Page 40 of Poet & Protector

“This is one of my favorite poems,” Nev interrupted softly, without looking up. “It has been for years.”

I took that in, feeling even more agitated for some reason, and a little betrayed. “It wasn’t one of the three you showed me.”

His jaw worked, then he lifted his eyes to meet mine. “Because it felt too personal.”

Words fled my conscious mind. I couldn’t bring myself to say anything, I was so rattled.

“You have good taste,” he remarked in that same quiet voice. “And I agree about the Guardian thing. It hits close.”

I nodded, somehow found my voice again, and decided to be honest. “I, uh, I almost didn’t tell you I liked it…because it’s so personal. Like you said.”

He snared me with a searching look and my breath stopped. Nev’s eyes were a piercing bright golden brown, his irises ringed in sharp black. They were breathtaking.

Oh no.

Time stretched out. Or maybe it didn’t. All I knew was that I couldn’t look away until he slowly lowered his gaze, breaking eye contact. I shivered; I couldn’t help it. I only hoped he didn’t notice.

He cleared his throat. “Thank you for sharing this with me, Mason.”

I nodded.

Time seemed to slow again. Or I imagined it again.

I shook my head. This was bad. Very bad. I was looking at Nev and seeing…too much I liked. A sensation of wanting was beginning to stir in my blood and I could not let that happen.

Better to get back to work. “So, should we⁠—”

“Sorry.” Nev suddenly stood up. “I forgot I have a thing. I need to take off.”

“Okay.” I frowned, watching him. His movements were jerky and he was uncharacteristically flustered. “No problem.”

Gathering his books from the table between us, he said, “I have some ideas of what we might try writing. We can talk about it next time.”

He stood up, shoving the books in his bag and closing its flap. “That okay?”

“Yeah, that works,” I said. “See you in class?”

“Uh, yeah.” He slipped on his jacket. “Bye, Mason.”

“Bye.”

While he didn’t exactly bolt away, Nev was in a serious hurry to get out of the Bunker. His half-full bottle of Dr. Pepper sat abandoned along with the guitar case.

I heard someone behind me and looked over my shoulder to see Caleb approaching.

He paused alongside the couch. “What’d you do to scare Nev away?”

“Nothing,” I told him, bristling. “He had something…he had to go.”

Caleb gave me a long, assessing look. “I was joking, Nightshade. Simmer down.”

“Oh. Sorry.” I shook my head.

I hadn’t realized how much Nev’s abrupt departure bothered me. I didn’t want to examine why it bothered me too closely.

Do you suppose you will find in me your ideal? Do you think it so easy to have me become your lover?

Ugh. Why were those the lines that my mind summoned out of nowhere?