Always You (Love Hurts 1)

I spent the evening stretched out on the sofa watching Dawn of the Dead. He was right: it was a damn good movie, and scary as hell. My stomach somersaulted when I thought about him. He’d gone out of his way to lend me this movie. Did he mean anything by it? Or was he just being nice? I was trying so hard not to read into every little interaction because I just knew I was setting myself up to be hurt. I was his student. He was my teacher. That was the only thing I knew for sure.

Chapter Nine

Wrenn

Wow, I was exciting.

Saturday night and I was at home, studying. My aunt and uncle saw more action than I did. They had gone out for the afternoon—and evening—to a wedding.

Kass had asked me again to go with her and Trina, but I honestly just felt like staying home. I liked having the house to myself, and studying meant my mind was kept occupied. When my mind was occupied, I didn’t dwell on the past. It was that simple.

Hearing the doorbell, I ran downstairs to answer it. I swung the door open and gaped in surprise. Dalton stood there, looking devilishly sexy in a pair of jeans and a Jacket. He flashed me that gorgeous crooked smile. He looked pleased to see me.

“Wrenn, hey. Is Layna home?” He held up a small package wrapped neatly with a bright pink ribbon. “A present from my mom,” he explained with a sheepish grin. I giggled. That was so cute.

I stood aside and let him in. Shutting the door, I motioned for him to go through to the kitchen.

“She and Dan are at a wedding. Can I get you a drink?” I asked.

He hesitated, and then nodded. “A soda would be nice, thanks.” He placed the present down on the counter, watching me as I poured two glasses of soda. Could he see how much my hands were shaking?

I handed him one of the glasses and smiled, taking a sip as I walked over to the table. He followed, sliding into the chair opposite me.

Is this really happening?

Dalton, alone with me in my house, inches away from me. I could stretch my leg out right now and it would accidentally brush past his. Not that I would. My heart was racing, and I was shaking like crazy. Could he see how nervous he made me? Fuck, I hoped not. I wanted to exude calm and cool, not a hot mess.

“I thought the entire student population would be out tonight, being a Saturday night,” he said lightly, his eyes on mine.

I shrugged and fiddled with the rim of my glass, the tip of my finger going round and round. I glanced up and caught him staring. He looked flustered when his eyes met mine.

“What can I say? I’m boring,” I said with a smile. “I was accepted into prelaw at Boston University, but it’s a provisional acceptance dependent on my grades. Any spare time I have goes into that.”

“And scary movies,” he added, his

eyes twinkling.

I laughed. “Yes. Speaking of which…” I stood up, my drink in hand, waving for him to follow me.

He raised an eyebrow and looked at me suspiciously.

“I’m taking you into the living room. I’m not planning on assaulting you,” I joked.

His face flushed, which only made me giggle harder.

Worst attempt at humor ever. Someone needs to stop me. Intervention please.

In the living room, I set down my drink and reached for the stack of DVDs on the coffee table.

“This is yours,” I said, handing him back Dawn of the Dead.

“Did you enjoy it?” he asked.

“Loved it,” I admitted. I handed him the rest of the DVDs. “And these all came yesterday, express mail.” I’d gone more than a little crazy ordering up on Amazon.

“Holy shit, nice choice,” he said, holding up my copy of Rosemary’s Baby.

“I’ve never seen it,” I said with a smile.