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“Why do I do what?” she whispered.
“Hide your face like you’re embarrassed?”
“Maybe I am.”
He studied her. Based on what he knew, she hadn’t dated anyone before him. He wouldn’t be surprised if she’d never been kissed. “You don’t have to be.”
A smile tugged at her lips and she tore her gaze away from him. “You say that like you can change the way I feel with one statement.”
“Maybe one day I’ll be able to accomplish that.”
Constance let out a self-deprecating laugh and fidgeted. “I don’t even know why you wanted to go on a date with me. You might as well get used to me acting a certain way until I figure this out a little more.”
He cupped her cheek with his hand, letting his thumb trace over her cheekbone. “Then I guess I’ll just have to help you see what I see.”
She bit her lip again as if the gesture would help her hold back how much it pleased her to hear his words. This was good, he was on the right track.
They walked side by side on the trail leading toward the peak. This particular lookout allowed spectators to see the whole valley and then some. They’d be able to see the city lights two hours away.
He’d been telling her the truth when he’d said he hadn’t brought a girl up here whom he’d shared such a kiss with, but Constance wasn’t the first woman he’d brought out to this place. It was a great location for a picnic, and that’s exactly what he had planned on doing.
The picnic basket in his left hand bounced against the back of his leg with each step he took. Every so often Constance would meet his gaze, but most of their hike was completed in silence. There was so much that hung in the air between them.
He would have liked to discuss that kiss for one. And then there was the obvious secrets she planned on keeping from her family. But instead, he chose a safer topic.
“How are your classes going?”
She fiddled with her hair, meeting his eyes again. “Really good. Some of my online classes allow me to go at my own pace and I’m about ready to take two of my finals.”
“That’s great.”
Constance nodded. “It is. But I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to go through the other classes as quickly.”
“It’s fine to take your time. Don’t feel like you have to rush any of this. Enjoy it.” His right hand brushed against hers and his fingers twitched. He probably should have held her hand when they’d started the hike. Doing so now would seem strange.
James cleared his throat. Think. Something else he could talk about that wasn’t related to work. The harder he attempted to come up with something to say, the more he drew a blank. What would she even want to discuss?
She beat him to it. “Have you told anyone about our date tonight?”
He could sense the hesitation in her voice. It was almost like she hoped he hadn’t said a word. James stepped over a fallen branch and attempted to collect his thoughts. He hadn’t said a word to his mother or father.
Shane was the only one who would be aware of James’s infatuation with Constance. “If I did tell someone, would that be a bad thing?”
Constance shoved her hands into her back pockets and shrugged. “I suppose it would depend on who you told.”
“Like my mother.”
“Exactly.” She pressed her lips together tightly and gave him a tentative smile. “No offense, but I’m sure you’ve had your share of experiences with your mother’s gossiping nature.”
He grimaced. “No one knows better than me.” James shook his head. “No. I haven’t said anything to her. Though, I’ve been rather busy lately. From what I’ve heard, she’s been more interested in other things as of late.”
“Oh?”
James snickered. “You’re not suggesting that you’re interested in some town gossip, are you?”
She shrugged again; this time her smile broadened. “I suppose not. I’m too busy studying to worry about what’s going on with other people in town.”
“Somehow I doubt you would be interested in that sort of thing even if you weren’t otherwise preoccupied.”
