Page 147 of Finding Olivia (Trace + Olivia 1)

“Okay,” I silently thanked him with my eyes. “See ya, Avery. Luca.” I smiled at each of them and took Trace’s hand.

We forced our way through the crowd and onto the cobblestone walkway.

Snow flurries were still falling from the sky and darkness had descended. String lights were wrapped around the trunks of the trees. They twinkled merrily and I smiled at the sight.

We walked, hand in hand, to his car. Trace opened the passenger door for me and I slid inside.

He started up the car, and turned on the heat, but didn’t back out right away.

“Are you mad at me?” He asked.

“For what? Making me sing?” I questioned.

He nodded.

“No,” I answered. “Maybe at first. But I did enjoy it…until people started staring at me.” With a laugh, I added, “I’ve learned, though, that it’s impossible for me to stay mad at you.”

“It’s ‘cause I’m sexy,” he winked.

I laughed. “Especially in that shirt.”

“Don’t disrespect the shirt,” he chuckled with a grin. “You bought it.”

“I’m already regretting that decision,” I giggled as he backed out of the parking lot and headed towards campus.

“It’s my new favorite shirt,” he announced.

“You mean,” I paused for dramatic affect, “you like it more than plaid?” I snorted.

He tapped his chin. “Okay, maybe not. Nothing beats plaid. If plaid was a color, it’d be my favorite.”

“You’re so weird,” I shook my head.

“Most people find my weirdness charming,” he smirked.

“I guess I’m not most people,” I shrugged, covering my laugh with a hand.

We came to a stoplight, and he leaned over, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “And that’s what I like the most about you.”

c h a p t e r

Twenty Five

I took a deep breath as I strode across campus, my books clutched to my chest, as a heavy wind breezed by, almost knocking my hat off my head.

With my free hand, I reached up to keep my hat in place, but I was too late.

The fabric flew from my head and spun in the air.

“Dammit!” I cursed, running after it, thankful I was wearing sneakers today.

“I got it! I got it!” A male voice called and I watched a tan hand reach up in the air and grasp the dark blue fabric of my beanie.

I slowed to a walk, and held my hand out for my hat, slowly looking up to meet the eyes of the guy.

“Luca,” I gasped.

“Hey,” he smiled, dropping the hat in my hand.

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