Page 263 of Hooking Up

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Walker presses it open. "After you."

"Thanks." I step inside.

He follows. Closes the door.

He lets out a chuckle as he looks around the room. "I can see where your priorities lie."

I keep my back to him. Pull my arm over my chest. "Cleaning isn't my thing."

"It looks good. Lived in."

"Lived in, maybe. But not good."

He laughs. "Not good." His fingers brush the back of my hand. "You're shaking."

"Yeah."

"Because of me?"

"Yeah." I suck coffee though the straw. "I, uh, can I get you anything?"

"You could turn around."

I shake my head. "I'm not sure about that."

"No?"

"What if I know it's over from the look on your face? I can't deal with that."

He laughs. "You sound sleep-deprived."

"I am."

"I'll promise to smile."

"You could tell me."

"I will. But I need you to look at me first."

I shake my head.

His fingers curl around my wrist. "I can come around."

"I can turn."

"I can run faster."

"Don't be so sure. I've been working out."

"Running?"

"No. But, I, uh… tell me. Please." I suck more iced coffee from my straw.

His voice gets soft. "I will." He tugs on my wrist gently. "After you look at me."

Slowly, I turn to face him.

He really is a sight for sore eyes. His dark hair is hanging in loose waves. His brow is soft. His dark eyes are full of joy.

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