Exton

Star looks at me for the longest time before she speaks, like she's studying me; then she says quite calmly, "Tt..ttell me abbbout you..."

Okay, I can do that. I hope what she hears doesn't make her change her mind about me.

"Would you like to go outside to talk? It's kind of awkward, being here in my room like this."

She looks puzzled at that. "Why?"

"Well, because we've been up here for some time now, Star, and people may think we're doing things."

"Tt…things??"

Oh, shit… open mouth, insert foot….

"Well… like kissing, things like that."

She tilts her head to one side and her eyes go that apricot color. "We hh…have been."

"Yes, but I thought it might embarrass you."

"Why?"

Gods, it's worse than a two-year-old….

In desperation I say, "Won't Rowan wonder where you are?"

That turns off the question machine for awhile. She nods; then I take her hand. She gives me one of those rare smiles and gently squeezes my hand, and we walk back downstairs to the common room.