Page 68 of Hooking Up

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Her brow furrows. Like she's thinking of an explanation. Or maybe a lie. "It doesn't matter. I want my life to change. So I'm changing it."

"That's admirable."

"Thanks." Her eyes go to her tattoo.You are not your mistakes. "What, um, what do you do for fun? When you aren't doing this? Or surfing?"

"I read a lot. Watch a lot of movies. Go out with Dean. Or with the other guys. Work out. Go hiking."

She nods. "Nature. I think that's one of them."

"We're going on a hike next weekend. You want to join?"

"Oh. Maybe. I don't want to impose."

"Nah. You're welcome."

"You and…"

"And Dean. We're both working until early afternoon. We're all working all the time. It's a whole thing. We're supposed to hire another artist, but Ryan hates everyone."

"Is that his thing?"

"Yeah. He hates everything. He was never a jolly guy, but he's been especially miserable since his ex walked out on him. You two could commiserate on that front." If the breakup thing isn't bullshit.

Tension spreads through my upper back.

I don't like her lying to me.

But I shouldn't care.

This is casual. There's nothing about full disclosure in our agreement. I don't have any rights to her secrets.

So why the fuck do I want them this badly?

"You're really into this whole ten step thing," she says.

"Told you. It's different. Interesting."

"I get that. But I don't need anyone walking me through it. I'm a grown-up. I can find my own new things to do and make my own friends."

"Iris, you have me all wrong."

"Do I?"

"My motives are far less pure."

She raises a brow.

"It's not about helping you find yourself."

"It's not?"

"No. It's about checking out your ass in yoga pants."

"What if I hike in sweat pants?"

"Fuck. Didn't consider that possibility."

She laughs. "This is why methodical works. Besides, you can check out my ass naked anytime."

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