Page 88 of A Class of Her Own

“Willow,” I growled.

At this point Brooks was laughing. “I’m not sure about intelligence, but I appreciate physical activity and continued learning.” There was a short pause and then, “Is that the right answer, Meredith?”

Him and Willow both laughed when I scoffed. “Yes, Brooks. Thank you.”

“You know, I’ve been telling Mer that she needs to date, and I think the two of you will get along well.” Willow’s audacity knew no bounds.

“Oh my gosh,” I muttered.

“I’ve been telling Meredith the same thing,” Brooks cracked.

Willow’s eyes grew large and delighted. “Really?”

I closed my eyes and shook my head. “This is a nightmare.”

“Meredith is notoriously stubborn,” Willow stated.

“I’m like a pebble in her shoe. It took a while, but I wore her down,” he replied.

“That’s a terrible way to get a woman’s attention,” I rolled my eyes.

Brooks’s smile was playful. “I tried less annoying ways, and you were resistant.”

Willow was grinning back and forth, enjoying this immensely. “Less annoying ways?”

I shook my head and deliberately broke eye contact with Brooks as I felt a flush move up my face. “Do you think you can help me with my makeup?” I asked Willow.

“Come on upstairs. It’ll be good for Brooks to meet my boyfriend, Steve.”

Brooks smiled and stepped to the side. “Lead the way. I’d love to meet him.”

Willow’s skirt swirled around her ankles as she turned toward the back of the shop. Brooks waited for me, and, when I came to his side, I made a face.

“Sorry about her,” I said as we started walking.

“Don’t be,” he chuckled. “Her and I are on the same team. I like her.”

“Do I even want to know what team that is?” I asked, shivering slightly as his warm palm met the small of my back.

He leaned down and brushed an airy kiss to the top of my head. “The winning team.”

We arrived at the small staircase that led up to Willow’s apartment, and he let me go first as we had to climb single file.

“You’re pretty sure of yourself,” I said over my shoulder.

He nodded. “Pebble in the shoe.”

More like shark in the water,I thought.

I stopped at the top of the staircase. Willow had left her apartment door open, and I could hear her talking to Steve inside. Brooks came to stand near me, crowding against me on the tiny landing. I looked up at him, and a swell of rightness caused my breath to tighten.

“I wasn’t ignoring you. I’m still a little scared.”

One side of his mouth tugged up. “I know. You simply need more time to trust it.”

I felt breathless at him once again seeming to see through me. “Oh.”

His hand came to my shoulder, and he ran light fingertips down my arm until he took hold of my hand. “I’m planning to kiss you at midnight.”

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