We work for a few minutes on creating a draft email to send to the entire department asking for their availability for the fall. Even though we got our fall schedules a few months ago, many instructors like adding extra hours to get extra pay. Plus, we have part-time instructors who always like to get additional hours whenever they have an opportunity.
“I think that’s good for today.” Claire stands and smiles, gathering her bag. “What are you up to next week?”
Next week is spring break. A hiatus from my plan to win Claire, which feels like a step in the wrong direction. She’ll probably be spending time with Zach instead of with me at work, and unless he does something really stupid, she won’t have any push to keep her from continuing her wedding plans.
“Not much,” I say. “Just surfing and hanging out at the beach. You?”
She sighs. “Moving on Tuesday. And then unpacking the rest of the week.”
Boom. There it is. My chance to spend time with her and continue to work my way to her heart. Unfortunately, it might coincide with seeing Zach, but maybe the contrast between us in front of her will be even more impactful.
“I can help!” I blurt out.
Crap. That was too eager, and working against myplay it coolvibe, as evidenced by Claire’s wide eyes. I clear my throat and shrug. “I mean, why not? Like I said, I don’t have other plans.”
“Okay. Zach has a truck, but it wouldn’t hurt to have you come help with the boxes and furniture.”
I nod and flex my biceps. “I’m happy to help.”
She smiles, and I see her eyes freeze for a moment on my arm. Her cheeks turn pink, and then her gaze snaps back to mine. She presses her lips tightly together and gathers her bag onto her shoulder. “Gotta go. I’ll text you about moving.”
She rushes from the room, and I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
CHAPTER 24
Claire
Moving day.
I’ve already neatly packed my boxes, and I’m just waiting for Zach and Ryan to arrive to do the heavy lifting.
Something about knowing the two people helping me are Zach and Ryan sends flutters in my chest. I’m anxiously pacing my kitchen when I hear footsteps on the staircase outside, then a knock on the door.
My first thought is,I hope it’s Ryan.
And I shove that away, opening the door quickly to find out who it is.
Ryan.
“Hey.” My voice sounds breathless, so I swallow and try again. “Hi! Thanks for coming.”
He grins widely, the smile that makes all his female students weak in the knees. “I’m happy to help.”
We stand there staring at each other for a minute before I remember my manners. I step out of the way and gesture inside. “Come on in.”
As Ryan steps into my apartment, I catch a glimpse of his shirt. It’s a triangle surfing, and the words say, “Catch a (sine) wave.”
I snort a laugh. “That’s a great shirt. Where did you find that?”
He looks down at his chest and grins back up at me. “Kai sent it to me. He’s, uh, trying to get on my good side.”
“He’s excited for you to visit this summer, huh?”
“Something like that.” He claps his hands and rubs them together. “So this is your place? Or…was, I guess. I’d ask for the grand tour, but that seems pointless now.”
“I’ll still show you around,” I say. “We need to fill time until Zach shows up.” I show him around, anxiously babbling about rooms and decor that isn’t visible anymore. Ryan doesn’t say much, just looks around and takes it all in. But it feels very personal, like taking our friendship to the next level. He’s seeing where I go after work, where I relax and write my book. Where I sleep.
“And your new place is bigger?” he finally asks.
