Page 85 of Stealing for Keeps
“Claire’s on my way,” Austin says. “Lacey can take Rowan, and I’ll drop you.”
No one says anything, so I nod, heart jumping around wildly like he offered more than to let me sit in his car and drive me the few miles home.
His Jeep smells like him: woodsy, like opening a cedar chest, mixed with some kind of laundry detergent or soap. He turns the music down after starting the car. Neither of us speaks until he’s pulled out of the parking lot, headed toward my neighborhood.
“Are things with Torrance better?” I ask him.
“I thought so, but she didn’t want to be seen with me at the game and then took off before it was over.”
“I’m sure she went with one of her friends.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” He takes his eyes off the road only long enough to attempt a smile.
“So you and Jenn?” I mean for it to come out teasing, but I’m not quite sure I hit the mark.
“Do you know her?”
“Not well. She moved here last year, and we haven’t had any classes together.”
“That’s what she said.” Austin nods his head. “That she moved here last year.”
It occurs to me that they probably have a lot to talk about, having both moved to Frost Lake so recently. A feeling that is awfully close to jealousy surges through me.
“What’s your project over?” I ask, staring out the window.
“We have to do a book trailer.”
“What’s the book?” I don’t know why I keep asking questions about it. I guess so I don’t seem jealous, but it’s just making me more jealous.
“Pride and Prejudice. The whole class had to read it, and now we’re making trailers to convince our friends to read it.”
Of course, only the most romantic book on the required reading book list.
“We did this role-playing thing where she’s Elizabeth Bennet and I’m Mr. Darcy.” There’s a hint of laughter in his tone like they had a fabulously fun time.
I feel hot all over and also cold and like I can’t breathe. Austin comes to a stop in front of my house, and I fling off my seat belt to flee.
“I could show you the video if you want.”
“That’s okay. I’m sure it’s really good.” I need air. I reach for the door handle. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Hey.” He captures my wrist to stop me from getting out of the car.
I should smile and fake that I’m fine, but I can’t manage it. Disappointment swirls in my lower stomach settling like a rock. It’s hitting me just how much I like him and how he likes someone else. I should have just gone out with him that first night after he kissed me and then asked for my number.
But I didn’t know him then. Austin is sweet and fun. He loves soccer and his family and making people smile. I know because he’s made it his mission to make me smile, and I have, more than I can remember doing in a very long time.
“I thought you weren’t going to run from me anymore,” he says.
“I’m sorry,” I say. I can’t make any other words come out of my mouth. If I do, I’ll tell him everything.
He studies me closely, fingers still circling my wrist. I wonder if he can see the jealousy oozing off me. If he can, he doesn’t call me on it.
Instead, he leans over the middle console. His light green gaze darts from my eyes to my lips. My heart pounds in my chest, and my throat is thick with emotion.
I don’t know what’s happening, but I’m frozen. I want to run away, but I can’t. Not when he’s touching me. His thumb glides slowly over the inside of my wrist along my pulse point.
It’s only when his lips hover over mine that I realize he’s going to kiss me. Austin is going to kiss me.
