Free Return to Love by Lynn Hubbard Page A

project for the week?” She asked.
    “Yup.” Eric said, taking a big sip of his root beer, so she wouldn’t see him smiling.
    “Why?”
    “Why what?” He asked raising an eyebrow.
    “Why are you being so nice to me and helping me out all the time? Are you my guardian angel?” she asked only halfway kidding.
    Eric laughed out loud. The rich, warm sound causing tingles to run down her spine. She noticed some of the other Diner patrons looking over appreciatively. “I’m no angel. I don’t know, when I ran into you at the carnival it was like something inside of me changed. I felt something. I’ve hung around with a lot of girls, but it never meant anything to me. I was always more concerned about myself than their needs. But when I ran into you, I wanted you to be happy; I wanted to MAKE you happy. Does that make sense?” Eric asked as the waitress sat down their baskets of food in front of them. She then scurried away, so she wouldn’t interrupt.
    Joanie looked thoughtful. Butterflies were squirming around in her stomach, but she finally was able to collect her thoughts quickly enough so he wouldn’t think she was slow witted. “When we ran into you guys in the dark alley behind the carnival booths I was scared. When I found out we actually knew you I was still nervous. In fact, I’m ALWAYS nervous around you, which is strange ‘cause I’m not a shy person. I’m more of an, in your face, person. I guess I just wanted you to like me and was afraid you wouldn’t, or that you only liked me and were helping me because you felt sorry for me or felt obligated to help me.”
    Joanie shrugged and began eating hungrily, so she wouldn’t have to talk anymore. Eric sat looking thoughtful, as he took a huge bite of his overflowing double cheeseburger. She would NEVER understand men.
    The burger was very good Joanie thought taking a small bite at first and then a larger one. She was glad that Eric was sitting next to her, so he couldn’t watch her eat. That would have been really unnerving. She watched as he picked up a French fry and held it to her mouth.
    “Fry?” He asked his eyes twinkling hoping she would take the bait.
    Not enjoying being treated like a dog she took the fry out of his hand and popped it into her mouth. She was sure that April Miller would have taken the fry with her mouth, but Joanie did not need to be hand fed and she wasn’t in the mood to pretend otherwise.
    Eric’s smile widened as he watched her pick up some more fries and popped them into her mouth chewing hungrily. They finished their meal, and Joanie looked up to find Eric staring at her. He was turned sideways in the booth giving her his full attention. “You aren’t like other girls.”
    Joanie bristled at that and her eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
    “I dunno, you’re not all giggly and needy like most girls are.”
    “And that’s a good thing?” Joanie asked not quite sure about it herself.
    Eric chuckled, and his whole body shook slightly. “Yes, it’s a very good thing.” He gave her a lopsided grin and Joanie smiled back. The waitress came by and handed the bill to Eric. Eric gave the waitress cash for the bill and her tip. He then scooted out of the booth and offered Joanie his hand to help her up. Hesitating just for a second, she grabbed his large, warm hand and allowed him to slide her over the red vinyl seats to the edge, so she could stand up.
    Before she knew it, Joanie found herself back in Eric’s car sitting in the driver’s seat. Eric was sitting next to her. Very close, like in the restaurant.
    “I’m not gonna jump out.” Joanie said commenting on his closeness.
    “In case I need to grab the wheel.” He said explaining. He then proceeded to show her all the gadgets and knobs she would need to use to drive. She was grateful that he had only two foot pedals to worry about. This was going to be much easier.
    Eric leaned close to show her another switch, and she deeply inhaled his scent. It