Page 116 of Running from Drac

I pulled quickly away, not even letting him kiss my cheek.

He frowned, and I instantly regretted moving.

“Sorry, I don’t kiss on the first date.”

He tried to fake a smile, but I could tell he was hurt by my rejection.

“No, I’m sorry. It was stupid for me to even try.” He dropped his hold on me, his whole demeanor changing.

“I’m sorry. You can take me home if you want. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No way!” Eddie’s voice raised. He looked at his watch and then back at me. “I still have three more hours with you. I’m going to use up every minute of them. I will just have to work around the kissing thing.” He winked. “Or change your mind.”

I smiled as he grabbed some more blankets from the truck and then plopped down beside me. “I know this is a cheap date, but I’m hoping I score some bonus points for originality.”

“Definitely! You get at least five bonus points.”

“How do I get ten?”

I looked around, scoping out our surroundings. The view was magnificent; from here, I could see all the city, still a bustle because no one ever slept here.

“A full ten bonus points will be given if we see a shooting star tonight. I’ve never seen one.” Eddie glanced up at the sky that was a bit foggy with smog before looking back at me. There were a few stars in the sky, but it was kind of hard to see them.

“Never in your life?”

“Nope. I think it’s a conspiracy. My mom says I just have crappy luck. Whenever one shoots across the sky I’m doing something else and miss it.”

“So, all I have to do is manipulate the stars, and I will get the full ten bonus points?”

“Yup.”

“Here’s to wishing for another five.” He crossed his fingers. “Work with me stars… I’m dying here.”

I giggled. Both of us smiling like idiots.

“So, I want to know more about you. Tell me five interesting facts that make Eddie, Eddie.” He paused and tapped at his chin before smiling in triumph.

“I’m highly allergic to strawberries. If I eat them, I will blow up like a fish. My biggest dream is to own my own mechanic shop someday, maybe even a wrecking yard. I’ve always liked the feeling I get working with my hands, and either of those jobs would suffice my need to tinker. I could eat pizza all day and all night, it’s my favorite, especially supreme. I have one sister who is ten years older than me, she already has a husband and kids of her own. She and I have never been close. She’s kind of a yuppie, and I’m a blue-collar kind of guy, we just don’t mix. How many is that?”

“Four.” I leaned towards him, soaking up everything he was saying, too lost in his eyes, and hyper sensitive to the fact he was holding my hand and those electric pulses were back, working their magic. Our knees were touching under the blankets, and as he talked, his thumb traced the skin on my hand. rubbing little circles.

“I’ve never been in love.”

“Really? You’re eighteen.”

“Just because I’m eighteen doesn’t mean I’ve experienced love. I’ve dated. There’s been girls I’ve really liked, but I’ve never actually fallen in love before. Oh, and I’m still a virgin.”

Now that one I didn’t believe at all.

“How’s that even possible?”

“Just haven’t found the one yet, I guess. How about you? What’s six fascinating things I should know about you?”

“I only asked for five.”

“Now I’m upping the ante.”

“Hmmm… six things… I hate mustard. If it touches my burgers or my sandwiches, I will ralph big time.”