Under the Viaduct by H. Anderson (first e reader txt) 📗

asked, “Who’s your favorite female singer?” continuing their getting-to-know-you game.

He finished chewing and swallowed before answering. “Would you think less of me if I said it was Taylor Swift?”

“Um, Yes.”

“Okay, good, because it isn’t her. It’s Pink.” He tore off another bite of his burger and smiled, ketchup smeared on his top lip.

Nodding, Kaylee said, “Yeah. Pink’s awesome.”

As he wiped the ketchup from his mouth with the back of his hand, Kaylee couldn’t help but be drawn to his lips, only realizing she was staring when they turned up into a roguish smile. She glanced at his eyes and quickly looked down at her plate when she recognized the glint of silent laughter.

“Tell me about your family,” Blayne said.

Thankful he didn’t comment on the magnetic draw his lips had held her in a moment ago, she answered, “It’s just my mom and dad and me and my brother. My brother’s fifteen. He’s a cool kid, really great running back. He plays on the varsity team already. My dad and I are really close and he is a big worry-wart. Before I left for college, he took me to the gun range a few times to teach me how to shoot. He wanted me to get a handgun, but I don’t really want that responsibility.”

Blayne nodded and shoved three fries into his mouth.

While he chewed, Kaylee asked, “What about your family? What are they like?” She knew she’d made a mistake when he stopped chewing and dropped his hand to the table. She didn’t retract it, though. She’d told him at the start that he could say “pass” if he didn’t want to answer anything.

He swallowed and glanced back up at Kaylee. “I pa… Oh, what the hell. My parents are great. They tried everything they could think of to help me. I have a little sister who’s twelve years younger than me.” His voice lowered and a look of anguish passed over his face. “She’s why I left.”

They ate in silence for several minutes, Kaylee worrying that she’d ruined the whole night. But she was also more curious than ever. What could have happened with his sister that made him think he had to leave home? She recalled one of their first conversations in which he’d said something about putting his sister in danger.

With counterfeit cheeriness infused in his voice, Blayne broke the silence. “Tell me about your favorite birthday.”

Kaylee smiled. This was an easy one. “When I turned eleven. My grandma and my mom threw me the best birthday party ever. It started with me getting a letter from Hogwarts.”

“That’s awesome!” Blayne laughed. “A Harry Potter themed birthday.”

“It was a blast.” She thought back on the “potions class” where the potions were made from candy; the Quidditch game; the homemade Butterbeer. Her mom and grandma had gone all out. “Your turn,” she said. “Your best birthday.”

“I had a lot of great ones.” He thought for a few seconds. “The best was probably when I got my dirt bike. I’d wanted one for so long. It was a blast.”

He shoved the last fry in his mouth then put his napkin on top of his empty plate just as Kaylee took the last bite of her toast. “I get the last question,” he said, “since you asked the first.”

Uh oh, Kaylee thought, there’s that twinkle in his eyes again. She held her breath, waiting for his question.

He leaned across the table and whispered, “Do you kiss on a first date?”

Her stomach flipped so hard and so fast she thought she’d lose all the food she just ate. She inhaled a little too sharply and sucked saliva into her lungs. Her face, already red from embarrassment—or maybe excitement—turned a whole new shade of crimson as she coughed for two minutes solid.

Concern on his face, Blayne handed her some water. “You okay?”

She nodded, still unable to speak. She took a couple of sips of water and cleared her throat. “I’m fine.” Her words came out raspy. She hoped she hadn’t done permanent damage to her vocal cords.

“Good,” he smiled, “then you can answer my question now.”

Okay, she thought. Time to show some daring. You know there was a reason you couldn’t take your eyes off his lips. Kaylee cleared her throat again. In her still raspy voice, she said, “I haven’t in the past.” She looked him straight in the deep blue eyes. “But sometimes, rules are meant to be broken.”

Blayne sat back, his smile turning from one of mischief to one of anticipation.

“Will this be separate checks?” Amy-of-the-bad-timing asked.

“No,” Blayne said, not taking his eyes from Kaylee. “Just one.”

A small pout pursed Amy’s lips as she ripped the ticket from her pad and pushed it toward Blayne on the table. “You can pay at the counter. Have a great evening.” She trounced away.

Grabbing the bill, Blayne scooted out of the booth and held a hand out to help Kaylee up. “What do you want to do now?”

Kaylee could hardly think straight at the moment—Blayne hadn’t let go of her hand after he’d helped her stand, and warm tingles raced up her arm straight into her chest. Plus, she was still thinking about that last question he’d asked. “Umm…” Her thoughts flashed to Mama C and her cough. “Let’s go to Max’s and see if he has any suggestions for Mama C.”

Kaylee parked next to Max’s car, turned the ignition off, and with a shy smile, glanced at Blayne before opening her door to get out. Before she’d even turned to shut her door, Blayne was standing next to her. He put a hand on her arm. “Wait just a minute. I have a favor to ask you.”

Turning to fully face him, she nodded, looking up into his eyes.

He swallowed and licked his lips. “Will you keep my money for me?” He rushed to explain. “I can’t get a bank account without an address, plus living on the streets is a good way to get everything you own stolen.” Another lick