Page 11 of If I Could

“The reason being…” He waits for me to answer. When I don’t, he says, “Part of that long story?”

“Yeah. I’ll tell you later. Actually, I’m sure someone in town will tell you before I do.”

“People in town know?”

My phone dings. It’s a text from Nina, asking where I am. “I have to go.”

“Hot date?” he asks with a smile.

I smile back. “You ask too many questions.”

As we’ve been talking, we’ve somehow managed to get closer, standing just a few inches apart.

“So you have to go,” he says, his eyes locking on mine.

I stare back at him, my heart racing at record speed, my breath struggling to catch up. There’s an undeniable attraction between us, but it’s more than that I’m feeling. There’s this spark, like the spark of electricity you feel in the air right before a storm. I felt it when we met and I feel it again now.

If he wasn’t so sweaty and dirty, I think he might kiss me right now. It’d be completely inappropriate and extremely bold, but Kyle seems like someone who takes risks and doesn’t hold back.

“I have to go meet someone,” I tell him. “Besides, you don’t want me to stay. Just a few minutes ago you were telling me to go away.”

“True.” He pauses, leaning even closer to me. “So go.”

“I will.” I’m breathing hard, staring into his eyes, feeling the heat from his body.

This sounds completely crazy, but I really want to kiss him. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m clearly not thinking straight because I lean over to do it, then stop suddenly when my phone dings. I look down at it and see another text from Nina. I can’t read all the words but I see lots of exclamation points.

“Shit.” I quickly text,Be there soon!Then I gather up my first aid supplies and stuff them in the box.

“See you later.” I turn and walk back to my car.

Kyle catches up to me. “Hey, where do you live?”

“Down the street.” I toss the box in the back seat.

“I mean, which house? What’s your address?”

I shut the door and lean against the car. “Why do you want to know?”

He shrugs. “In case I want to borrow a cup of sugar.”

“You bake?” I ask, trying to suppress a laugh.

“No. But maybe I’ll start.”

“Then I’d suggest getting your supplies at Vindervott’s.”

He gives me a funny look. “What the hell is that?”

“The grocery store in town. It’s small but has everything you need.”

“Including magic wands?”

I pause to figure out what he means, then laugh. “Not Voldemort’s. Vindervott’s. It’s named after the guy who opened it like a hundred years ago. Some other guy owns it now.” I smile. “But I liked your Harry Potter reference.”

“You read the books, I assume?”

“A long time ago. I’m a little surprised thatyoudid.”

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