Page 32 of Peach Blossom Hollow

He shrugged, rewarding her with a casual smile that made her stomach do funny things.

She shook her head. “Living in the country is very different from the city. The other day I saw this kid driving a big green truck. Whenever he had to shift gears, he would literally disappear under the dashboard. I’ve never been so afraid for my life as I was while sharing the road with him.” When Leo failed to look perturbed, she added, “He was oncoming traffic. The driver literally vanished!”

Leo laughed, and she smiled, realizing that maybe she could tell funny stories about herself, and Twenty Questions could, in fact, be harmless fun. Usually she felt as though she wasn’t interesting enough, and that people were always thinking she was weird or boring. But not Leo. He almost made her feel as though she wasn’t introverted and self-conscious, but an interesting person he genuinely wanted to get to know better.

“Speed round,” he announced. “Most random class you’ve ever taken?”

“Random?”

“Odd? Unexpected? Your choice. Surprise me.”

“Cake decorating with a bunch of gals from town.”

“Not weird. Handy.”

“I’m not baking you a cake.”

“Fine.” He gave a dramatic sigh. “It’s not on Athena’s diet plan, anyway.”

“How about you? Most useless class? Oddest? Maybe an unusual niche class?”

“How to ride an angry bull and not die.”

She raised her hands in surrender. “You win.”

They sat sideways on the bench seat, knees touching, watching each other as the limo purred toward their destination.

“Strangest skill you have. No, best skill.”

“I’m good at math.” She smirked, figuring that he would assume she was telling the truth due to her Northeastern Asian heritage.

He narrowed his eyes. “You lie.”

She giggled. “True. I’m average.”

“Did I not mention in the rules that lying isn’t allowed?”

She batted her lashes. “There are rules?”

“Are you flirting, Vi?” He leaned close, his warmth reaching her through the fabric of their clothes. She felt the terrifying heat, but fought it. Fought it hard. He was just a friend. She could totally handle this.

“You should be so lucky,” she breathed, dropping her gaze to his lips.

He gave a low chuckle that tightened a cord inside her. She leaned forward, aiming for a mysterious,seductive tone as she said, “My odd skill is tango dancing.”

His mouth was close to hers. “I said no lying.”

“No lie.”

He was silent for a long beat. “Teach me.”

She laughed, leaning back in the seat. He was so earnest, so genuine. “A cowboy learning the tango?”

“I can do more than just ride around on animals.”

“Fair enough.”

“This is a deep one. Are you ready for it?” He leaned close again, and she felt as though the moment was a tipping point, that if she leaned forward herself they might kiss. Which was ridiculous. He’d reminded her only an hour ago that they were friends helping each other.

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