Page 36 of Crossing Lines

Despite some great hits, my misses keep me much lower in the score. Reaching the end of the hour, Davia does an adorable victory dance that cracks me up. She’s such a breath of fresh air to be around.

“This was fun,” I say as we leave the batting cage.

“Yeah, it was enjoyable,” she seconds, still beaming.

An idea pops into my head. “How about a ferry ride?”

After a brief delay, she bobs in agreement. “Okay.”

Driving behind me to the harbor, I pay the parking fee for our cars and buy tickets for the next ferry that’s about to leave.

We sit opposite each other on the scarce boat, and Davia stares out the window, eyes gleaming as the ferry starts to move. It’s a challenge to look away from her. She has an aura that attracts and holds my interest.

As if sensing me watching, she cuts her gaze to me and knits her brows together. “What?”

I grin. “Just trying to figure you out.”

She sniffs. “Thought you were good at reading people?”

“I’ll reserve my assumptions.” I relax back on the seat. “The last three times, you bolted from me.”

“I didn’tbolt,” she argues with an awkward laugh.

“You moved pretty fast then,” I correct teasingly.

She sucks her teeth and looks at the harbor again.

“So, while I like hanging out with you, I’m curious. How come ol’ boy isn’t spending time with you since you’re leaving the country in two days?”

Her head lowers, and she flicks her nails in her lap. “Something came up.”

“Something more important than his girl?” I scoff. “Hell, nah. He’s mad tripping.”

“It’s not a big deal,” she excuses the behavior.

“Baby girl, it is,” I counter, squinting at her.

“He’s working a lot harder lately.”

“A lot harder, huh?” I reach for her hand, making her tremble at my touch.

“Kross, what are you doing?” Her velvety voice caresses my ears, curling my lips into a playful smile.

“Holding your hand.”

“Um…” A shaky breath escapes her as I trace her fingers with my thumb.

“You feel it too, don’t you?”

She moistens her lips, still not pulling away. “What do you mean?” The question leaves her in a near whisper.

“It happened on the rooftop and last night at the restaurant. When we touch, there’s… something.”

She eases from my grasp. “What are you saying?”

“Let’s spend time together,” I tell her seriously.

Shifting on the seat, she looks around and steadies back on me. “You want me to cheat?”

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