Free When Lightning Strikes by Brooke St. James Page A

at the power of saying no."
    "You think I want you because you're refusing to sleep with me?" he asked.
    "Yes."
    "Well you're wrong. I want you because you're smart and kind, and maybe the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life. I just want you. Why's that so wrong?"
    I was stunned that I suddenly had the upper hand with him. I figured there was still a chance it was all for show, so I stood firm. "It's not wrong, but I still think it's about sex, even if you don't think it is."
    "Fair enough," he said, with a nod. "What do I have to do to prove it's not?"
    I never imagined he'd ask such a thing. "Stop," I said, laughing a little.
    "I mean it. I want to go out with you, Mia. I want to continue to see you. What do I have to do to make that happen?"
    I shook my head blankly, not knowing what to say.
    "What? No? Are you saying no?" he asked.
    "No, I'm just thinking. I don’t know what to say, really. I don't know what you want with a girl like me."
    He shook his head as if he himself didn't believe it. "I don't know. I just feel like I'm not looking forward to leaving your vicinity. I like how you make me feel, and I’m trying to be around you again as soon as possible."
    I laughed nervously. I was so attracted to him that I wanted to throw myself into his arms and ride off into the sunset without passing go or collecting two hundred dollars. There were a lot of steps, however, between where we were and sunset-riding.
    "Are you willing to see me again?" he asked. I almost said no because it could never amount to anything, but the truth was, I didn't have it in me to deny him that. I desperately wanted to see him again.
    "Yes," I said.
    He smiled and reached up to touch my cheek, and when he did, my chest rose and fell with a trembling breath. The temptation was too great
    "I have to go," I said. "I really should be getting inside."
    "When can I see you again?"
    "Do you want to try to get together sometime before you leave?"
    He narrowed his eyes at me. "I want to try to get together tomorrow. What are you doing?"
    I smiled. "I'm going down to Victoria to help my mom clean out my old room. She's finally turning it into an office after I've been gone seven years. I told her to put it all in a garage sale, but she swears there's some things I'll want to hold onto. Anyway, that's where I'll be tomorrow."
    "Are you spending the night there?"
    "I thought about it, but I'm not sure. I go slow in the jeep, so it's closer to a three-hour drive. I might spend the night. I'll be back Tuesday afternoon at the latest."
    He shook his head. "I start work Tuesday, and I'm swamped at work this week. I have to go in early to draw then I have appointments starting at 2. We'll have to hang out tomorrow."
    "I won't be in town tomorrow," I said again, thinking maybe he hadn't understood.
    "I know. I was saying I'd just go with you. The trip will be faster in my car that way we can make it a day trip."
    "Are you being serious?"
    "Yes," he said without even thinking about it. "I feel good when I'm around you, and I want to do it some more."
    I laughed and shook my head at him.
    "What time should I pick you up in the morning?" he asked.
    "Seriously?"
    "Yes."
    "Nine-thirty?" I asked hesitantly.
    "I'll be here."
    I gave him a big smile as I turned to get out of the car.
    "Hey," he said. I faced him, and started to ask what he wanted, but he put a hand around the back of my head and pulled me toward him to give me another kiss. This one was on my cheek. "Thanks for coming with me."
    "Thanks for asking me. I think we fooled your friends."
    "I'm not trying to fool them anymore."
    I shook my head at him. I was like putty in his hands, and he knew it. "I guess I'll see you in the morning," I said.
    "I'll be here," he said, smiling.
    I got out and walked into the house, being careful not to trip because I knew he was watching me. I waved at him before I closed the door behind me, and then I leaned against it watching the reflection from his car through