Read Online In My Arms by Taryn Plendl - Free Book Online Page A

women very well.
    We joked about how he and Talia seemed to always be at each other.  It all came down to the fact that they were so very much alike—strong-willed and stubborn as all get out.  
    “What does Tom do?”  I can't believe this had never come up.   I knew that Nick was in accounting, but over the past couple of weeks, I hadn’t had the chance to talk to Tom as much.  He was much quieter than his two friends, that’s for sure.
    “He is a teacher.”  He smiled.  I could totally see that.
    “What kind of teacher?”  I asked as I dipped a piece of crusty bread in the olive oil and herbs, careful not to drip on myself.
    Trevor finished chewing his bite, “He teaches ninth grade health and he coaches junior varsity soccer.”
    I nodded.  I bet he was a good teacher.  He seemed to be very patient.  “I’m sure he does well with that age group.”  I smiled as Trevor looked at me curiously.
     “Why do you think that” He asked.
    I smiled. “Well, he seems to handle you and Nick well enough.”  I suppressed a giggle when Trevor’s mouth dropped open slightly.
    “Are you suggesting that we act like fifteen year olds?”  His eyebrows were raised and I could see the barely there smile as he waited for me to answer.
    I just giggled.  He nudged my hand with his. “Awe come on Ava, It takes skill to be this epic.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me, but didn’t move his arm away from mine.  In fact, he seemed to move his arm even closer and run his pinky finger softly against mine.  My heart started beating faster as I searched his eyes, trying to figure out what he was doing.  I was so damn confused.
    He continued to look at me.  I felt like he was seeing everything in me—all my thoughts—everything.  “Trevor?” I couldn’t do this again.  I was so tired of getting hurt.
    “Listen Ava…” Just then our meals showed up and the moment was gone.  We both moved our arms away and focused on our plates. As much as I wanted to figure out what was happening between us, I was ravenous with hunger.  I took a bite of my pasta, closed my eyes and groaned.  It was so good!  When I opened my eyes, Trevor was staring at me.
    “What?  I’m hungry.”  I smiled.  “I didn’t get my coffee or my muffin this morning.”  I winked at him.
    “I’m sorry Ava.  I knew you were mad at me and I didn’t want to push you.”  He looked sad.
    “Hey,” I reached out and grabbed his hand, “It was my fault.  I misread the situation.  You have nothing to be sorry about.” I pulled my hand back and took another bite.
    “You didn’t misread anything Ava.” My eyes shot up. What kind of game was he playing?
    “What are you talking about Trevor?” I whispered.
    “Christ Ava!  You were killing me that night!  I wanted you so bad, you have no idea.”  He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
    “What do you mean Trevor?  You told me no.  You turned me down.” I pushed my plate away from me.  I wasn’t hungry anymore. 
    “Will you come over?  I’m not done talking about this. Please .”  Against my better judgment, I agreed.
    Trevor insisted on picking up the tab and we walked back to the office to get the cars.
    “Leave your car here.  I’ll bring you to work tomorrow.”  He grabbed my hand, pulling me to his car.
    “I can drive to your house.”  I protested.
    “Don’t argue with me Ava.  I don’t want to give you the chance to change your mind.”  He opened the passenger door and waited for me to climb in before closing it and walking around to the driver’s side.  He climbed in and fastened his seatbelt before glancing at me again, then shaking his head as he started the car and pulled out of the parking garage.
    We drove the short distance in silence.  I wasn’t sure what to say.  He was sending such mixed signals, and I felt like an emotional basket case.  I had fought my feelings for him the past weeks, swearing I just needed him as a friend.