Page 145 of Secrets in the Deep
Zac frowned. “Colleague?”
“I heard we’re working together.”
At Zac’s confused expression, Ryan cleared his throat. “Nora got a job at the local high school.”
“The same school where I hearyou’reoffering some outdoor safety and awareness sessions.” Nora’s grin widened. “Survival skills, emergency basics. Is that right?”
“That’s right. On Tuesdays and Thursdays.” Zac frowned. “You’ll be there?”
“Well, not in your sessions. I’ll be in my office with kids, but we may run into each other in the hall.” She picked up a carrot and bit into it. “That a problem?”
“No.”
This time, Ryan frowned. Because that answer came really fucking fast.Wasita problem?
Why the hell would it be?
Zac cleared his throat. “I’m going in tomorrow to talk to Adam about the sessions. He’s the gym teacher. It’s his classes I’m taking.”
“Well, it might be your lucky day, because Adam’s office is right next to mine. We might run into each other.” She winked before grabbing a burger and heading back to the couch.
As Nora walked away, something flickered over Zac’s face. Something Ryan had no idea how to interpret.
What was he missing?
Zac suddenly headed for the door. “I’m going to check the grill.”
When the door closed behind him, Ryan turned to Emily. “Did you find anything strange about Zac just now? Or am I being an idiot?”
A small smile curved her lips. “Maybe he has a thing for your sister.”
“A thing?”
“Maybe helikesher.”
Ryan shook his head. “No. He would have said something if that was the case.”
“Are you sure?”
No. He’d just never thought about, or even considered, one of his best friends dating his sister.
Emily touched his chest. “There was a time whenIhad a crush onyou.”
“Really?”
“Mm-hmm. That lasted about two-point-five seconds.”
“That’s a short-lived crush.”
“Well, those feelings turned into something deeper real fast.”
He slipped an arm around her waist. “Deeper sounds good. I like that.”
“I likeyou.”
He lowered his mouth to hover over hers. “Iloveyou.” Then he kissed her. Deeply. Lovingly. Thoroughly.
33
