Chicago.”
“But you’re original ly from around here?” he asked--then caught himself. Why was he even asking these questions? Who cared?
Yet, as Andy answered, she continued to step closer to him , and the closer she got, the more aware his body became of her. On some level it made him want to keep the conversation going. He supposed it was only to be expected with a very attractive female in his apartment. He was a guy; he couldn’t exactly help being aware of her.
At the same time, he wasn’t a clueless animal. If he and Andy were going to be roommates, he’d just have to push aside his awareness of her physical appeal and see her platonically. How else would they be able to live together for five months without any drama?
Besides that, he had his pride. He wasn’t about to make a play for a girl who might not be interested in him at all, and then have to face her everyday in the living room. No, thanks.
Now h e realized she was talking. “Actually, I have a huge bookcase at home,” she was explaining, “but I knew it wouldn’t fit here. So I just brought along some of my favorites.”
“I see,” Tragan said, nodding slowly, eying her collection again. “Just your favorite four hundred, huh?”
With a giggle , she said, “Yeah, now you see.”
Come to think of it, Ethan had never mentioned what she did for a living. “Are you an English teacher or something?” Tragan asked.
“ No. I was an English major, though.” Then Andy paused, as a sigh seemed to escape. “I don’t know what I am right now,” she finished lightheartedly, but with a reluctant-looking smile.
Tragan pushed off the door jamb, standing up straight. Technically they’d broken the ice now. There was no reason to continue, but nevertheless he said: “Listen, I’m sorry I was so shell-shocked before. To be honest, I didn’t know you’d be a girl. I was surprised, that’s all.”
Andy’s blue eyes widened and her mouth curved open. “Ohh...” Blinking at him, she bit her lower lip again. “Really? I’m sorry. I just assumed Ethan told you.”
Quickly, Tragan shook his head, assuring her, “No worries, it’s not gonna be a problem.”
“Okay,” she agreed.
“I should tell you that there’s a lady on the second floor who plays the cello on the weekends--and pretty badly. So if you hear it, don’t worry, it’s not an animal being tortured.”
Andy remarked, “That’s a relief. Thanks for the warning.”
“ Sure,” he said with a half-grin. “Also, my friends hang out here a lot, but if you ever need the living room, just kick us out.”
“Oh, no, don’t worry, I won’t be in your way.”
“Of course you’re not in the way,” Tragan countered. “It’s your place, too.”
Still, Andy waved a hand through the air, as if dismissing the notion. “Really, you’ll hardly know I’m here.”
“Well…okay,” he said, a bit confused by her response. “Anyway, trash and recycling collects on Tuesdays. So just leave whatever you want me to take down by the front door.”
“I can do it myself,” she assured him with a smile.
“That’s ridiculous,” Tragan said, without explaining why. But really, it should be obvious. He was a guy, so taking out the trash was a given. This wasn’t about trying to impress her--really. This was just logical. Did he take out Ethan’s garbage? No, fine, he didn’t. But that was because Ethan was a guy, too. See? Logical.
“Also, I have a car here so if you ever need a ride and I’m around, just let me know.”
“ Really? ” she blurted, not even hiding her shock.
Abruptly, Tragan chuckled at her reaction. “Why do you sound so surprised?”
“Oh, I--uh, no reason…”
He narrowed his eyes slightly, as his mouth curved up. “You know, I’m thinking that Ethan depicted me as sort of a jerk.”
“No, no!” she insisted, her wide blue eyes just a little too