Free I Carry Your Heart (Heart Series Book 1) by C.M. King Page B

thoughts?” he asked smiling, as he casually leaned over the bar, staring deep into my eyes. His close proximity only resulted in sending my anxiety levels through the roof.
    My throat grew even tighter, I could barely choke out the words. “They’re not worth that much,” I whispered. My teeth took my anxiety out on my lip and I immediately tasted blood. I sucked it in to try and conceal it. I didn’t wish to arouse his suspicions any further.
    He frowned at my reply, as his eyes held a look of concern. “I’d love to know what you’re thinking right now.”
    “Trust me you don’t.” I feigned a smile, to convince him to drop it. I knew I’d already failed when his eyes continued to watch me closely. I dropped mine down, purposely locking them on to the beer mat in front of me. I twirled it around in my fingers as a distraction, avoiding staring into the eyes I knew would break me.
    He hesitated, drumming his fingers against the bar. I knew he wanted to ask more questions, ones I just wasn’t ready to answer.
    A large crowd of students bustled in catching Joel’s attention. The room filled with a general buzz, helping to drown out the voices in my head. I was grateful for the reprieve, they’d be a big enough distraction in keeping him busy.
    My stomach clenched once again at the thought of rejection. What if I’d just built this entirely up in my own head?
    I was all set to confess my feelings to him today, but sitting here at the bar the execution part seemed far less appealing. I was quickly becoming lost in a cyclone of negative thoughts, the fear taking hold once more.
    My insecurities won out in the end and I turned ready to leave. Then felt a pair of eyes watching me from across the room.
    I glanced over to a bunch of cute guys in suits. One smiled directly at me, while the others continued talking. I snapped my head round so fast my neck cracked, making me yelp.
    Shit!
    Major whiplash.
    The pub began to fill up, rendering my conversation with Joel a non-starter. I sighed, annoyed at my cowardly self.
    Maybe ignorance was bliss?
    Yeah right.
    Stepping down from the stool, I reached over to grab my belongings, only to find the cute guy heading in my direction. I contemplated grabbing my things and hightailing it out the door. But he was barely meters away. So I went with my only option, quickly sitting back down and pretended to sip my drink.
    I smelt him before he reached the bar. My head filled with a rich intoxicating aroma, of what I had no doubt was an overly expensive aftershave.
    “Can I buy you something stronger?” he asked, his voice confident and husky. He’d obviously practiced his routine several times on the ladies.
    I sat clutching the hot chocolate like my life depended on it. My eyes slowly turned towards him. “No thanks, I’m happy with this for now.” I gave him a weak smile before turning back.
    Just take the hint and leave.
    The uncomfortable silence grew by the second and the air became so stifling I could barely breathe.
    He shifted slightly, his hand rested on the bar bringing the attention back to him, to force our eyes to connect once again.
    This time I noticed his gorgeous green eyes, they twinkled as he spoke. He really was a handsome guy. His short blonde hair totally complimented his naturally chiselled, tanned face. His green eyes only accentuated his look further, but I just wasn’t interested.
    “So I’m Scott, I didn’t catch your name?” He smiled, flashing a set of perfect white teeth.
    Errr yeah, I never gave you it.
    I loathed being put on the spot, situations like this left me cold. I didn’t want to be here a moment longer but I was sat frozen on the stool. My body felt disconnected from my head, it wouldn’t move no matter how much I willed it.
    “Izzy, well Isabelle really but all my friends call me Izzy.” Oh hell, why was I acting flustered and rambling on like an idiot? I wasn’t even interested, but after that little display he probably