Page 51 of Coerced

“I’m just being honest.”

“I was, too. I think you should be proud of yourself, Paxton. You’re such a humble, caring guy. And to know you do what you do for a living and that you have the capacity to take in these animals is a testament to that,” Aria insisted.

It wasn’t often I felt unsure of myself, and I couldn’t say that’s what I was feeling now. I wasn’t quite sure how to describe it. All I knew was that it felt good to hear that praise from Aria.

I did what I did for Tiny, Brutus, Patty, Flash, Bell, and Franklin because I could, because it was something I felt called to do. I wasn’t doing it for recognition or anyone’s approval, but there was something about Aria noticing what I did that I liked a whole lot.

“That’s kind of you to say, Aria. Thanks.”

She inclined her head. “You’re welcome.”

For the next several moments, the only sound that filled the room was that of the dogs eating and their paws on the floor.

But that didn’t mean nothing else was happening.

My eyes were fixed upon Aria’s, and she was gazingback at me. In a split second, she seemed to realize what was happening between us, blinked, and looked away. “Oh, um, well, I should probably get going. With all this stuff I just watched you do, I’m exhausted, so I can only imagine you must be tired.”

Was it weird that I didn’t want her to go?

“I’m not in any rush to get to bed. It’s still early. Plus, I do need to make my own dinner,” I reminded her.

“Ah, right. Do you ever get to relax?”

“Of course.”

“And is that something as simple as vegging out on the couch?” she pressed.

I offered a shrug of indifference. “Sometimes, it is. It just depends on what kind of relaxation I need.”

Her brows furrowed. “It’s not all the same?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. If I’m exhausted, the couch and some television or movies is what I’m after. Sometimes, it’s taking the dogs out for a walk or playing with the cats. Rarely, it’s attempting to teach Franklin to talk. And if I’m looking to relax after a long and challenging week at work, I’ll do some archery.”

Excitement washed over her. “Oh, I’ve wanted to ask you about that.”

The corners of my mouth tipped up with a smile. “Yeah, there was that day I saw you in the window.”

Her face flushed, and she looked away briefly as she tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t trying to be a creep,” she promised.

“I never thought that.”

Aria lifted her hand to the side of her head and tugged on her earlobe. I couldn’t help but assume she was feeling nervous. While I didn’t want her to feel anything butcomfortable around me, the idea that she might have been a bit nervous about me because she felt an attraction stirred something inside me.

When she struggled to say anything, I questioned her. “So, what is it you wanted to ask me about archery?”

She moved her body from side to side, twisting at her waist. “I saw you hit the target several times, and you’re obviously very talented. And when the neighborhood kids came over, I noticed you teaching them how to do it. I’ve never had the courage to try something like that, but I always thought it would be fun to do.”

Something she’d said hit me square in the chest. Aria had walked away from the window when the neighborhood kids showed up; however, she was now admitting she knew I’d taught them how to use a bow and arrow. Had she been watching me from the window intentionally? I’d naturally assumed she’d glanced out that day as she was passing by her window. Now, I was being led to believe something different.

And considering the other part of her statement, I believed it was reasonable to assume that was the case. Instead of pointing out that she’d watched me with those kids weeks ago, I focused on the present moment.

“Did you want me to teach you?”

Her eyes twinkled. “Would… Would you do that?”

I grinned. “Of course. If you don’t have any other plans for this evening, I’d be happy to show you tonight. In fact, why don’t I order us some pizza? Neither of us will need to cook, and we can have some fun.”

She beamed at me, positively exhilarated at the suggestion. “I’d love to do that. Are you sure you don’t mind?”