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My ego deflated exponentially when I looked over to see what Nathan had created. A perfectly symmetrical piece of pottery with intricate grooves creating an interesting detail at the top.
“You’re a natural,” cooed Gloria. “Let me make sure the kiln is fired up. I’ll be right back.”
“Have you done this before?” I crossed my arms in an accusatory fashion.
He tilted his head to the side, assessing his work. “No. I’m a fast learner.”
I raised my eyebrows. “A fast learner? You could sell that it’s so perfect.”
“I tend to excel at most things.”
“Including humility,” I added.
He chuckled, leaning back on his stool and meeting my eyes. My stomach did a little flip at the rare eye contact. “I’m not trying to brag. It’s just the truth.”
“So, you’re good at everything you try?” I challenged, eyes narrowing.
He smiled. I loved this playful side of him. “Maybe not everything, but a lot of things.”
I stroked my chin. “Archery?”
“I won a competition in high school.”
My shoulders shook with laughter. “Oh my god, Nathan, I was joking. You’re actually good at archery?”
“I’m also a pretty impressive skeet shooter.” His smile grew. “Not to brag or anything.”
“Well, I seem to remember based on a certain black eye that you weren’t a very impressive rock climber.”
He groaned in exasperation. “Don’t remind me. Oliver has made it his life goal to excel in the only activities I struggle with and then force me to do them with him.”
Pursing my lips, I pretended to look sympathetic. “Not very athletic, huh?”
“I’m extremely athletic,” he said, narrowing his eyes.
“Uh oh. Have I struck a chord?” I asked, feigning a sympathetic look.
“I was on varsity soccer and track in high school.”
“Of course you were.”
Biting down on his lip, he shook his head. “You’re mocking me.”
His defensiveness had me doubled over with laughter. “You’re being so serious.”
“I just don’t want you to think I’m some complete novice at any and all physical activities.”
Something about the way he said physical activity, and the fact that he cared about what I thought, sent goosebumps down my arms.
“I don’t think that,” I said. His well-defined biceps spoke volumes about his capabilities in various physical pursuits—both inside and outside the bedroom.
Oh my god, bedroom? Really, Charlie? Get it together!
I cleared my throat and averted my eyes as if he could somehow hear my thoughts.
“So, you work at a dating service and have a side hustle connecting women. Why do you like socializing so much?”
I jerked my head up, shocked that Nathan had asked such a personal question after weeks of shutting me out.
