“Wow, an SUV? I [i]love[/i] it,” she groaned, jumping up into the passenger seat. “Dad keeps saying he’ll go get me something, but I don’t even know if I’ll get what I want. I’m jealous,” she grinned, sliding down to get comfortable.

Riding with Lucas was a bit awkward, but Alice thought that was probably her fault. She didn’t usually hang out with guys alone unless she was dating them, and [i]that[/i] hadn’t happened in a while. Being a reader of emotions could make relationships a little complicated.

At any rate, he tried to start and continue conversation and for that she was thankful. When he asked what she thought about a presentation for the project she sighed inwardly, nibbling on her bottom lip.

[i]“Actually, let’s talk about this later. I can't think on an empty stomach.”[/i]

“What? Dinner is in a few hours, you can’t wait?” she laughed, following him inside. “I’ll just take a coke, if you have any. Or gummy worms, but I doubt you have that,” Alice added, tossing her bag to the side and sitting at the table with a yawn. “I always take a nap when I get home, so no snacks for me.”

Alice looked around, admiring the décor. There was definitely more than her house had. Her dad was the usual bachelor, barely keeping pictures on the walls, much less anything else. “Do your parents work? Oh, and do you have any siblings I should expect to walk through the door?” Alice asked, looking out the window. “You seem nice and all, but I don’t know if I could handle you [i]and[/i] a mini you in the same room,” she joked, leaning with her arms over the back of the chair, watching him. Yeah, she was already poking fun, but he seemed the type that could take it.