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This awareness between us may feel good, and deep down I may want to explore it more, but I can’t. I’m not ready. I’m out of my depth.
“Or not,” he says when I fail to give him an answer. “I just thought I’d be neighborly.”
Oh. Disappointment floods me. My own fault for taking too long to answer him.
I press my lips together, jump to my feet, and slide around to the back of the lounge chair. My fingers curl around the backrest to help steady me. “I, uh, need to head inside to do some reading.”
“Reading? What kind of reading?”
“Boring law school stuff,” slips out of my mouth before I can think about it.
He stands, his eyes traveling over my suddenly sensitive skin before meeting my gaze again. “You’re in law school?”
“Not yet. I’m starting this fall, but there’s some recommended summer reading.” That I can’t believe I’m even peeking at. Routine is hard to break, though. And so is the promise I made to my dad. Hot guy versus Law 101 should be a no-brainer, yet I’m doing what I do best. Keeping my distance. Keeping things safe and steady, under control.
“I admire your dedication.”
I shrug. “Thanks.”
“If you decide you want to go tomorrow night, let me know. I’ll drive you.”
“Oh, um, okay. Maybe.”
Vaughn takes a small step closer. “Look, if this is because of what happened the other night, you don’t need to worry. I don’t make a habit of drinking and driving. You’re safe with me.”
But I’m not. And not for the reasons he thinks. Reasons that scare me because they’re new and unexpected and I don’t know if I want to feel them.
“I do want to, but I’d rather meet you there,” I say firmly, gaining my composure back.
He once again studies me with an intensity that is unnerving. I’m so lost in his stare that I don’t notice he’s moved forward to trace his finger down my arm until I quiver. “Fair enough. But I’m going to prove you can trust me.” He pulls out his cell. “Can I at least have your number in case anything changes?” I give it to him without a thought then stand there for a good five minutes after he’s walked away to contemplate what he just said.
Vaughn wants a next time.
My caged heart rattles the bars.
