Free Casting Stones (Stones Duet #1) by L. M. Carr Page B

name some things he likes and I have to reveal what I like in the same category.
    Shane: I like bacon and onion pizza.
    This is easy.
    Me: I like plain cheese pizza.
    Shane: I like dogs.
    Me: I like cats.
    Shane: You do? Why? They’re useless creatures. And they’re snobby.
    I laugh and tap a response.
    Me: I thought you could only respond with “I like?” Cats are sweet, quiet and low maintenance.
    Shane: Sorry. I like that you can play with dogs.
    I can’t resist.
    Me: Do you like to play with pussycats, too?
    I wait and wait for his response.
    Me: I like that you’re speechless. Goodnight, Shane.
    I glance at the time and realize how late it is. I drift off to sleep for the night and awaken bright and early to a new message.
    Shane: I like you.
    While riding my bike during my daily commute to work, I mentally compile a list of all the things I’m starting to like about him. It’s as if I’m preloading the cannons to fire back answers the next time we play his silly game. I like the way Shane makes me feel. He makes me feel like a normal twenty-six year-old. The butterflies that dance in my stomach when I see him make me giddy. The simple touch of his hand when he thanks me for breakfast makes me feel special. The longing stares and the licking of his lips make me feel sexy. And to be honest, it’s nice to feel something other than despair.
     

     
    I DON’T KNOW if the rush of excitement fizzing through my body is because it’s Friday morning and I get to see him, because today is my last day of summer classes or because I’m going to dinner with him tomorrow night. I wish I could just close my eyes, wiggle my nose and fly past tonight.
    “I need your address so I can pick you up. Is 7:00 okay?”
    I swallow hard, nerves colliding with anxiety.
    “Actually, you don’t need to pick me up. I can just meet you.” I state firmly, leaving no room for discussion.
    He eyes me suspiciously. “I don’t mind.”
    “Wait, you have a car? Then why do you take the city bus to work every day?”
    “Actually, I have a truck and taking the bus is easier than driving in morning traffic. I kind of like looking around getting to know Boston.So… your address? ”
    “Are you gay?” I question and my mouth drops open. I can’t believe I came right out and asked him that. “Are we going to talk fashion and stuff tomorrow night?”
    “Uh…no to both.” Shane’s face indicates that he has no idea where that question came from.
    “Bi?” I ask.
    “No! Why would you ask me that?”
    I shrug and wrinkle my nose. “You’re just kind of…sweet.”
    One eyebrow arches upward. “And that would make me gay or bisexual?”
    “No. I’m sorry. I’m not judging you.” I stammer, “I mean if you are, you are. I am just…curious.” I offer by way of apology. I shift my weight from side to side feeling all kinds of uncomfortable right now.
    Shane leans over and whispers in my ear. My face turns bright red and my mouth drops open.
    He pulls back to look at me. A scorching blue stare penetrates right through me.
    “Okay then!” I look down and mumble quietly. I press my lips together tightly to suppress a smile.
    “Address?”
    After finally gaining my composure, I take a deep breath and insist that we meet because I live across town and traffic is bad on a Saturday night. He tells me that he’s not too familiar with the local restaurants, but someone from work recommended a sushi bar uptown.
    “I love sushi!” My eyes widen and I hum with delight. “Let’s meet here and then we can hop on the train.”
    “What are you doing tonight?” he asks, pulling out some money to pay for his breakfast.
    I start to ramble, my eyes dart everywhere just so I don’t have to look at his handsome face. “I have a few things to do. I have to finish a paper. I’ve got some laundry to do. Pay some bills. Stop by the grocery store.” I take a deep breath when I finish. “How about you?”
    “I was supposed to go home to see