It's a gorgeous June day. The sun is high in the bright, cloudless sky. It bounces off the beige pavement and the silver signs. It bounces off the whites of my sneakers.

He knows today is my last day.

He knows I have to decide.

He knows this is his chance. Our chance.

I… uh… God. I plant on a concrete bench, press my knees together, suck the last drop of water from my bottle.

My cell fails to offer insights. My only text is from my Mom. My only emails are SPAM. My voicemail is empty.

The ball really is in his court this time.

All

I can do is wait.

* * *

Every part of me goes warm at once.

He's sitting on the front steps. Holding two iced coffees.

He wouldn't bring iced coffees to dump me. Or maybe he would. Maybe those are consolation iced coffees. Maybe he's just that considerate.

My steps are shaky. Are my feet even on the ground? I'm not sure.

Walker pushes himself to his feet. He holds up the plastic glass on his right. "Two percent and extra sugar."

"Thanks." My fingers brush his as I take it. It's like the first time. It wakes up all my nerves. Sends a buzz all the way to my toes. "And the other one?"

"You want both?"

"I'm just asking."

His lips curl into a half smile. "You're greedy."

"You're… handsome."

His laugh lights up his dark eyes. "Good one."

"You try flinging good comebacks after staying up till four a.m. studying." I move closer. Close enough to touch him, kiss him, hold him. "I, uh… you want to come in?"

"Yeah."

"Follow me." I take a long sip of my iced coffee. It's perfect. Exactly as sweet and creamy as I like it. But it's not helping pull me back to Earth.

I grab onto the railing to climb the stairs. Okay. This is easy. Just a dozen steps to my apartment. I place one foot in front of the other. I do it again. Again.

It takes every bit of my focus, but I get to my apartment, dig my keys from my backpack, and unlock the door.

Walker presses it open. "After you."

"Thanks." I step inside.

He follows. Closes the door.

He lets out a chuckle as he looks around the room. "I can see where your priorities lie."

Tags: Crystal Kaswell Inked Hearts Romance
Source: readsnovelonline.net