Page 102 of Banter & Blushes

“You asked about me?” My voice sounds breathless.

“Yeah, I had to find you.” His voice deepens with emotion as he says this, sending a shiver through me.

Had to find me… I think my heart just melted in my chest and fused with my rib cage, making it hard to breathe.

His expression turns thoughtful. “Did you really have engine trouble twice in one day?”

I roll my eyes. “First time was the bus. I was on a field trip with my class at the aquarium.”

He nods. “And then your car…”

“Yep. Epic fail.” I reposition the bag on my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry for doubting you.” Ethan closes the distance between us, then rubs a piece of my hair between his thumb and forefinger, letting out a soft hum as he does so.

“I know it’s probably too soon, but I’d really like to kiss you right now, Mia.”

His eyes bore into mine, giving me a moment to see the gold flecks dotting his irises.

I lift my chin, parting my lips for a clear invitation. “You’ll get a better grade if you do.”

He chuckles softly as he lowers his head and brushes his lips over mine. His spicy-clean scent wraps around me, warm and grounding, like sunlight soaking into my skin on a perfect summer day at the beach.

I’m ready to melt into him, but he lifts his head, studying my face. “Never thought I’d kiss a girl in school at my age.”

I let out a soft giggle. Who would have thought we’d share our first kiss in my classroom? “Is it everything you hoped for?”

His smile widens as he nods. “And more.”

Warmth rushes through me.

Maybe Fate was working in our favor all along.

CHAPTER 15

ETHAN

Inever should have waited for Mia at her school. Should have just left and never thought about her again. That would have been the smart thing to do because then the whole issue of my team moving to another city wouldn’t be an issue.

And a major one because Mia is even more amazing up close. Besides being beautiful as hell, she’s vibrant and intelligent, and her sarcasm makes me laugh. And I think she loves the hush puppies at the Turtle Tide more than I do.

When our server asks if we’d like dessert, I shake my head. “No, thanks. We have other plans for that.”

The guy cocks an approving brow at me, making me realize how that came across, but before I can say anything, he’s gone.

And Mia’s eyes are two definitive question marks.

“That really sounded suggestive, didn’t it?” I bet my face matches the bottle of ketchup sitting on the table.

She finally blinks, but a hint of a smile plays at her lips. “Perhaps.”

I shake my head. “That’s not what I meant. I have a little surprise planned if that’s okay.”

“Depends on where this surprise of yours is supposed to take place.”

“The beach.” I point at the window toward the purple and pink sky casting iridescent light over the ocean beneath. “Feel like watching the sunset?”

Her blue eyes sparkle with pleasure. “Soundsromantic.”

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