“Why should it?” he shrugs. “You’re your own person.”
“Yeah, I guess I am.”
I stare at my hands, letting the words soak in.
“Why do you like reading them?” he asks.
I freeze, unsure how to respond. Never thought too much about it before.
I grab my mug, cradling it in my hands. “Maybe it’s the idea of finding someone who won’t let you go no matter what. Whowantsyou no matter what.”
He listens without commentary. Not bored but intensely, as if he’s remembering everything I say. It breeds self-consciousness and addiction all at once.
Like I could get used to being heard, seen this way.
I blabber on and on. He never looks away, checks his phone or makes an excuse.
“I’ve got to stop,” I say, finally. “I’m talking your ear off.”
“Don’t have to do anything,” he replies, voice steady and strong. “I’m a better listener anyway.”
“A talker and a listener,” I chuckle. “Makes sense.”
He nods.
The barista appears, hovering over our table. Seriously? What does she want?
“We’re closing in ten more minutes. Can I help you take your books to the register?” She says it to Austin, as if he’s the only person in the store.
“We’re fine,” I butt in, voice steely.
Her eyes round, large and innocent. “Oh—I didn’t realize you were together.”
Please.
Austin nods once. Final.
Yet, her eyes and smile still linger too long, though he doesn’t acknowledge it, gathering piles in his arms once more.
“She was practically drooling over you,” I observe after she leaves.
Austin’s forehead wrinkles. “That bother you?”
Jealous?I huff. “God, no.”
He doesn’t ask more, doesn’t pry. But something ugly and unfamiliar still coils low in my chest. I remind myself this is whyI could never be with a man this good-looking. It would drive me wild, and not in a good way.
But something scares me more than this thought…
The way he never returns the barista’s stare. Or the snow bunnies’ before that. Never notices. Just keeps his gaze steady on me.
Chapter
Ten
ALLIE
“Has your truck ever held this many books before?” I chuckle, watching Austin carefully shift tool bags around in the back of his extended cab to make room for four stuffed bags.
