Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36478 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 182(@200wpm)___ 146(@250wpm)___ 122(@300wpm)
"Why didn't you?" It was meant to be an innocent question to make conversation, but when Sterling dropped his head, I worried that I'd crossed a line.
Before I could tell him that he didn't have to answer, he said, "I always wanted to go to school for photography. I loved making art, but I lost my sight in my sophomore year and everything changed so quickly; I lost my passion with it."
"I'm so sorry." My heart broke for him; his dream had been taken away. I was curious about his sight loss, but I didn't want to be nosey. So instead, I tried to gear the conversation in a positive direction. "There are lots of people on staff at the student center who help people discover their interests. Maybe there's something else that you'd like."
"Yeah, maybe," was his half-hearted reply, and I knew it was time to change the subject.
"So, when you and Cooper aren't walking, what do you like to do?"
His voice was much happier when he answered, "I really enjoy music."
"Oh yeah? What kind?"
"I'm kind of an eighties nut."
"Be still my heart," I teased, putting my hand on my chest. "You're talking my language now. That was the soundtrack of my youth."
Sterling tipped his head. "If you don't mind me asking, how old are you?"
"Forty seven," I replied with a grimace, hoping my age didn't turn him away.
"I'm twenty eight."
"Well I appreciate you keeping this old fart company."
Sterling chuckled as he shook his head. "You're not old, and I've enjoyed our conversation."
"So have I." My watch beeped and I groaned when I looked at the time. "Unfortunately, I've got to get back to class." I would much rather talk to Sterling all day, but duty called. I wanted to see him again, and he did say that he visited every day, so I pressed my luck. "Can we do this again tomorrow?"
I could see his hesitation in the way he squished his lips side to side, so I tried to sweeten the pot with, "I'll bring lunch for us. I'm not a great cook, but I can make a good bologna sandwich. Do you like mustard?" My desperation was obvious, but I couldn't help it. I was drawn to the handsome young man and needed to learn more about him.
His nervous lips finally stretched into a smile. "Of course I like mustard. I lost my sense of sight, not taste."
A surprised laugh leapt from me. Sterling had a great attitude and infectious sense of humor. "Mustard it is, then."
My heart fluttered when he replied, "I'll see you tomorrow, Beckett."
"I'm looking forward to it. See you later, Cooper," I added with another head pat for the pooch. I walked away from the duo feeling light on my feet, and actually grateful for Arnie's irritation.
Chapter Two
After another sneaky exit from my office, I hurried across campus towards the quad. I couldn’t wait to see Sterling. I thought about him the whole evening after we met, and he was the first thing on my mind when I woke up.
I hadn’t been this excited about a man since I left my cheating ex. Sure, I’d looked around and enjoyed what I saw, but I hadn’t been interested in making a connection with anyone until now.
And maybe it was crazy to feel this way; I’d talked to the man exactly one time, but I couldn’t deny the way my hands tingled and my pulse sped up when I thought about him.
The tingle intensified when I stepped into the clearing and found Sterling sitting on the same bench as the day before, with Cooper resting at his feet. I paused in my tracks and took a moment to appreciate the beauty of this gorgeous man and his faithful companion.
Sterling turned his head towards me and smiled. "Hello, Professor." I may have worn extra cologne to be noticed.
“Hello there. You look nice today.” It was a bit warmer out than yesterday, so Sterling was missing his coat, instead wearing a lavender sweater and dark jeans. “I love that color purple.”
“Thanks.” He ran his hand down his chest and added, “This shirt has always been my favorite.”
Butterflies took flight in my stomach at the possibilities; did he wear his favorite shirt to impress me? Or was it for a confidence boost or security? Or perhaps I was reading too much into it, and it was just a sweater.
“May I sit?”
“Of course.” Sterling patted the bench next to him, and I was quick to settle in.
“Hey, Cooper,” I greeted, reaching down to pet his pooch and receiving a goofy, tongue-dangling grin. “Enjoying your walk today?”
“This is our favorite weather,” Sterling replied. “It’s so nice out today, I think we may take a longer route home.”
“Well then, I’ve got just the thing to keep your energy up.” I unzipped the small, soft-sided cooler which was resting on my knees. Usually, I packed my lunch in a paper sack, but it couldn’t fit a meal for two.