Page 27 of A Pretty Fixation

“How’s your first week going?”

He shrugs. “Not bad. Are you heading to worksoon?”

I shake my head. “I’m off tonight.”

“Oh.” A pleading spark consumes his blue gaze ashe asks, “Want to check out a social? I mean, that’s if you’re not busy.”

I’m sure it’d be easier with him. He certainlywon’t provoke any strange emotions tying me to my past.

The thing is, he doesn’t give me a rush the wayCaleb does, and a massive part of me wants to experience that satisfaction. Thechase.

There’s also a side of me that needs the calm. SoI tell Aaron, “Sure.”

“Great.” He nods in the direction, and we walkthere together.

The social isn’t so bad. I loosen up in no time,mingling and having interesting conversations. That’s until Caleb slingshotsinto my brain again, sending me back to the rush when he called my name.

My body quivers even now.

Becoming warm all over, I step outside the studentlounge and stare at the darkening sky as I cool down.

Aaron sidles up beside me. “Bored?”

“No,” I reply and manage a smile. “Just taking amoment.”

“Okay.” He falls quiet for a few beats. “So, areyou working on Saturday?”

I turn to him fully. “I’m off.”

Hands in his pockets, he rocks back and forth in hissneakers. “How about hanging out that evening? We could grab a bite in the cityand watch a movie?”

“Sounds good. Do you have Saturday classes?”

“No, I’m job hunting. If you come across anything,please let me know.”

“Oh, I could ask my boss at the bistro if youwant.”

“Nah.” He refutes the offer with a short laugh.“That’s not a good idea. I’d constantly mess up orders and end up fired in notime.”

I wrinkle my brows. “Why is that?”

“Well…” He lingers on me for a beat and moistenshis lips. “It’s hard not to stare.”

Becoming awkward, I look down and tuck my hairbehind my ears.

“Is that guy still bothering you?” he asks.

I shift in the spot. Caleb doesn’t feel like abother. Chasing is the better word, and I enjoy it. No matter how I try tofight.

“Um, Caleb still believes I’m the girl from hispast,” I say.

“Are you? You seem more uncertain now than you didon Monday.”

I raise my shoulders in an exaggerated shrug.“Honestly, I’m starting to wonder.”

His head goes up and down slowly. “You know, evenif you are, it doesn’t mean you have to be with him.”

“I know,” I say in a close whisper, flicking mynails.

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