Page 7 of Claim Her
Alec steps back as if I just hit him. “What? No.”
“You helped me carry my books all the way here. It’s the least I can do.”
He dumps the books in my arms and shakes his head. “If you do that, I won’t tell you where it is.”
Before I have a chance to respond, he spins on his heel, shoving his hands in his pockets. He says something, but I’m too distracted by his retreating back to understand it. God, even his back looks sexy—the wide shoulders that taper to a slim waist. The perfect ass. I don’t mind this kind of view … not at all.
“Wait, Alec. What did you say?”
“7 AM tomorrow. I’ll pick you up.”
It may just be breakfast to him, but to me, it’s a date. No one can convince me otherwise.
Mom will be so proud of me. After 27 years on this Earth, I’m finally going on a date.
* * *
“Honey, how’s your new place? Is the elevator working now?”
I moan and slump on the sofa, propping my legs on the armrest. “No.”
“Do you want to move?”
“Absolutely not!”
I can almost see the gears turning in her head. “Why not? The elevator sold you, didn’t it? Now you know it doesn’t work, you still don’t want to move?”
“It’s not that,” I say lamely, twirling my hair around my finger. “Fine. I have a hot neighbor.”
“Ooh, how hot? Wait, I need to sit down for this.” There’s a soft thud in the background and the creak of a chair. “Okay, go on. How hot?”
“Scorching. Like I’m about to melt where I’m standing.”
Mom laughs. “Then? Why don’t you go to him and tell him your lightbulb keeps flickering? Maybe borrow salt or oil. Or you know, maybe you can bring him some of your baked goods.”
“First of all, it’s scary where your mind is going. Second, that’s too obvious, Mom. He doesn’t seem like the type to welcome advances, you know. I need to be a little subtle … if I’m going to do anything at all. Which I’m still not sure I should.”
“That’s true. Besides, you’re an awful liar.”
“Mom!”
“Remember when we asked you if you finished your volcano project and you said yes? Even Lila could tell you were lying through your teeth.”
“Lila’s our dog, Mom.”
“Exactly my point. So why don’t you just knock on his door and ask him if he can eat with us on your birthday dinner?”
Clutching the throw pillow to my chest, I roll my eyes. “I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“It’s just … weird.”
“Weird? I asked your dad out.”
“He’s not like dad. Alec is … serious and kind of hard to reach, if you know what I mean. If I ask him, he’ll probably say no.”
“He won’t unless he’s emotionally unavailable.” Mom pauses and whispers, “He’s available, right? He doesn’t have a wife or girlfriend?”