he asks as he moves closer to me. For some reason, I can’t form any words, so I nod and smile.

“Hungry?” I nod again.

He takes his student ID from his back pocket and buys a couple of treats from the vending machine. I’m confused by what he’s doing since he’s already eating a granola bar. He bends down and grabs another granola bar—exactly like the one he’s eating—along with a Snickers and a pack of Nerds Gummy Clusters. When he stands up to his full height, he opens his hand, offering me the snacks. I shoot him a grateful smile and grab the granola bar and Nerds, my fingers lightly grazing his palm in the process.

“My favorites,” I tell him as I open the Nerds first.

“Good to know,” he says with a wink as he leaves the Snickers bar on the table and leaves the break room. Once he’s gone, I release the breath I didn’t know I was holding. Gio Bianchi is a vibe—he got me all hot and bothered by just the mere touch of his palm against mine, leaving me acutely aware of his effect on me.

I check my phone and see it’s ten past five. I’m late. I hope he doesn’t think I’m a no-show, but the line to enter the fairgrounds was insane. I left home at four, thinking it’d give me plenty of time. But boy, was I wrong. I’m still not used to the crowds here in Raleigh or how long it takes to go from one place to the next. Back home, everything we need is within a fifteen-minute drive, tops—unless, of course, we need to go to another town.

Once I get through security, I make my way to the Ferris wheel. It’s the tallest attraction at the fair, which is why I told him to meet me there. When I arrive, I see a line that goes around and around. It’ll take meforeverto find him. Feeling discouraged and frustrated, I start making my way along the line, hoping to see a tall, beautiful blond man. I feel my phone vibrate in my hand, and when I look down at the screen, a wide grin spreads across my face.

Gio: Keep walking, I see you.

I lift my eyes, but I don’t see him yet. There are just too many people around, and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed. After walking for a few more minutes, I come to a halt. Gio is standing at the front of the line and has a huge smile on his face. Today, his Chucks are light gray, the same color as his sweater.

“Fancy seeing you here,” he says, and I giggle.

“Likewise.” I close my eyes, taking in this moment. I still can’t believe I’m here with him. On a date. Can we even call it a date? When I asked him out, he said it would be a coincidence if we met here. I’m not sure if he was playing or covering his tracks in case someone at school gets their hands on our text exchange; regardless, I’m ecstatic this is happening.

“Are you ready?” he asks, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“For what?”

“To ride the Ferris wheel, of course. We’re next in line.” My eyes widen in surprise, I didn’t think we were actually going to ride. “Are you afraid of heights? Did I muck it up already?” he asks, frowning with curiosity. I hate that I’m making him doubt himself.

“No, of course not. I just wasn’t expecting to actually ride the Ferris wheel. I’ve actually never done it before,” I tell him honestly, and understanding visibly washes over him.

“It’s okay. I promise we’ll be safe.” He gives me a reassuring smile as he places his hand on the low of my back, guiding me toward the pod. Once we’re seated and the kid who manages the ride has fastened the security bar, Gio moves in place, getting comfortable. He’s so tall that his right leg presses against my left one. The heat radiating through his jeans lights my skin on fire. I’m wearing a dark green corduroy dress that reaches mid-thigh, leaving my bare legs exposed. This pod is tiny, and his tall frame makes it feel smaller, but I’d be lying if I said it bugs me. I’m enjoying every single second of being so close to him.

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