Page 22 of His North Star
“I call it passionate, but sure, love or obsessed work too. It’s what most people say
anyway.”
We walked past the library and James directed me toward a bench. He sat close enough,
his body heat radiated into mine. Chills ran down my arms.
“Are you cold?” He slid over until no space existed between us.
“I’m perfect, thank you.”
He moved his arm to the back of the bench. I almost leaned my head against his
shoulder but stiffened. How ridiculous that my body responded to the slightest touch. He was nice, attractive, and easy to talk to. But cuddling was so far off the table, it might as well be in Antarctica.
“Why are you passionate about astronomy?” he asked, his tone genuinely curious.
Just like a seat-back tray on an airplane, I stayed upright, with my hands locked in position on my lap. “My grandpa shared stories about the long, frigid nights during World War Two. He said the only thing that kept him going was knowing his sweetheart was under the same bright moon as him. Before he left for training, my grandparents had picked the bottom star on the Big Dipper’s scoop as theirs. Because no matter how far apart they were, their star was part of a spoon big enough to hold their love.”
If only it were dark enough so we could see their star. Due to how far north we lived, and with it being late spring, the sky stayed light fairly late.
“That’s really sweet,” he said. “I believe our grandparents’ generation was more romantic than we are.”
My jaw loosened. What guy wanted to talk about romantic gestures? “Maybe it’s because they had a war to fight, so they didn’t leave anything unsaid.”
He nodded. “They lived without regrets.”
“They treasured those they loved more too. It’s easy to leave broken hearts wherever you go when you have online dating and social media to open the pool of suitors. They didn’t have to compete with millions of girls, like nowadays.”
“Is that what happened to you?” He rested his hand on my shoulder, gently squeezing it before moving it back to the bench. “Ty said you were engaged to his cousin until a few months ago. Did he cheat on you or something?”
Ty told James about Blake? “This is too deep a conversation for our second time meeting one another.” I chuckled nervously. I had little doubt Blake would find someone in Los Angeles. In fact, he probably already had. I’m sure he moved on quickly from me. The person he accused ofnever being good enough for him.The one he claimedcharmed him with her lips but lacked a brain or ambition.
He said he regretted meeting me. I shared his sentiment.
“What about you?” I bumped his side with my elbow. “Do you have a woman you can’t get over?”
“Not really. I mean, I’ve had relationships, but school kept me pretty busy, and I didn’t make dating a priority.”
That was almost hard to believe. Weren’t girls lining up down the street to get a chance with him? Umm, hello—look at him!
“I’m sure Colorado offered a better selection. Not dissing us Montana gals. I just mean, there’s a bigger population in Colorado compared to here.”
“I’m pleased with what northern Montana has to offer,” he admitted.
I turned slightly to face him. A cocky grin lit his features. What a flirt. He reminded me of what Ty was like in high school. “What do you like to do when you’re not working?” I asked, changing the subject.
“You’re obstinate. I like that.” He chuckled. “I love being outdoors. I’m sort of an adrenaline junkie.”
Obstinate? More like trying to protect myself. “Ty will be happy you’re here then. He loves outdoorsy stuff too. What provides the biggest rush for you?”
“That’s hard to say. Skydiving is amazing, but it’s hard to do frequently. I love the thrill of getting through rapids or bungee jumping off a bridge. And winning a rugby game. I like it all.”
“Would you believe I’ve done none of those things?”
His eyes widened. “Not even river rafting?”
“Yeah, I’ve done that with Ty. It didn’t go well.” Like Ty almost drowned. It was scary. I’d avoided rivers for the most part since then.
