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“Whatever. It was no big deal, and you could have done that on Monday. There was no need for a special trip.”
    His shirt was stained with what I thought was oil, and I didn’t think he could be any sexier. Since when was I into blue collar? “I know.” God, he was making me nervous. My stomach fluttered with butterflies. The last thing I wanted to admit was that I didn’t want to wait to see him. I tucked my hair behind my ear.
    Smooth, Katia. Way to sound like a dork . I was starting to think that kiss wasn’t as earth-shattering as I’d imagined.
    He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal. “Whatever, don’t mention it. It’s what any decent guy would do.” Grabbing the piece of paper from my hand, he wadded it up and tossed it into the trash.
    That was just it. I was pretty sure that Seth wasn’t always a decent guy, but I knew in the depth of my heart, he would never really hurt me. Bruise my pride sure, but I got the feeling he would walk through fire before he let me get hurt.
    “How about I repay you? I could buy you lunch…for the trouble and all.” The words were tumbling out of my mouth before I even realized what I had said.
    Had I really just asked him out?
    “You don’t have to do that,” he replied, giving me an out.
    My face fell. I hadn’t expected him to say no. I guess I was used to guys jumping at the chance to go out with me, and I hadn’t thought Seth would be any different.
    God that sounded so superficial. When had I become such a snob?
    Just then his boss Eddy walked into the shop from the garage. He had a streak of grease on his rough cheek, which was speckled with stubby hairs. “Did I just hear you refuse a pretty lady lunch? Seth, boy, what the hell is wrong with you?” Eddy’s voice was gruff, just like the rest of him. I instantly liked him. It was nice to have an ally.
    I grinned. “It’s just lunch. I’m not asking you to marry me or anything.”
    Seth choked on air. “Fine,” he agreed, not looking happy about it. “If it gets the two of you off my back, I’ll go. But just lunch.”
    My smile widened. “Then we can talk about the number of babies we’ll have.” I was totally teasing, but Seth’s face went pale.
    Eddy laughed long and deep. “I like you, girl. It’s about time someone cornered this one.” He gave Seth a pat on the back.
    Seth scowled.
    We walked next door to a little burger joint, nothing fancy. Being so close to him, I couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. I wanted to apologize for my forward behavior, yet at the same time I wanted to tell him that I hadn’t regretted what happened.
    I didn’t have the first clue where to start.
    My arm brushed his as he held the door open, something Matt never would have done. A spark shot over my skin. I met his eyes, curious to see if he had felt anything. His green eyes darkened. I gulped. Everything about Seth was so…intense.
    I pushed aside my hair and walked through the door. As we waited in line for our food, I could feel the heat from his body. It was exciting and comforting at the same time, and I might have stood a little closer than necessary.
    I struggled for something to say to break this awkward silence that had settled between us. “You probably eat here all the time.”
    That sounded so lame . Just attach a giant L to my forehead please.
    He glanced down at me from the oversized menu plastered on the wall behind the registers. “It’s convenient.”
    I could feel the scrutiny from his mossy eyes, trying to figure me out. Good luck , I thought. I couldn’t even understand who I was anymore. But I wanted to change that. I no longer wanted to be that stuck-up, popular girl who thought her shit didn’t stink.
    After we got our food, we took a seat in one of the red leather booths. I didn’t know what to say, so I munched on a fry while I studied Seth. He was so darn good looking. Why had we lost touch again? Right now staring at him, I couldn’t think of one valid reason. He was