Page 13 of Give In To Love
He shrugged. “It’s fine.”
I took a few more bites, trying to think of another angle to get him to open up.
“So I know you’re an ed major, but what subject are you focusing on?”
“English. I want to be an English teacher.”
“Yeah?” I smiled, hoping he’d share more.
He didn’t.
“I’m getting my ed degree too.” That earned me a glance but nothing more, so I continued. “Theater, with a music minor.”
“You said the other day that you still dance.”
I was ridiculously pleased that he’d asked. “I teach classes at my old studio a couple of times a week. I’ve got a couple of classes tonight, actually.”
He nodded but didn’t offer further comments. Jesus. He was a tough nut to crack.
“I want to perform on Broadway someday, but getting my ed degree seemed more practical. Plus, I’ve taught dance classes for years, so teaching theater felt like a good fit.”
“Makes sense.”
I finished my sandwich and started on my chips, all the while studying him surreptitiously, cataloging all the little ways he was different than I remembered. He still had that same riot of curls and those same amber-colored eyes. And though they still had a sad quality, I thought maybe he looked a little less haunted by whatever had sent him into the woods that day. I didn’t think he’d grown much taller, but he had filled out his frame a bit. He was still slender but in a healthier way than the almost gaunt appearance he’d had before.
“What?”
My eyes shot to his, and I realized I’d been caught staring. I wasn’t the blushing type, so I shrugged and shot him a grin. “Sorry. I wasn’t trying to be a dick. I just still can’t believe you’re here.”
One corner of his mouth tipped up tentatively. “It does seem like a pretty crazy coincidence.”
“It does.”
He nodded, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Are you always so reticent?”
That earned me another smile. I felt like I’d won the damn lottery.
“I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone use that word outside of the pages of a book.”
“I figured you’d appreciate it.”
“I do.” And then he blushed, ducking his head as he picked at his chips. God, he was cute. He crunched on a chip, then said. “I’m just not very good at it.”
“Good at what?”
“Talking. To people. Especially people I don’t know.” He shoved another chip in his mouth.
“So get to know me.” I hadn’t meant the comment to come out flirty, but when his eyes flashed to mine like he was trying to ascertain if there was some deeper meaning, I didn’t bother to take it back or cover it up. I couldn’t deny I was drawn to him, but I really had no ulterior motive. I just…wanted to get to know the guy who’d occupied my thoughts for the last five years.
“I’m not very good at small talk.”
“Come on. I have an idea.” I stood, grabbing my half-eaten bag of chips and pushing in my seat.
“Where are we going?”
“I’m going to show you who I am.”
6
