Page 27 of Electric Blue Love
“Just think about it, okay?”
“Okay,” I agreed.
Tasha’s gaze went past me, and I used the opportunity to check my cell again. Still nothing.
“There is an insanely hot guy at the table behind you. You should go introduce yourself.”
“Okay first off, I can’t just walk up to some random guy and make casual conversation and second, I’m meeting up with Todd.” I resisted looking behind me knowing it would only encourage her more.
“Oh please, there’s no harm in some flirting and this guy, trust me, he’s worth getting out of your comfort zone. Besides, Todd has made no claim over you. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” Tasha said as her eyes went wide. “That’s good, put that on your list!”
Before I could protest, Tasha was up and pulling me behind her. My whole body warmed as I kept my eyes focused down on my drink. I was grateful at least that I had a fresh one. I fidgeted with the straw as the chatter at the table died down at our approach.
“Hello, boys,” Tasha said by way of greeting. “I’m Tasha.” She bumped her shoulder against mine, making my drink nearly tumble out of my hands. “And this is –”
“8B.”
His deep voicesliced through the noise of the bar and I snapped my head up to meet his eyes. I’d forgotten the depths of those eyes in person. Over video chat they were beautiful, but in person they drew me in and I couldn’t look away.
The corners of his hazel eyes crinkled in surprise and happiness. My mouth went dry at the sight of him. He was better looking than I remembered. Taller. I guess since most of our interaction had been while sitting, or over the phone, I hadn’t fully realized how he towered over me, even in heels.
He was dressed more casually than our last in person interaction. Instead of the suit he’d worn on the plane, his muscular frame filled out a pair of dark jeans and light blue V-neck sweater that showed the most amazing hint of chest. A promise that what was underneath was even better than what covered it. What covered it was pretty damn good, but then again, I’d seen what was underneath too. I had a feeling seeing it in person would be sinful by comparison to the photo.
“You two know each other?” Tasha looked to me with a glare that demanded to know how on earth I knew this gorgeous man.
“Court.” His name came out in a whisper.
“Oh my God, you’re the guy from the plane!”
Court’s eyes left mine as he gave his attention to Tasha.
“Court Adams.” He held out a hand which Tasha took all too eagerly.
“I’m Tasha. Bianca’s roommate. Oh my God, the rule book you two are creating is amazing. Seriously, you could write a dissertation on human behavior with that thing.”
“What are you doing here?” I squeaked out, finally finding my voice.
A small shrug of his shoulders had my eyes falling to the muscles that were on display through the light material of his sweater. I was going to have to create my own Court-specific rules, like don’t ogle and use your damn words.
“I’m here for the career fair,” he said simply and then. “What’s this about a rule book?”
My face burned, and I glared at Tasha. “I, uh, have been writing down all your advice as a sort of how-to.” Tasha winked at me and then waved to someone at the end of the table. I didn’t follow her gaze, I was transfixed on Court.
“Such a good student,” he said, but his voice didn’t sound mocking. It was almost proud.
He’d been standing on the other side of Tasha – a safe distance away from me and my bumbling hormones, but as she moved away in the direction she’d waved, Court stepped forward. His woodsy, masculine scent floated around me making me forget the musty, alcohol and sweat odor that overpowered the bar.
His eyes scanned my body slowly sending goosebumps over my skin. “It’s good to see you 8B. You look great.”
“Thanks. I’m a little shocked you’re here. Oh my God were you here when I was talking to you earlier?” I covered my chest as if I were still half-naked.
A sheepish smile crossed his face. “Yeah, I’d just landed.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back – that you were here?”
He didn’t answer, and I drained my glass while I waited for him to explain, only realizing it was empty when the straw slurped in protest.
“I think that one’s cashed. Come on, I need to get a refill too.”
