Page 72 of Aftersome
Especially at times like these.
“Will you tell me something about yourself? Something no one else knows.”
I looked at her.
“Why?”
She shrugged her shoulders on a short smile that barely reached her eyes.
“If you’re here to help me because you’re worried, then help me,” she demanded. “I could really use the distraction.”
This was her pleading with me. Asking for my help, and I knew I couldn’t deny her. Though I felt like I was put on the spot, I gave in anyway.
“I… uh, I started to read last year. Wasn’t really into it when I was younger but I decided to try it one day. Can’t seem to stop now.” I ran a palm through my hair as I felt my face burn up.
“Really?” She stared at me in disbelief. “What types of books?”
“Oh, uh, thrillers and sometimes the occasional history novel. I guess just whatever I’m in the mood for.”
I’m sure I looked like the furthest thing from someone who enjoyed reading. Even I had a hard time believing that I was a book kind of guy.
“Wow. I, uh, didn’t expect that.” She chuckled.
“Yeah, now don’t go around telling anyone,” I grumbled. “This was purely for your ears only.”
She was clearly amused now.
Distracted.
Just what she wanted.
“Oh, I won’t. I had this oaf of a hockey player tell all of his teammates that I’m off limits so now they will barely talk to me.” There was obvious annoyance laced within her voice, but there was something else there that made my heart speed up.
A smile.
“An oaf?” I laughed. “Seems like a pretty smart guy, if you ask me.”
“So smart. Must be from all the books he’s reading now.”
We both laughed.
It felt good knowing that I was one who did that. I was the one who had distracted her. The one who made her laugh that beautiful, one-of-a-kind laugh.
I never wanted it to end.
I never wanted this moment to end.
As our laughter fizzled out, an awkwardness had now filled the air. It was palpable, but even more so confusing.
With her head now lifted off her knees, she looked like she was ready to stand.
Ready to leave this moment behind her.
“Well, I should probably head back in.” She motioned her hand toward the front of the house behind us. “Kate’s probably wondering where I am and…”
“Yeah, no problem.” I nodded, wishing we could stay like this a little longer. I wasn’t good at this. Whatever this was, and itfucking showed. She looked like she didn’t know what to say to me and I hated that.
“Oh… okay, yeah. Um, well, thank you.” She gave me a quick glance that had felt like an eternity.
