“So, I thought you might want a ride to campus.”
Again, I’m surprised and touched by his thoughtfulness. “That would be great.” Our apartment building is located a couple of blocks from campus. So most mornings, I either walk or hitch a ride with Lexie. It’s not really a big deal but it’s sweet of him to offer.
Such.
Huge.
Stinking.
Trouble.
As we arrive at the elevator, I press the down button wondering what the hell I’m going to do about all these feelings that are now surging to life within me. Before everything can start circling around in my mind again, Roan says, “Thanks for letting me crash at your place last night. It felt really good to talk about all that stuff. To get it off my chest.”
My eyes instantly arrow to his.
His voice lowers. “You’re the only one who knows about all that shit.”
It’s as if there’s some kind of magnetic pull between us, because I find myself stepping just a bit closer to him. “I meant what I said last night, Roan, I won’t tell anyone what you share with me.”
“I know.” Suddenly he shakes his head. “It’s not like we even know each other that well, but for some reason, I feel like I can trust you.”
You know what? Strange as it is, I feel the exact same way. It’s not something that makes the least bit of sense. But I feel it nevertheless.
The elevator dings before opening which breaks the spell over us. Stepping inside, we’re both silent as it descends to the lobby. Once we’re out, Roan surprises me yet again by grabbing my hand and holding it within his larger calloused one as we leave the building.
A few guys pass by us on their way inside, they say hi to Roan before giving me head nods in acknowledgement even though I have no idea who they are. Since they didn’t seem to notice that we’re holding hands, something loosens within me and I tell myself to just relax and enjoy it.
Holding hands is no big deal.
Right?
With anyone else, it certainly wouldn’t be.
But with Roan, it feels huge. Monumental.
We climb into his truck and about five minutes later, he’s sliding into a parking spot near Adler Hall where our class is located. Cutting the engine, he turns to me. Neither one of us make a move to exit the SUV even though we both need to get to class.
Looking suddenly unsure of himself, which is completely un-Roan-like, he finally says, “Grabbing dinner last night was nice.” He pauses as if waiting for me to confirm his words. I can’t help but nod my head because it was nice. “Good.” He gives me a brief smile before continuing, “I was, um, thinking we should do it again.”
My mouth falls open because it almost sounds like he’s asking me out. Not that I’m doubting what my ears just heard, but I still need him to reconfirm this. “Are you asking me out… on a date?”
His eyes hold mine and just when I start to think he might scrap the whole idea and start backpedaling; his lips slowly twitch upwards into a grin. “Yeah, I guess am. I want to take you out, Ivy.”
My facial muscles are dying to break into a huge ass grin. And yeah- maybe I’m even tempted to do a little happy dance right here in the front seat of Roan’s SUV. But I don’t. Because even though I’m starting to like him, I’m not altogether sure getting involved is a good idea.
I mean, can a relationship between us end any other way than badly?
My guess is no.
When I don’t immediately respond, his face begins to cloud. “You’re not interested?”
Holding his bright blue-green hued gaze, I can’t help but bite my lower lip. I want to. I really do. I’m just afraid there’s no point in starting something with a guy like Roan. He doesn’t do relationships. And I don’t do his brand of casual.
“I am…” I begin before my voice trails off.
With his eyes holding mine, he lowers his chin just a bit. “But?”
Shrugging my shoulders, I suddenly ask, “Why?” I guess that’s what I don’t understand. Roan can have anyone he wants. Hell, he could have lots of somebodies. And he certainly doesn’t have to bother going out on a date with them either. That much has already been established.
“Why?” He seems completely thrown by the question.
“Yeah.” My brows slowly slide together as I stare at him. “Why do you want to take me out? You’ve already told me that dating isn’t your thing.”
He stares at me for a long silent moment that leaves my heart tripping. Reaching out, he carefully slips my hand into his larger one. “It usually isn’t. I mean, it never has been before.”