Page 12 of Chasing Stars
“Huh.” Nate rocks back in his chair. “Well, I’ll be.”
I crumple up a piece of paper and throw it at him, laughing. “Shut up.”
By late morning,I can’t take it anymore. I want to know what Jenna is up to. No, I want to see her. I actually remembered to get her number this time, so I shoot her a text.
Me:
What are you up to?
It takes her a few minutes to respond, and they’re the longest minutes of my life. What is happening to me?Who is this girl?
Finally, after about five minutes her reply comes through.
Jenna:
I’m going to buy some paint! How is work?
I smile as I read the text, and I’m definitely not mistaking the curious look Nate gives me.
I ignore him and hammer back a reply.
Me:
Whoa, whoa. Don’t buy paint yet. We need a home inspector to come out first.
Jenna’s reply comes at a rapid speed this time.
Jenna:
Too late.
I groan, throwing my head back.
“You good over there?” Nate asks, not even bothering to hide his amusement.
“Jenna bought paint.” I frown. “I wanted to get her a home inspection first.”
“I think she might need adifferentkind of inspection from you.” Nate chortles at his own joke.
I ignore him and reply to Jenna.
Me:
I am going to set up a home inspection for you. Don’t paint anything until after that.
Jenna:
Ugh. Fine.
I must be smiling at my phone again—Nate cocks his head at me, a little brother twinkle in his eye. “You like this girl,” he observes with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“I don’t.” I shake my head. “I mean, not likethat. I’m just being nice.” I shrug. “I’m doing what you would do if you got to her first.” I laugh, brushing him off. So what if Jenna was the last thing I thought about before I went to sleep last night—and the first thing this morning? So what if I’m already thinking of ways I can see her again? I am not a relationship guy anymore but damn if Jenna hasn’t made me second guess that.
“Right.” Nate nods, a sarcastic smirk playing on his mouth.
But even as he says it, I am already texting Jenna back.
Me:
