Page 72 of The Nicest Thing
Rose's eyes widened."What are you doing?"
Instead of answering, I finished with the buttons then pulled the sides open."I'm wearing mine too.I put it on a chain around my neck while coaching the kids, didn't want it to get scratched up."
"Oh."
"You really thought I lost it?"
Rose didn't respond, and I shook my head.
"I've had it on the whole time.Right by my heart."
"Mmm."
When I looked down at her, Rose's eyes were glued to my abs.
"Rose," I said.
She lifted her brows but didn't look up.
I flexed.
Her breath hitched.
And then I gave a low laugh which had her gaze rising to meet mine.
"My eyes are up here," I said.
"Yeah," she said with a smile, "sorry, I got distracted."
"Don't apologize.I like that I can distract you."
Rose blinked then pulled back, putting more space between us.
"Didn't think you'd be the kind of guy to strip down in front of me," she said lightly.
"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think," I replied.
"Maybe not."Rose looked at the TV, the walls, anywhere but at me.She was flustered—and I was loving it.She gestured toall the pictures, her collection of various locations around the world."What's the number one place you'd want to go?"
"Not sure," I said, leaning back."What about you?"
She shook her head."I want to go so many places.England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Brazil, Spain, visit every state in the USA.I just want to see what's out there."
Rose laughed at herself.
"When my aunt Margot saw my picture wall, she said, 'Trust you to find a way to travel without actually leaving your comfort zone.'"
"That's messed up," I said.
"She's right.I may never go anywhere."
A sigh left her lips, and I noticed her gaze resting longingly on the Romance or Die poster.
"Some things take courage, and I don't know if I have enough."
"Did you ever apply?" I asked gently.
Rose shook her head."No.I nearly did, filled out the application and everything.But then, I just let the deadline pass by.They never would've accepted me anyway."
