Page 39 of Drew
“That, too,” I agree. “Let’s walk around campus. I know it’s dark, but it’s a clear night for a change. Let’s take advantage of the unusually mild winter in the Pacific Northwest.”
Abby hops up from her chair at the table. “Sure, just let me get my jacket.” She starts taking her plate to the sink, but I reach for it instead. “How about I clean these while you do that?”
Damn. Her grateful smile has my pulse picking up a beat.
Thankfully, she exits the room quickly. I swear if her eyes lock on mine any longer, I would have followed her into the other room in only a matter of a heartbeat.
Geez, what the hell has gotten into me?
Not wanting to make an ass of myself as soon as she’s out of sight, I quickly turn my attention to the plate in my hand and have our mess cleaned up in no time.
Unfortunately, as we make our way onto campus, there’s an unspoken electric pulse that flows between us. I swear, I’m acutely aware of her every movement. It takes everything in me not to reach out and hold her hand. Somehow, I manage to refrain. It also helps when she talks with her hands animatedly about how she and Chloe tried to replicate Sydney’s cinnamon roll recipe, which led to an epic fail, and the opportunity passes. Apparently, they forgot to put yeast in the dough, and it ended up being a gooey mess.
When we get to the cobblestone courtyard in the center of campus, I’m pleased to find it empty. During the day, the outlining benches are filled with people mingling. But for now, we have it to ourselves. The brick buildings are lit from the ground, making it almost magical.
“I love it here at night,” Abby sighs as she spins around in a circle with her arms wide. The glow from the lights shine on Abby, making her even more beautiful. Her hair is now almost black as it flows out from her twirl. My hands itch to touch her.
Then she makes a second twirl as she takes in the beauty of the campus.
Without another thought, I reach out and take her hand. I guide her through a series of twirls to keep her moving, so we can stay in this moment. Her light laughter warms my heart, the look of pure abandon on her face makes me wish I could pause this moment to live in it forever. We dance effortlessly around the center of campus without a care in the world before we’re interrupted by a group of people coming around the corner.
Without any prompting, Abby stops dancing and pulls me down a path in the opposite direction. Once we’re out of sight, she lets go of my hand and shrugs. “Sorry. After pulling off that win, I doubt they wouldn’t recognize you. And I’m being selfish; I don’t feel like sharing you now with your fans.”
Holy shit. She knows me better than I thought. Don’t get me wrong. I love my fans, but right now, I just want to be with her. Could she be anymore perfect? I practically stutter in both shock and awe. “I… Um… Don’t want to be shared.”
“That’s what I thought.” Abby smirks, and I want nothing more than to pull her in and kiss that expression off her face. But I refrain. Just barely.
Before I get a chance to respond, Abby turns on her heels and practically speed walks back toward her place.
How the hell can someone her size eat up the pavement so fast?
Seriously, was she a competitive speed walker?
But being a few paces behind her leaves a fantastic view. Her jeans are worn in just the right places, making me wonder even more what it’d be like to get them off her.
“What’s the rush?” I finally ask when I force myself to stop staring at her perfect ass.
Abby stops and turns to me. “I didn’t think you wanted to be bombarded?”
“It doesn’t mean I want to rush my time with you,” I point out. “Wanna slow your roll?” I tease.
This earns me an eye roll and a breathtaking smile. “I’m not walkingthatfast,” she insists as she places a hand on her hip.
“Um, I’m six-five, and you were pulling away from me—and I was walking my normal pace. Do you always walk like your ass is on fire?” I quirk an eyebrow, trying to make my point, though I hope she doesn’t accuse me of staring at her ass. I’m a guy. But that’s beside the point.
She scoffs. “I like to be efficient. You know that,” she says defensively.
“Uh… have I done something to offend you and now you want to end our evening?”
“Uh,” she huffs. “No.” She looks anywhere but at me for a long moment. But when I don’t say anything, she mutters, “I’m just embarrassed because I let myself get carried away back there.”
So… she walks like a speeding freight train when she’s uncomfortable.
Interesting.
I file that piece of information away and get back to the point at hand. Shrugging, I act as casual as I can. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about.I’mthe one who saw you twirl and had to dance with you. So, if anyone got carried away, I’d say it was me. I’m not ashamed I enjoyed our moment, are you?”
She sighs heavily, and her shoulders visibly relax, and I feel my heartbeat relax with hers. “No, I’m not ashamed. I just don’t let myself get carried away like that.”
