Fake Marriage Box Set

He rolled his eyes. “Because I am. Or even a fish person. I am definitely not a cat person, but let’s just say I inherited the damn thing. I don’t know how long cats live, but I hope not much longer.”

I giggled, holding up a hand. “Sorry, it sounds miserable but funny.”

Ian shook his head. “I suppose it is if you don’t have to live with the monster.”

“Lots of exciting stuff on the menu next week?” I asked, turning the conversation back to the one thing we had in common—school.

“I think it is, but I’m guessing the students will be bored out of their skulls. They want to get in the water and not actually do any of the book work it takes to get there. They’ll kill themselves if I turn them loose. So, they’ll be cranky for a bit, but they’ll get over it,” he said.

“Yes, they will. We all have to start at this point. I’m sure I was chomping at the bit to get in the water and explore plant life and all that good stuff, but we all had to do our time in the classroom,” I assured him. “Nobody wants to suck in water or step on something they shouldn’t. They’ll survive. Don’t worry about them.”

The waitress returned, and we ordered, then returned to talking about the ocean and life below the surface. Our breakfasts were delivered, and we continued our conversation. I was enjoying myself. I really liked being with him, and my breakfast was close to orgasmic.

He tossed his napkin on top of his nearly empty plate. “This place makes the best omelets. Did you like your breakfast?” he asked.

I was just finishing my last bite of toast. “Mmm,” I mumbled, not wanting to spit toast at him. I was only a little embarrassed by the fact I had nearly licked the plate clean.

I quickly swallowed my food, pushed the plate away and before I knew it, blurted out the dumbest thing I could have said. “Do you come here a lot?”

My question made him laugh. I realized it probably sounded a bit like a line. He leaned in, dropped his voice, and said, “Why, yes, I do.”

The ridiculous way he said it made me laugh a little louder than was appropriate.

“I’ve been coming here for a couple years. It’s close to the beach, and I really like the food.” He smiled.

“Your secret is out. I may just have to invade your otherwise tranquil space. I’m out here quite a bit as well. I’ve never really paid that much attention to this part of town, though.”

When he looked at me, questioning, I shrugged. “The water. It pulls me here as well.”

He nodded in understanding. We didn’t need to explain why we were drawn to it. It was one of those things fellow water-lovers simply understood and accepted.

“I should get going. Maria and I are supposed to go grocery shopping today,” I said, preparing to leave, but not wanting to. I could sit here and chat with him all day.

He stood, following me out the door. We stood on the sidewalk, facing each other. Both waiting for the other to say something.

“Well, okay, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said. I could hear the hesitation in his voice. He didn’t want to leave, either.

I smiled, not sure what to say, but nodded my head and waved goodbye.

My day had started off on a bit of a sour note, but it had steadily improved. I loved that he was warming up to me. I only hoped our new friendship continued to grow. He’d been a tough nut to crack, and I didn’t want to start back at square one.

I grabbed my phone and quickly dialed Maria’s number. “Hey, I’ll be there in about twenty minutes,” I blurted as soon as my roommate answered.

“Where have you been?” Maria asked.

“Uh, well, I went for a walk, hung out at the beach and then went out for breakfast,” I said, leaving out the run-in with Ian.

Maria sighed. “Hurry up. I need to do laundry and study. I just know we’re going to have a test this week.”

“I am. I’ll be there in a bit.”

I hung up and focused on my driving, only letting my mind drift to the professor a few times. He seemed so different today. I really liked this side of him and hoped to see more of it at school.

When I pulled into the driveway, Maria came out to greet me. “Don’t even get out of the car. Let’s just go.”

She was irritated, but I knew she wouldn’t hold it against me for long, especially when I told her who I had breakfast with.

Maria climbed into the car.