“No. I moved in almost a decade ago.”
Damn. He really was older than me. I pushed the thought out of my mind. It would never matter anyway.
“It’s just another way we’re similar then. We keep finding things in common.”
Theo’s nod was jerky, and I had a feeling he didn’t like the idea.
Or he didn’twantto like it.
“So, what do you think?” I asked. “Did I make the right choice moving here?”
“You could ask a lot of people that.”
“I’m asking you.”
He sighed, and I wondered if he would even answer at all. But he leaned against the railing and nodded. “You did. This is a good place to be.”
“That means a lot coming from someone who moved here.”
And it seemed to be for the same reasons I came to Strawberry Springs.
To escape.
“I used to move around a lot. I never planned on staying in one place for long.”
“And Strawberry Springs grew on you?”
“It did.”
“That makes me feel better.” I took a deep breath. “Actually, everything you did today did.”
“Even the part where you called me out for being rude?” One of his eyebrows raised, and instead of feeling the familiar fear, I only rolled my eyes.
“I might be a baby about touch, but I call it like I see it.” I bit my lip as I thought about it. “Actually, it was nice to just be normal for a moment after all of that. Most people don’t let me do that. Thank you for dropping by.”
“Your smile’s back.” He crossed his arms and one corner of his mouth tilted upward.Fuck, I liked the look of that. “That’s all I hoped for.” He gave me a nod, pushed off the railing, and turned.
“Have a nice night,” I said. I wanted him to stop and come back. I wasn’t sure what we could talk about, but I needed more.
He paused and gave me one last glance. “You too. Will you come in tomorrow?”
“I will.”
“See you then.”
Then he headed downstairs.
“You’re smile’s back.” I made my voice deep to sound like him. “God, what a line.”
I closed the door to my apartment, still thinking over the conversation.
When we talked in the alley, Theo said if he started talking to me, he’d never stop. Now I had a hint of what that meant.
And I hoped that he was right, that he wouldn’t stop talking to me.
I certainly didn’t want him to.
6
