Page 40 of Racing Hearts

Biting my lower lip, I watch his lips tilt in a smile, and then he reaches over, pressing his thumb to my mouth, where my teeth hold my lip prisoner. “Don’t do that, it just makes me want to bite it myself.”

My eyes widen in shock as he grins and sits back like he didn’t just flirt with me.

Alek Anders just flirted with me, and I swear my heart goes into a frenzy.

I glance back at the water, still wide-eyed and confused as he twines our hands together and lets them hit the bench, his on the bottom as if to protect mine from the wood. We just sit here, holding hands and enjoying the silence.

Something new blooms between us like spring.

Voices eventually make us break apart, but I don’t mind when he takes his hand back because I know he gave himself part of me, and one day, he’ll be ready to show the world—or at least I hope because hope is all we have. This is complicated and hard, and it might hurt in the long run, but something tells me it’s worth it, that he is worth it. If Alek Anders isn’t ready for the world to know about his sexuality, then that’s okay. I can be his secret until he’s ready.

I’m not going anywhere.

Our eyes meet, and I know I’d let this beautiful man wreck me just to call him mine.

TWENTY-ONE

The whole next day is like a fairy tale. I am in such a good mood despite my professor’s response to my project. I feel like I’m floating. Hell, when I got in the night before, I was kicking and squealing like a fucking schoolboy again, which prompted Tommy to chuck a pillow at my head.

We texted nearly all night, and despite my exhaustion, it was worth it.

As if my thoughts make it happen, my phone buzzes.

Alek: What time do you finish today?

Evan: In about half an hour.

I glance at the board and type out some notes, all while holding my phone with my other hand, waiting for his response.

Alek: I’ll meet you out front. Let’s go for a drive.

Evan: What about work or Alice?

Alek: Do you want to go to the river or not, rich boy?

I can’t help but smile, and I press my lips together to hide it as I type back.

Evan: Fine, princess, see you then.

Alek: Keep it up, rich boy.

Evan: Or what? *Winky face*

My heart beats fast, and my smile is so wide I can’t contain it.

Alek: Or you’ll regret calling me princess.

Evan: We both know I’d like it. Now stop distracting me, princess.

I send a picture of my lecture for meaning.

Alek: *Image*

A photo comes through, and he’s reclining in his car seat with his eyebrow arched. I can see the parking lot behind him, and it sends butterflies soaring through me. He’s already here, waiting for me. Does that mean he was already on campus and texted me, hoping to see me?

Fuck. Now I really can’t focus. In fact, I don’t hear a word that’s said for the next thirty minutes, and when it’s over, I hurry to my feet.

“Evvie, want to hang—” Tommy starts.