Page 10 of That Time in Venice
“That’s right.Emerson.”
“For your information, he didn’tletme do anything. I do whatIwant.”
She hid her pain behind a rebellious attitude, but the truth was, Emerson was supposed to accompany her on this trip. They’d planned a romantic end of school year getaway for the two of them, but only a few days ago, he’d broken up with her, forcing her to take the trip alone. But that was none of Reed’sbusiness.
“You do what you want, huh? You’re just full of surprises.” The slow drawl and the way his eyes slowly scrolled down her pink halter to her purple and pink Capri pants made Anika a little self-conscious.
The hairs on the back of her neck tingled, and she straightened her spine. She’d caught him watching her in the same way before, in a bold and assessing manner. The first time she’d thought it was her imagination, but then she’d caught his eyes on her one night while they closed down the salad bar. He made her very conscious of her own movements. When her boyfriend came around, Reed was friendly enough, but it didn’t keep him from that unnerving silent observation when they werealone.
“How long are you here for?” she asked, in an effort to switch the topic of conversation awayfromher.
He stepped out of the way of a woman entering the hotel. “I came in yesterday, and I’m staying until the end of the week. I’m traveling through Europe before I have to deal with the responsibilities of getting a job and all that other adultstuff.”
Anika played with her bag strap, not knowing what else to say. She thought about the coming changes, as well. One more year and she’d be on the hunt for a job and anapartment.
“If you want to hang out, let me know. We could keep each other company,”Reedsaid.
Anika blinked. The invitation took her by surprise. “I don’t think you’d want to do the same things I do,”shesaid.
“How do you know?” He tilted his head at her, that little smile making anotherappearance.
“Are you interested in glass blowing, for instance? That’s on my list of thingstodo.”
“Oh.” He rubbed a hand across his clean-shaven jaw. “Glassblowing,huh?”
He seemed to give the idea such serious thought, she couldn’t help but laugh. “That’s what Ithought.”
“No, wait a minute now. Actually, that sounds fascinating. I’m sure it’s really cool, and it’s one of the things to do while here, right? We could go to one of the factories onMurano.”
“You knowaboutthat?”
“Sure I do. Countmein.”
Apparently, Reed was full ofsurprises,too.
“Really?”
“Uh-huh. I’m not justsayingthat.”
“Okay, cool.” She smiled. “So, what’s on your agenda forthetrip?”
He hooked his thumbs into the loops of his jeans. “Playing it by ear. My goal is to stay out oftrouble.”
“Is that evenpossible?”
He quirked a brow at her. “Yes, it’s possible, but not probable. Trouble seems to follow me wherever I go.” He grinned. He had a sexy mouth. A thin upper lip but a full lower one that lookedkissablysoft.
Crap. Where did thatcomefrom?
Anika cleared her throat. “I’m staying out of trouble whileI’mhere.”
He contemplated her for long seconds. “You’re not the type to get into troubleanyway.”
“What does that mean?” Anika asked, mildlyoffended.
He laughed softly. “I’m guessing you’re a good girl, and there’s nothing wrong with that, bytheway.”
“I am a good girl, but that doesn’t mean I can’t havefun,too.”
