Page 16 of Looking for You (Oh Captain, My Captain 1)

“I was just waiting for you to pull something else out of your magic bag, Hermione.”

I throw my head back and laugh at his Harry Potter reference, as he sits down next to me.

“I didn’t peg you to read Harry Potter.” I bump his shoulder, handing the items to him.

“Don’t be too impressed. I saw the movies, I didn’t read the books.”

“Well, I haven’t seen the movies, but I read all the books. So, I guess we’re even.”

“You don’t watch TV a whole lot, do you?”

I shake my head. “Just the news, every once in a while. I mainly read books. I guess I sound like a nerd.” I hang my head, picking at my granola bar.

“Nope, TV is overrated. You know,” he shifts next to me, “I never asked if you play any sports in school?”

I giggle. “Absolutely not. I have no coordination at all. I’m surprised I made it this far in my life without breaking a bone.”

He slightly chuckles next to me. “Um, you watch any professional sports?”

I shake my head. “I think professional athletes are way overpaid. They think of themselves as celebrities, and they should be thinking about all the kids that look up to them.”

“I don’t think all professional athletes are like that,” he says quietly.

“Well, from what I see they are. Just another reason why I don’t watch them.”

We were quiet for a moment, and when I look over at Hudson, he almost looks sad.

; “Hey, I never asked you what your major was in college?” I try to sound cheerful. I’m sure I offended him in some way. I bet anything that he is a raging sports fan.

“I majored in architecture.”

“Oh, you’re an architect!” I finally figure out what he does. It‘s like a lightbulb going off. It all makes sense. Downtown Portland has been constructing new buildings all over the place. That must be where he works and knew about Jim’s because it’s all right there.

“Well, I guess you could call me that. I haven’t designed my own building or anything.”

“Don’t worry I’m sure you will soon enough.” I rub his back. I didn’t even realize that I’m soothing him, until he smiles at me. Immediately, I drop my hand, and I feel my neck get red. “Um, ready to head back? I figure by the time we get back we will have about five miles in.”

“Sure, why not?” He stands, holding his hand out for me. I take it as he pulls me up.

I turn to get the blanket, when my foot gets caught on a small rock, and I trip. Luckily, Hudson’s reflexes are quick, and he grabs my arms, pulling me towards him. We have never been this close. I hold onto his muscular arms, and my breath catches. I look into his chocolate brown eyes as they dip down to look at my lips. Instinctively, I lick them. I’m not sure what the hell I’m doing when I see him lean into me. I quickly devise a plan to turn my head, and he could kiss my cheek instead. That’s not what happened. When I turned my head, I end up whipping him in the face with my ponytail.

“Ouch.” He grabs the side of his face, as I gasp.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I,” I stop because I didn’t want to say that I’m not sure if I’m ready to kiss him, yet.

“Ellie, its fine. It’s my fault. I forgot my manners again.” He steps back from me. My face is so red I’m about to burst into flames. I’m not sure what to say or do at this point.

“Let me help you pack the bag.” Hudson shakes out the blanket, while I gather our trash.

We head back on the trail, going back towards the car. Hudson still holds my hand, even though I almost blinded him with my frizzy ponytail. Not much is said as he drives back to my house. I’m pretty sure this could be the worst date in history. If he ever calls me again, I’ll be lucky.

When we get to my house, he walks me to the door. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say or do.

“I’m sorry about the whole hitting you in the face,” I stumble on my words.

“It was a first for me, that’s for sure,” he chuckles.