Page 38 of Something to Prove

I went with the second option. Walker had gone the extra mile to include me in the guest appearance that I’d finagled, but this was a PR thing and that was all it could be. Sure, my reaction to him threw me off my game. I could handle it, though. Even if it included tingling sensations and heart palpitations.

“That went well,” Walker commented, opening the driver’s side door and waving to Robin in the half-empty parking lot.

A few students wandered by, chatting in clusters on the sidewalk. Others traveled solo, zoning out to podcasts or music with their heads in the clouds. A row of trees kept us partially hidden, which was good. We were a noticeable duo—Walker’s red hair and car were practically neon signs advertising his presence and my tattoos and local hockey fame did the same for me. But right now, I wanted him to myself.

“Yeah, I think we did it again. Kickin’ ass and takin’ names.” I held up my hand for a high five, chuckling at Walker’s derisive snort as he swatted my palm.

“Something like that.” He rested his elbow on the window and studied me. “It needs a lot of editing. But yes, this was, dare I say it—just as good as the interview.”

“I agree. We’re unstoppable.”

“You didn’t really drink that milkshake, did you?”

I nodded and rubbed my belly. “I did.”

“Liar,” he huffed without heat.

“Okay, it was more of a taste. The gummy worms were probably a mistake.”

Walker pursed his lips, his eyes bright with humor. “Probably, but you’ll still win.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Hockey.”

I shrugged. “Hockeyispretty cool.”

“Hmph.”

We chuckled lightly and went back to staring at each other.

This had to stop…like immediately.

What was it about this guy? Walker was quirky, but in a super cute way. And he had the toned physique of lucky genetics versus someone who knew his way around a gym. His hair was a softer shade of red in the filtered midday sunlight and his skin was pale but not ghostly. The combo made his eyes look like topaz gemstones…brown and gold and?—

Okay…what the fuck was wrong with me? Gemstones?Wake up, Czerniak.

I was trying. Believe me. My pulse was racing, though—a sure sign I needed to put some distance between us.

I bit the inside of my cheek and stepped sideways. “I…um…how long does editing usually take?”

Shit.That wasnotan exit speech.

“Robin and Shay are pretty quick, but they have classes too, so two or three days is the norm. This will be posted the week after the ceramics episode. I wouldn’t want to deprive the world of my…let’s call itoriginalartistry,” he joked, adding, “And it’s best to keep your audience wanting more. Like…online edging.”

“Kinky.”

“Exactly.” Walker lowered his head briefly as if to hide his blush, and fixed me with a look I couldn’t read to save my life. “I’m visiting Misty’s candle shop next week. You mightfind that interesting. She actually makes her products in a barn behind her house on the outskirts of town. She said there are two barns…one for goats, another for melting wax and making magic.”

I cocked my chin and narrowed my eyes. “Are you inviting me?”

“I am.”

“Okay, I’ll be there.” I tugged my bottom lip between my teeth.

“Great.” His nostrils flared and his eyes glazed with a lusty sheen that made my dick jump to attention. “I’m on my way home now, and um…you could follow me.”

I blinked.