Violet shifted uncomfortably next to me as her gaze flitted from Lincoln to Tobias and then to me. “I should go. See you next week?”
I nodded. “See you in Civ.”
Standing, she started around the chaise where I sat. But, before she was clear of the couch, she tripped and flailed forward. Tobias moved fast, catching her around the waist and tugging her into his long, lean body to stop her fall.
“Whoa, there. You okay?” he asked with a grin.
Violet nodded, her face turning as pink as the sweater she wore. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m always happy to come to the aid of a pretty girl.”
She turned her head, her blush deepening. “Thanks for catching me.”
“Any time.”
I watched the interaction with fascination, but as soon as Violet had disappeared out the front door, my attention returned fully to Tobias. “What the hell is going on?”
He glanced around at our audience, none of whom were even trying to hide their interest in our conversation. “Can we talk about this somewhere else?”
It was probably for the best. Sliding forward, I grabbed my crutches and hobbled to the door, ignoring the tenderness in my hands. Making it out to the small front porch would be a lot simpler than climbing the stairs.
As soon as Tobias shut the door behind us, I turned on him. “Seriously. What the hell is going on?”
“I’m sorry.” He ducked his head. “I’ve been wanting to tell you all day, but we haven’t exactly had any time alone.”
True, but also not the point. “Tell me what? That you’re transferring to Harbor U? Why would you do that?”
Returning his gaze to mine, he gave me an incredulous look. “For you, obviously.”
I stared at him, searching for the best friend I’d left behind three months ago. Besides the trendier haircut, he looked the same. Same boyishly handsome face and silky black hair. Same warm brown eyes framed by long, dark lashes.
But I could have sworn he’d aged in that short time. There was a solemnity to his demeanor that hadn’t existed before. Or had I just been too self-absorbed to notice it?
Making a concerted effort to soften my expression and tone, I replied, “That’s sweet, but I’m good here. You belong at Wichita State. It’s been your dream for as long as I can remember.”
“No, my dream was to play college baseball. It doesn’t matter where I do it.”
“What about your scholarship?”
His mouth tipped up into a slight grin. “I’m meeting with the Harbor U coach tomorrow for a tryout. If he’s satisfied with my performance, he’s going to offer me a full-ride.”
“But the WSU team is Division I. That’s huge. How could you give that up to play for Harbor U?”
He moved forward and reached out, as though to take one of my hands, but they were both resting on my crutches. “Then, come back with me,” he pleaded, dropping his arms back to his side. “I failed to state my case when I had the chance, and I’m not going to make that mistake twice. I love you, Thea. I have for a long time. And I want to be with you.”
I sucked in a breath. He’d told me to forget about his airport declaration. I’d thought that meant he was over it.
Apparently, I’d thought wrong.
“T, you know you’ll always be one of my favorite people, but—”
“No.” He moved in so close, we were practically toe-to-toe. “Don’t finish that sentence.”
Then, he dipped his head and covered my mouth with his. I was so startled that I just stood there, allowing him to brush his lips over mine. When I finally gathered my wits, I yanked my head to the side. “Stop,” I croaked more than said.
“I just want a chance. Don’t I deserve that much?”
I stared at the ground for a few seconds before forcing my gaze back to his. “You had your chance. We were together almost constantly for eight years. Hell, I lived with you this summer. You had a million opportunities to tell me you wanted more from me.”
Tobias sighed and stepped back a few paces. “I know, but I was scared.”
“Of what?”
“Of losing you. You’re the most confident girl I’ve ever known. You don’t need anyone and never seemed to want anyone either. Do you have any idea how damn intimidating that is?” He shook his head. “I’d rather have you as a friend than nothing.”
“Then, what changed? Why not just keep being my friend?”