“Yes.” She nods quickly. “I’m supposed to leave Friday evening and come back Sunday afternoon, and I...” She pauses, nibbling her bottom lip between her teeth.
I’d bite her lip if she’d let me.
“I’m nervous about going alone,” Poppy continues, pulling my attention back. “I asked the girls if any of them could come with me, but they all have plans.”
“That’s rough,” I say sympathetically, though I’m still not sure what she’s getting at. I’m exhausted from classes and practice, and my brain definitely isn’t keeping up—plus I’m fighting not to keep looking at her thigh where it’s almost touching mine on the bench.
“It is,” she agrees, her voice small. She’s looking down at her hands now, not meeting my eyes. “Which is why Iwanted to ask you something, and please just say no if you can’t or don’t want to, but I thought... maybe...”
Silence falls between us, and even though she’s not looking at me, I can see color creeping up her neck and into her cheeks. It’s too damn adorable.
“Poppy,” I say gently, reaching out to take one of her hands so she’ll stop picking at her thumbnail. “It’s okay. Just ask me.”
She takes a deep breath and finally looks up at me, her glasses winking in the sunlight. “Would you want to come with me? To Faunwood?”
The words rush out of her so quickly that for a brief moment, I’m not sure I heard her right. “You want me to come with you?”
She nods, her brow furrowing as she bites her lip again. “I know it’s a lot to ask, and it’s an entire weekend, and we’d be staying at an inn, and maybe it’s too much too soon, but I just thought—”
“Yes.”
She blinks, and her lips pucker into a beautiful surprised O. “What?”
“Yes,” I repeat, grinning at her. “I’ll go with you.”
“Really?” Her eyes widen behind her glasses. “You don’t have to think about it or check your schedule or—”
I laugh and squeeze her hand. It’s small in mine, cool against my warm skin. “I want to go. A weekend trip with you? There’s no way I’d turn that down.”
It’ll mean skipping practice, but I can miss one, especially for this.
Relief floods her face. She lets out a big breath, her entire posture softening. “Oh, thank the goddess. I was so nervous you’d say no.”
I furrow my brow and tip my head. “Why would I say no?”
“Because it’s a whole weekend, and I didn’t want you to feel pressured or uncomfortable or—”
“Hey.” I reach up to tuck a wispy strand of lavender hair behind her cute little ear, which is just as red as her cheeks. “I want to spend time with you.Moretime with you. As much time as you’ll let me.”
She ducks her head, but a smile pulls at her lips.
“Besides,” I add, trying to lighten the mood, “it could be an adventure.”
“An adventure,” she repeats softly, like she’s testing out the word.
“Yeah. We’ll pick up whatever Professor Silvermoon needs, explore the village a bit, maybe find some good food.” I bump her shoulder gently with mine, being careful not to send her toppling from the bench. “It’ll be fun. And you won’t have to be nervous because I’ll be there.”
She looks up at me then, her perfect lips curving into a smile. “Thank you, Aric. Really. This means a lot to me.”
“Of course.” I give her hand one more squeeze before letting go. “So, Friday evening? What time?”
“The carriage is picking us up around four, I think. After classes let out.”
“Perfect. I’ll meet you in the entrance hall after cooking class.” I pause, then add with a grin, “Should I pack anything special? Do I need to bring my dancing shoes?”
She laughs, and the sound makes warmth curl through my veins.
“I don’t think there will be any dancing. Just... regular traveling clothes.”
