“I don’t understand a word you said,” I admitted as we entered the pizza parlor. It had more of a hippie vibe than Italian, with light wood decor, beachy colors, and bold fonts on a giant wall menu.

“Oh, it’s fun,” he said and launched into a detailed explanation as we got in line to give our orders. I tried to follow along with his mini-math class as I surveyed the potential places for us to sit.

As in the coffee shop, clumps of students dominated the tables, many with books and laptops out. Most were in groups of three or four, but the smaller tables along the far wall were all occupied by twosomes. Some were clearly friends, but others were probably couples. Trying to guess which were which was a fun game. Two guys with ball caps at the back of the room were deep in conversation. Probably frat bros. Then one touched the other’s hand, holding it as he smiled. Okay. Not bros.

And now I was back to wondering if people would assume Jasper and I were on a date. And if we were, how did I feel about that? Like, part of me definitely wanted this to be a date, preferably one that ended in another try to be not-terrible at kissing. The other part wanted it, too, but that part was a little seasick at the idea of all those eyeballs on me.

“See anything you want?” Jasper smiled at me, wide and unrestrained, hair still wild from his quick costume change, light reflecting in his summer-sky eyes. I’d suffer more than a little discomfort to earn more of those smiles.

“Yeah.” My voice came out too husky.

“And? Which flavor?”

Oops. He’d meant pizza. “You know me. More meat the better. Anything from the carnivore section of the board would work. Or whatever you want. You’re the one who’s been here before.”

“I am.” He nodded solemnly, and I still wasn’t entirely sure we were talking about pizza. “Trust me?”

“Absolutely.” That much was never in doubt.

“Good. Go snag us that table over there. I need room for the laptop. I’m going to surprise you with something delicious.”

“I can’t wait.” My steps were almost Jasper-level bouncy as I hurried to claim the table. I liked him giving me orders and didn’t want to dwell on why that was. And it was true. I couldn’t wait for whatever came next.

Chapter Seventeen

Jasper