Page 29 of Reaching Avery
“I agree,” Avery said, and I met his gaze from across the table. “You may not be a pro, but that was one hell of a performance.”
One heartbeat turned to two and neither of us looked away. It was hard to describe, but it was like we were both magnets and the eye contact triggered the forces to start pulling us together. I even gripped the edge of the table to try to keep myself from moving. It was weird.
Then, he looked away, and the energy sizzling between us was broken.
“Do you need to call your parents and let them know you won’t be home until later?” I asked Avery.
“No, it’s okay,” he answered. “I told Declan I was staying after school, so he’ll tell our mom. Is it okay if you give me a ride home, though? I can walk if not.”
“Hell no, you’re not walking home.” He lived literally on the other side of town, and it’d take him forever to get home. Not to mention, I’d kind of like the extra time with him after dropping Sarah off. “It’s no problem at all.”
He responded with a shy smile. “Thanks.”
Sarah looked between us, clearly not missing the way I stared at Avery just a bit longer than necessary.
