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“Thanks,” she murmured. The silence between them continued to grow as they watched her sister and his friend like a couple of awkward teenagers on their first date.
“What do you do for work?” Dianna asked.
“Besides drawing, what else do you like to do?” Tristan asked at the same time.
They stared at one another before they both laughed.
“You first,” he insisted.
She cleared her throat and glanced at him quickly before turning her focus to her drink. “I love to read.”
“Yeah?”
Dianna nodded. “There is nothing like escaping into a good book.”
“What do you like to read?”
Heat seared her cheeks and she bit down on her lips, pressing them together. She shook her head.
“Oh, that means it’s good. Now I’m curious.”
Dianna let out a soft laugh. “I’m kinda a big nerd. You might change your mind about me when I tell you.”
Tristan faced her. “I guarantee there is nothing you could say that would make me think poorly of you.”
She peeked at him. “You first. What do you like to read?”
He tossed back his head and laughed. “I feel like if I say anything other than classic novels, you’re going to be disappointed.”
Dianna shook her head. Much like his sentiment, she didn’t think there was ever going to be a possibility that he’d make himself appear in a bad light. “I don’t have anything against any reading material. The way I see it, the majority of people don’t read for pleasure these days. So if you like to read even a little bit, you’re already on the right side of things.”
“Fair enough.” He leaned his shoulder against the wall they stood beside and tilted his head to look at the ceiling. “My favorites cover a wide range of stuff. I like Stephen King.Ender’s Gameis another favorite. But the ones I like the most have to be crime thrillers.”
She squinted. “Really? I didn’t peg you for that kind of stuff.”
“But at least I read, right?” There was amusement in his eyes that made every muscle tighten as her stomach turned over and remained upside down.
“Right,” Dianna murmured.
“Okay, your turn. I’m guessing that you’re just placating my son when you read the stuff he’s into.”
She laughed. “I like those kinds of books. I love horses too you know. I’m always up for learning.Butmy guilty pleasure is epic fantasies.”
Tristan’s eyes narrowed. “You mean stuff with witches and knights?”
The blush returned to her face. There was a wide audience for such stories, which was why several movies had come out over the years. She nodded, hating the way her face gave away her embarrassment. She was supposed to be this person who was smart and a good influence on his son.
“What’s so bad about that?” He shifted so he was closer to her.
Too close.
His voice lowered so that only she could hear it. “Like you said. Anyone who reads is already a step above the rest of us. And from what I understand, those books are the hardest reading material out of all the fiction genres.”
She couldn’t stop staring at him. Tristan had phrased that so perfectly. He’d made her feel validated, even if it was for something so insignificant as her reading choice. None of her sisters read as much as she did. They were all too busy with their chores and spending time out in the fresh air. Dianna finally looked away, unnerved by the way he continued to inspect her. “Well, I guess I’m glad you approve. I have to admit, I’ve always been a little self-conscious about what I enjoy reading.”
He tucked her hair behind her ear with his finger. “Never feel ashamed of what makes you happy.”
It was a small gesture, but one that resonated within her nevertheless. Dianna swallowed hard. She didn’t want all this focus on her. She needed to change the subject or her anxiety might get the better of her. “Your turn.”
