Page 15 of A Different Form of Oxygen
His eyes are back on me. "Yeah? Sounds like fun. I could always work off these lemon bars, walking the aisles of a bookstore. I don't work tonight so I'm not in a hurry."
"No studying to do?"
He smiles as we both stand from the table. "Nope, I did that this morning and I don't have another test until next week." He winces.
"I was never a good test taker, so I feel your pain. I took a few business classes in college, but that was about it. I always hated school."
"Does anyone really love school?" His eyes are now on something on the side of the building of the bakery. "Oh my goodness, would you look at this plant? It would make a perfect addition to my greenhouse."
"You have a greenhouse? That sounds pretty cool. You'll have to show me sometime."
His eyes widen in confusion. "You want to see my greenhouse?"
"Yeah, why not?"
"Most people have zero interest. The only one who pretends to be fascinated by my plants is Casey. That's because he's my best friend and it's required of him. Like the fake excitement I got when he brought over homemade fireworks. "
I laugh. "Homemade fireworks do sound pretty cool."
He shrugs. "Yeah, it was especially fun watching one almost catch my hair on fire."
My laughter travels farther this time, picturing a scared Ben huddling under something when the fireworks went off.
He sighs, looking back at the plant. Running his fingers over it. "You think the baker would think it was weird if I asked to take a clipping of her plant?"
"Is that something people do?"
He nods. "It's something us plant lovers tend to do, only I've never been brave enough to actually do it. I hate to take it without asking, even if it is outside."
I smile; Ben really is sweeter than he comes off and I'm really enjoying seeing it for myself. I also am enjoying the way his sparkling green eyes light up at the discussion of plants. I make a note in my head to research plant clippings later and remember to ask the baker next time if she wouldn't mind if I took some.
The drive to the bookstore is quiet and when we first get there, Ben wanders off toward some science fiction books and I head for the horror section, not able to take my eyes off him as he runs his hand over each spine with a smile on his face.
I come up from behind him, catching him off guard. "Find anything good?"
He clutches his hand to his chest. "I don't remember if I did now that I'm distracted with that heart attack you almost gave me."
I grab a random book from the shelf, pretending not to listen to him as I flip through the pages. "I'm sorry did you say something? I was too busy enjoying this book I found."
His hands land on his hips and he rolls his eyes. "You just picked that up. I bet you don't even know what's in your hand. What's the title of this book you’re enjoying? Is it called ‘How to give Ben a Heart Attack’?"
I close the book, sliding it back on the shelf. "Sorry, I don't remember now that you distracted me with all your questions. Who are you, 50 cent?"
He huffs out a laugh, “You are so…"
"Charming?"
He wrinkles his nose. "Not the word I was looking for...more like…"
"Handsome?"
He blinks twice. "No, try annoying."
"Awe, Ben you seriously need to stop with the compliments. They are bad for my ego."
Ben rests his hand on my shoulder and his touch sends a thrill through me. His fingers sweep over the fabric of my shirt. "Sorry, that piece of lint has been bothering me all day."
"I'm glad to have you around to not only pay me with lots of nice compliments but to also be here to dust my clothes. How have I been making it through life this long?"
He smirks. "Not very well, apparently. Seems like you are already getting more out of this new friendship than I am."
"Wait, did you just admit to us having a friendship? Ben Gonzalez has finally recognized me as one of his friends."
"You are enjoying this way too much. You're lucky you're cute when you're annoying."
Did he just call me cute?
He walks away smiling, pointing at the section of self-help books. “Anyway, you keep standing there staring at me weird and I'll be over here looking at books."
I may just need a self-help book for myself, one on how to move from this spot after receiving a compliment from a guy like Ben.
