Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20011 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 100(@200wpm)___ 80(@250wpm)___ 67(@300wpm)
His eyes skittered away, but a smile took his lips. “Thank you.”
“So…Wednesday at five?” Avery answered with a nod. “Perfect.” I stood up and offered him my hand. When he took it, I pulled him to his feet, but he was lighter than I predicted. He lunged forward and our chests bumped into one another. I steadied him with my arms around his slim waist, and his eyes locked onto mine.
I could clearly see his nervousness, but he didn't pull away. Because hiding in his gaze was also intrigue and desire. I wondered if he was as drawn to me as I was to him; if he felt the spark and longing that I did. It wasn't just a wish, but a need to get closer to this little beauty.
I don't know how long we stood there, gazing at one another while I held him close, wishing I could read his thoughts, but it wasn't long enough. Finally, Avery cleared his throat and took a step back, and I released him.
“Thanks for everything you showed me tonight. I'll keep practicing until I come back on Wednesday.”
“You're welcome, and that sounds great. The more you practice the movement, the more natural it will become.” Avery nodded and grabbed his bag from the floor as I offered to walk him out.
I turned off the lights and locked the gym door behind us before walking Avery to his car. If I wasn't mistaken, he seemed hesitant to climb in and leave; he opened the driver's door, but he only placed one foot inside.
I wanted to tell him how much I enjoyed our time together, and how excited I was for our date; that I wanted to learn everything about him. I wanted to promise that I'd keep an eye on his health and help him any way I could. But I wasn't a wordsmith, and I also didn't want to alarm him. So, I instead told him, “See you Wednesday, Shortstack.”
But it was enough to draw a beautiful smile to his lips. “Bye, Big Mac.”
I wore a goofy grin all the way to my truck.
Chapter Two
Troy
It had only been forty four hours since I last saw Avery (but who's counting?), yet it felt like forever. While I was helping clients at the gym, I kept looking over my shoulder every time the door opened, hoping it was Avery, even though I knew he wasn't coming. I was distracted and tied in knots over a man I barely knew.
But I wanted to know everything about him. I wanted to teach him and protect him. I'd never felt this way, and it was a little scary. I definitely didn't want to frighten Avery, especially since he said he didn't have much experience with men. I had to play it cool.
Which is the exact opposite of what I did when I saw Avery entering Paleo Place, where I was waiting in a booth. I stood up too quickly and whacked my head on the low-lying light above the table. I cursed and rubbed my scalp, but lifted my hand into a wave when I noticed him looking in my direction. He smiled and headed towards me, and my heart raced when he came into full view.
Avery was dressed in pressed khakis and a light blue dress shirt, which was neatly tucked in. I felt a bit guilty; I was wearing a pair of loose shorts and a plain black t-shirt, since I'd come straight from the gym between clients. At least I applied some extra deodorant before walking over.
“Hey,” I greeted, feeling my lips stretch into a dumb, lopsided smile as he approached. “You look great. Sorry I'm underdressed.”
Avery cocked his head in confusion before glancing down at his outfit. “These are just my school clothes.” Holy shit; my little nerd dresses like this all the time. Adorable.
“Have a seat,” I offered with a wave of my hand, and Avery slid into the booth. As I did the same, I clocked my head on the damn light again, but luckily, he didn't notice. I handed him a menu as I asked, “How was class?”
“It was great. We discussed one of my favorite topics; combinatorics.”
I blinked, not knowing what the hell he was talking about. “I'm glad you enjoyed it.” Avery beamed before looking over his menu some more. Feeling dumb but curious, I scratched the back of my head and requested, “Remind me what that is again?”
“It's a branch of mathematics that focuses on counting, arranging, and selecting elements within a finite or discrete system.”
Yeah, that answers nothing. All I knew for sure was that it sounded, “Impressive.”
“Eh, I'm just a number nerd,” Avery insisted with a humble wave of his hand. “My love of math is what led me to studying cryptography.”
Cryptography. I searched my brain, but came up with nothing. It sounded like it had something to do with dead people or even mummies, but then why would he need math? Searching for clues while trying not to sound like a total moron, I asked, “What are you wanting to do after graduation?”