Page 41 of Hiding Forever
“Not unless you include me.”
“Really?” He faces me, seeming unconvinced.
Because I dated Justice. He’s not the first person to assume this about me. “Before my last relationship, I dated either aspiring artists or musicians. They were outcasts like me. I wasn’t popular in Greenwich.”
A beautiful smile breaks across his face. “I don’t believe for a second you were ever an outcast.”
“Why’s that?” I stroll toward him, noticing how he watches my hips when I walk. I stop a few inches away from him, closer than ever before, and stare up into his eyes.
He peers down at me, holding my gaze. The temperature feels ten degrees hotter.
After a few intense moments, he says, “If you were ever alienated, it was by your own choice.”
I frown, not liking the sound of that.
“You were born to stand out,” he adds. “Everything about you draws attention. Your body, your face, your eyes, your skin, your voice, even your outgoing personality is like a welcome wagon. I’ve never talked this openly to someone I don’t know that well but with you, it seems natural.”
Wow.My legs feel weak, like I could collapse at any moment. I’ve always felt like an outcast in most situations, except for the few years I had with my dad, but maybe there is truth to what Riley sees. Maybe I put myself in that category by not being confident enough in who I am. I’d love to see me the way he does.
“That might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. Thank you.” Appreciation rings in my tone.
“Even your response is endearing. Most girls would have blown off the compliment or tore themselves down, but you accepted it and thanked me for it. That’s a nice change.”
I smile, my gaze catching on his lips. For a second, I consider closing the small distance between us and kissing him, which is a horrible idea.
I’m in a bad mental place. As for Riley…I have no idea if he’s flirting or just naturally charming. My guess is it’s natural. Plus, he has secrets—ones that make him think he’d put me in danger—ones that have him hiding here and leaving to go to who knows where in a month!
Distance, I remind myself. Keep my distance. Guard my heart. Don’t be a fool.
“So…?” I step away and hook my thumbs into the back of the waistband of my leggings. “I’ll meet you by the pool in about an hour?”
Other than blinking, he shows no reaction to the weird way I distanced myself from him. “I’ll text you when I’m done.”
“Great,” I say with too much enthusiasm.Ugh.It’s like I’m an idiot all of a sudden.
He walks toward me, headed for the door, but stops and touches my hair.
I suck in a sharp breath.
“You’ve got some oatmeal.” He slides his fingers to the end of a wavy strand framing my face and wipes the piece of steel-cut oats on a nearby dish towel.
Heat rises up my neck and flames my cheeks. How long has the piece of food been in my hair? Did he just notice it or was he too embarrassed to point it out before? What kind of a slob am I to have food in my hair?
Trying to hide my mortification, I force a smile. “Thanks.”
“No problem.” He passes me and leaves the kitchen.
I consider canceling the kitten adoption this afternoon just so I can hide from him—again!—but that wouldn’t be fair to the kittens.