“You don’t break things now?” she asked, wondering if he meant people too. He could crush her with his bare hands couldn’t he? Why was that more exciting than terrifying? Why did she want him to try? Or at least...risk it. She had to swallow past a mini lump in her throat, but managed to seem calm.
“I mean, I guess not unless I wanted to,” He said, shrugging a little. “I’d rather have a little bit of control over this. It’s a good thing, definitely helpful for me what with being a contractor, but I don’t want to accidentally hurt anyone. But I want to know more about your power. Tell me more about it?”
“I could help with control,” she said, then wished she hadn’t said it. That sounded like offering to spend time with him. Which would be great and it was too much at the same time.
“Yeah?” He asked, a smile spreading on his lips. “If you can, I’ll take you up on that. I’d love to learn some more. I feel like I could still be better at it than I am. You, on the other hand, you made your arm come back really quickly. You seem like you’re great at it.”
Oh god he said yes. What was she supposed to do about that? Could she help him? Maybe. But it wasn’t like she was any good at tutoring. Oh god. “I...I knew what I could do before anyone found out. I’ve..studied it.”
“You can study this stuff? I never would have guessed. How’d you even find it out?” He asked, but then laughed at himself. “Internet, right? It’s probably the internet…”
Marie shook her head. “Somewhat, but, trial and error mostly. It’s hard to miss disappearing,” she said, feeling more comfortable, talking about things that were so objective.
“That’s really impressive, that you were able to figure out what it was,” He said with a smile, still watching her. “Maybe you can help me learn how to control mine even more?”
“I...um…” Marie was stuck when he brought up them spending time together again, not sure how to answer. “Perhaps,” she landed on finally, feeling like that was a reasonable answer, but not sure what to say to him exactly.
Rick nodded a little. “Perhaps,” He repeated and just nodded after. “Well, I hope that perhaps turns into a definitely,” He said, watching her with a spark in his eye. She was definitely cute, definitely someone he wanted to get to know more. Hopefully she’d want the same thing.
She wanted it and didn’t want it at the same time. He was gorgeous, perfect up close, but what was she supposed to do with him? What would he really want with her. Jumping up out of her chair she nodded herself. “I should go.” She took a step away then looked back. “I hope I see you soon.”
“You will,” He promised, smiling more as he headed toward the door. “We’ll see each other soon.” He didn’t want to lose out on the idea of getting to know her so he’d definitely make sure that he saw her soon.