A Royal's Love (Unit Matched #1) by Mary Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

going to stand and eat?” He asked teasingly.
    “No,” I chipped back kneeling down onto the blanket.
    I watched as he opened the cooler, pulling out a couple of sandwiches and a couple of bags of chips. Then he grabbed a couple of bottles of water.
    “Did you make the sandwiches?” I asked impressed by his skills.
    “I would love to say yes, but no. It’s all from the deli. I’m hoping that you like it. I promise there’s no mayonnaise.” He gave me a tiny smile, and I was taken aback by it. He hasn’t really shown any other expression besides being upset.
    He fixed my plate handing it to me before making one for himself. Not much was said between us. I mainly talked about the classes I was taking this summer, and he told me about a project was hoping he would be able to lead.
    “Will it be here in Vermont?” I asked cleaning up my trash.
    “No, it would be in New Orleans.”
    “Really?”
    “Yep, and if I do get it I would be gone for three months, at least.”
    “Wow.” I didn’t know what to think about him being gone for so long, but then again, we still might not make it to the end of our decision period. “Thaddeus, may I ask you a question? You’ll be honest with me?”
    “Yes,” he answered looking in my eyes.
    “I know our mothers forced this on us, and the mall incident hasn’t helped, but I was wondering what you’ve thought about us, so far?” I began twirling a piece of hair to ease my nerves from his answer.
    He doesn’t break our connection. He just stares at me. “Ask me that question again in a month?”
    “I understand that, thank you,” I said honestly because I asked him to tell me the truth, and he did.
    “How about this?” he stood gathering the blanket up. “Let’s forget all that and continue to get to know each other, okay?”
    I gave him a full smile. “Okay.” I follow him back to the car where he placed everything in the trunk.
    The drive back to Unit was peaceful. I felt more content with Thaddeus this time.
    “I was thinking about going for a late night run. Would you like to join me?” He asked pulling into my driveway.
    “Sure.” I nodded. As he walked me to the door, he told me that he would pick me up in about thirty minutes.
    My parents were watching some TV show, and I quickly told them what was happening. They seemed very pleased that I was spending more time with Thaddeus, especially Mom. I changed in lightning speed and made sure I tied my hair back in a high ponytail.
    Thaddeus was on time when he knocked on the door. I was surprised that we matched. He was in gray sweatpants and a loose white t-shirt, while I was in gray yoga pants and a white sweat jacket. He gave me a small smirk as he looked me up and down. It was the first time that he openly showed true interest in me.
    We walked up the path a little way, before we started jogging. I followed behind Thaddeus this time, and I couldn’t help my eyes roam over his body. He must work out more than I thought because his back muscles were showing through his t-shirt.
    “Want to go off trail?” He asked over his shoulder.
    “That’s fine.”
    He diverted to the left, and I dropped back slightly behind him. His strides were much longer than mine, but then again, he was several inches taller than me.
    He slowed letting me catch up to him. “How about a race?”
    “Where to?” We both jogged in place keeping our heart rates up.
    Thaddeus pointed over to the lookout. “There.”
    “What do I win if I beat you?” I teased not thinking he would say anything.
    “A kiss.”
    I stopped dead in place, and I couldn’t breathe.
    “Deal?” Thaddeus waited for me to answer, but I couldn’t say anything. “Xaviera, do we have a deal or not?”
    “You can’t kiss me,” I blurted out to him.
    He halted his jogging in place. “Why can’t I? You’re my Matched.”
    “But I’ve never been kissed.” I’m practically shouting at him still in shock.
    “I would hope not,” he scoffed at me.