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“You mean like to get pizza?”
I licked my suddenly very dry lips. I hadn’t thought it through. I had no excuse to spend more time with her. “Yeah, we can talk more about the class.”
She raised a brow like she doubted that was necessary. “I don’t think I’ll be much help, but sure, okay. I don’t have any plans.”
“Good. That’s good.”
She hadn’t moved from her spot in front of the door. “You’re acting really funny today.”
It was because she had me off-center, struggling to find my balance. What was I supposed to say? That I got this little high every time I talked to her, and I wasn’t ready to say good-bye? That I enjoyed her company, and I wanted more? Things I shouldn’t even be thinking about. Her hair spread over my pillow, the sheet barely covering her naked body, exploring her soft skin.
“I have a lot on my mind—you know between work and Corey.”
“Of course. I’m happy to help however I can.”
I moved closer, placing my hand over hers so she couldn’t open the door. Not yet. “You’ve already done so much. I shouldn’t be asking for more.”
She turned slightly, blinking up at me. “I don’t mind.”
The wind blew her hair across her face, and I couldn’t resist the urge to brush it back and tuck it behind her ear. Her breath hitched, and I wanted nothing more than to lean down and kiss her.
“We should go upstairs.” Her voice was soft and tentative and raised at the end as if she were unsure that’s what we should do.
I shifted a step back to give her room to open the door. “That’s the right thing to do.”
If she thought my words were out of place, she didn’t mention it.
I helped Corey pack away the painting supplies. He’d moved on to the kitchen. Working around the cabinets and appliances had slowed his progress.
“I appreciate you taking your time, Corey. I could have hired a company, but I don’t think they would have done a better job.”
“Really?” Corey asked.
“You’re a hard worker,” Hailey said.
“You’ve always worked hard at the garage, too. It’s a good quality to have. No matter where you work, do your best. Even if it’s something you don’t see yourself doing in the future,” I said, pleased Hailey had pointed it out.
“Have you given any thought to what you’d want to do?” Hailey asked him as she walked around, closing the windows. She must have opened them since the day was unseasonably warm, and these historic buildings didn’t have central air.
“Not really. One of my teachers said I needed to work harder if I wanted to go to college.”
Hailey gave him an encouraging smile. “Is that what you want to do?”
Corey shook his head. “I hadn’t thought much about it.”
“Your grades have improved now that you’re completing your homework.”
“Yeah, I didn’t see much point before.”
“And you do now?” I asked him.
“I have to keep up my grades to play football. You know that.”
“I guess I’m wondering if that’s the only reason you’re keeping them up.” Corey seemed more willing to talk in front of Hailey, so I took advantage of her asking about it first. I’d love to know what his dreams are.
He shrugged. “I dunno.”
Typical teenage response, and I exchanged a look with Hailey. We weren’t likely to get much more out of him tonight.
