Page 48 of Nerd Girl

“Voltron,” I said.

“Why?” He sounded genuinely curious.

“Honestly?”

“Sure, let’s do honesty.”

“Can you handle that?” I wasn’t ready to completely yield to his charm—so sue me.

Sawyer raised his eyebrows.

One point, me. “I didn’t figure anything else was capable of protecting us from Godzilla.” It was a fear I’d only had for a short while, but it left a lasting impression.

“That was a big concern of yours?” Sawyer’s amusement was back. “Some people feared quicksand, but Evie was worried about Godzilla?”

“Exactly. I saw this documentary a few years ago about Jaeger pilots.” I let the teasing slide into my voice with the Pacific Rim reference. In a way I hoped Sawyer didn’t get it, because then I could say I wasn’t having fun with him.

Sawyer chuckled. “I saw that one. I don’t think Godzilla is a Kaiju though. Rather, not that kind.”

Damn it, I was definitely having fun.

“I bet you’d drift perfectly with Gage,” Sawyer said.

The comment struck me in a way I didn’t understand. I wanted to love the idea and at the same time, it made my stomach churn. I doubted Sawyer was going for either reaction. “You haven’t mentioned buying my place once today.” I changed the subject on purpose.

“You called a temporary truce and I agreed.”

“Are you done trying to get me to sell?” I knew better. If I pushed the issue, I could dislike him again.

“I’ve put it on hold for the night,” he said. “And otherwise, not by a long shot.” He checked his watch. “I should let you get ready to go dancing. Thank you for today, Eowyn.”

I didn’t care for how sexy my full name sounded on his lips or the conflict that raged inside me as he walked out of my store.

16

Gage

I tended to turn down any offers from Evie to go dancing with her and Aubrey. I didn’t mind the music, especially since Maddox had taken over DJing; he had decent taste in most genres. It was the dancing that I wasn’t fond of.

Especially on a country music night.

I was going through Evie withdrawal, though. The best way to see her, to be close to her tonight, was to be at Joystick’s.

When I walked in, she was talking to Aubrey and laughing. Evie’s smile when she saw me, the way she broke away and crossed the room quickly to grab my hand, made the entire decision worthwhile.

“You’re here. Holy shit.”

I loved seeing her in such a carefree, good mood. “Surprise.”

“Watching you try to line dance ought to be the highlight of the night.” Aubrey’s sarcasm was light.

“I exist for your amusement, ladies.” I gave a deep bow.

Aubrey snorted. "Some of us more than others.”

Pink dotted Evie’s cheeks. “No clue what she’s talking about. I’m sure you’ll dance fine.”

“Don’t give me too much credit.” I knew my limits. “But if you promise to teach me, I’ll do my best to learn.”

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