“Are you sure?” Wendy asks. “You want some company?”
Brevan shakes his head, offering her a smile. “It’s okay. Go and have fun.”
“I’m staying with you,” Xile says, linking their arm through Brevan’s. “We can have fun all on our own.” They give Brevan a playful, suggestive wink.
Brevan… misses the hint. It seems to go right over his head. He smiles at Xile, even as he tries to convince Xile that he’ll be fine alone.
“Sure you will, but it’ll be better with company,” Xile says. “Promise.”
Snickers and grins leave us as the group heads out. Katai, Byndley, Zarek, and I remain with the two not joining the group checking out the town. Brevan looks shyly between us, becoming more self-conscious as the minutes pass.
“I read that there’s a bar down the road holding trivia night,” Katai says. “Shall we see if Icelandic trivia is different from American trivia?”
Brevan bites his lower lip, but Xile nods readily. “Hell, yeah. Let’s go. Want to, Brev?”
I’m not expecting my heart to jump when his eyes meet mine. I nod, encouraging him to join us. I have a feeling if he decides to stay that none of us will go. But I also think that the smiles surrounding him when Brevan eventually agrees are genuine.
“Awesome,” Xile says as we head outside. “I’m about to show you all that I’m a master at trivia. I hold the title of trivia champion in Podunk, Iowa.”
Zarek snorts.
The air is almost biting once we step outside now that the sun has gone down. It’s windy, and I wish I had my scarf. I’ll need to commit this to memory for the rest of the trip. Always bring the scarf. Even if it’s not entirely necessary at the moment.
I keep an eye on Brevan as we walk. Xile happily carries the conversation, needing very little input from anyone else. I’m notsure if they’re doing so intentionally, but the longer they talk and let Brevan’s mind slip away from the girls who hurt him, the more relaxed Brevan becomes.
Finally, Brevan smiles at something Xile says. A real smile. One that covers much of his face. I can feel that smile. It’s like warm fingers of the sun on a chilly day. The way it brushes your skin, and you close your eyes to revel in it.
My attention on Brevan was only meant to assure us both that he’s not feeling as though he doesn’t belong here. If I could find a way to make sure he understands that I’d choose him again and again for this program without calling attention to how those girls made him feel or letting him believe I’m saying it because of that, I would.
It’s not often that you meet a truly gentle soul. He’s a big guy, necessary for the position he plays on the football field. The moment you look into his captivating green eyes, you know that he’s never going to be the stereotype that comes with his athletic position.
He has feelings he doesn’t manage to hide. He’s sensitive. Words affect him worse than a physical blow. He’s kind, genuine, and while I haven’t heard him claim that he’s not smart, our conversations prove that he’s anything but unintelligent. He has passion and drive. He shows excitement about the future.
It’s been a very long time since I’ve taken an interest in someone. So long, in fact, that it takes me the entire walk to the bar to understand that interest is what I’m feeling. But does he feel the same way?
When his eyes meet mine across the table many times throughout the night and we share smiles just between us, I have to think that maybe he does.
Hopefully, he does.
CHAPTER 13
BREVAN
I’m surprised when we get back later than Corwin. He’s already in bed, sound asleep, when Xile and I step into the dome. We’re as quiet as possible while stripping off our outdoor gear and taking turns in the bathroom.
The thick blankets piled on top of me feel like a comfortable weight as I settle in. The fabric is cold against my skin where my body heat hasn’t seeped into it yet, but it’s definitely warming up. A smile lingers on my lips as my eyelids grow heavy.
I had a really good night tonight. I’m glad I didn’t go with the others. I’d have been too aware of Anna and Philomena and what they think of me to enjoy myself. Besides, it sounded as if they were going to walk around and see what’s here in town. It’s far too cold for that. Especially with the sun down.
Xile was silent as they climbed the ladder, but I can hear them shuffling into their blankets. “Are you cold, Brevan? I volunteer to keep you warm.”
My smile widens. “I’m warming up quickly with all these blankets, but thank you.” I hear them sigh dramatically. “And thank you for hanging out tonight. You didn’t have to stay with me, but I appreciate your company.”
“I enjoyed tonight,” they answer. “With you.”
“It was cool that the faculty joined us.”
“They’re interesting, aren’t they? It’s interesting getting to know them. I’ve heard Dr. Weaver is brilliant, but he looks so… normal, doesn’t he?”
