He shrugs. “What can I say? I have a way with knowing people’s characteristics.”
I roll my eyes, but I love that his comebacks are so quick.
“Hmm, Tobias Banks is driven and likes to have goals.” I hold up the book. “Creative and realistic.” I lean in close and whisper, “Everyone wants sex in their books, but they don’t admit it. I mean, sex happens to everyone; it’s the most realistic part of any story.”
He chuckles.
“He’s smart, and he trusts easily. He’s also very organized, and he’s very good with words.”
“Not bad,” he says.
“I’m not finished. He’s also a nice guy.” Tobias cringes. “With a dirty mind that may as well make him the modern-day Casanova.”
He fake gags.
“Do not start that. The guys would never let me live it down.”
“No problem. I’ll be our secret.”
“Thank you.”
“Okay, do me.”
His eyes widen, and his bottom lip drops.
“Not like that. Jeez, Casanova. Calm down. I mean my traits. What do you think they are?”
He chuckles but rubs the back of his neck and starts to move around the room.
“You’re stubborn,” he starts, and I just smile. It’s not the first time I’ve heard that one. “You like a good sparring match in conversation, and you’ll defend the people you love, no questions asked. You speak your mind and people probably mistake your honesty for crudeness far more often that they should. You don’t make rash decisions. You need time to think the big things through but will take risks if they help point you in the right direction. Hence, you came up here with me to see my book. Oh, and you wish your room was as clean as mine.”
I burst out laughing at his last line as if I weren’t in shock. After just minutes of knowing me, he figured me out to a T.
“Am I right?”
I nod. “Scary right.”
Finally, he sits next to me on the bed.
“I knew it. Are you going to Wind Valley University this fall?” he asks.
“Yes,” I answer without thinking. What was it he said? I’m willing to take risks if it means pointing me in the right direction.
“Good. I hope I see you again.”
I can feel my face heating before I look away.
“I’d like that.”
And I would, because for the first time in months, I feel like I just made the right choice, and it didn’t scare me. Leaving and never seeing Tobias again after tonight—now, that scares me.
Present Day
Leaving before Tobias woke up wasn’t an easy choice to make, but I had to make one, and being around him … well, I can’t think straight.
When did every choice in life become a debate?
Why is there this need to pick between right and wrong instead of just what you want?
