With class winding down, he was trying to figure out how to talk to her. He could apologize for not answering her when she first spoke to him. That would be a good place to start. A reasonable place even, it had been rude to leave her hanging. He at least owed her an apology.

As the class wrapped up, he sat while the rest of the students filed out. Professor Burrell left giving him a quick nod of her head. He returned it and waited until there were just a few people left, including Quinn.

He got up from his chair, grabbed his bag and walked towards the front. Controlling his steps so he wouldn’t break into a run that might scare her. He casually strolled towards the front of the room, or at least attempted to. As he got closer, the scent of chocolate and citrus got stronger. It was a warm, sweet, sharp smell that made his mouth water. Under the fresh scent was all woman. Warm, hot, and heady to his senses.

Clearing his throat, he watched her turn towards him, her eyes wary. “Hey.”

That was a classic opening line. His brothers would be giving him shit right about now if they were there.

“Hi?” she said this as a question. Her surprise that he approached her was obvious.

“Sorry about earlier. You kind of caught me off guard. I’m usually more verbal.” That wasn’t any better of an opening line.

“I caught you off guard by asking you a question? Are you normally a selective mute, or are you just trying it out to see if it might be a fun party trick?” She said this with enough sarcasm that it made him want to flinch.

“I was a little tongue-tied after you walked in. I don’t talk to pretty girls that much and I didn’t expect you to address me. Especially in front of everyone. I don’t like being the center of attention.”

She tried to hide a blush, but her cheeks gave her away. Recovering she said, “Really? Pretty girl? Does that line work on girls? I have only seen that used on television or in the movies.”

Rain gave a shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve never told a girl that she was pretty before. Well, not counting my mom and my sister. I’ve told them, but it was just for descriptive purposes only.”

“Wow, you’re like a master at the pickup lines.”

“Pick up lines?” Rain was confused. Was there such a thing anymore? Did guys really walk up to girls and give them lines to start conversations.

“Yes, the—do you come here often? Did it hurt when you fell from heaven? That kind of crap.”

“I was just trying to apologize for leaving you hanging before. For the record, I am in the right class. I’ll be here all semester.”

“I figured that out for myself, thanks. Did you lose a bet or something?” This was asked with more aggression. It appeared that she had already judged his reason for being in the class.

“What kind of bet?”

“Oh, please. You and your frat buddies playing beer pong? The loser has to take History of Feminism. You’re probably wearing silk panties too or they made you wear lipstick all night. I’ve heard it all.”

“Not in a frat. I don’t play beer pong, and no, I didn’t lose a bet. I don’t think we know each other well enough to be talking about my underwear yet. I was actually missing a graduation credit and my options were limited. I chose this class because it was the only one that could be useful for my post graduate work and my career.”

She stared at him for a long moment. “You’re being honest, aren’t you?” There was disbelief in her voice.

“Of course, I don’t lie. I’ve been known to avoid the truth, but I find that just causes as many problems as lying would have. I’m Rainer, by the way.”

“Quinn,” she said offering her hand. He happily grabbed onto it for a short shake before forcing himself to let her go. He saw her curling her fingers and knew she felt the tingling connection between them. It left an imprint where their skin had touched.

“Who names their kid Rainier? Is it after the mountain or the beer?”

Giving her a dazzling smile that made her suck in the tiniest of breaths, with his hearing he could still hear it. “The mountain. My mother had a penchant for naming her children after where they were conceived. It’s embarrassing as hell.”

Quinn gave a short laugh. “Middle name mountain by any chance?”

“No, Mowich. After the lake. They were camping. You get the picture.” He could feel her relaxing. Her shoulders dropping, her brow smoothing out. He liked being able to make her feel comfortable.

“Wow, that is ridiculously awesome. Sorry if I came off a little rough at the beginning. We get the occasional person who isn’t really here to learn. It’s frustrating to the rest of us that really want to take in all that the class has to offer. I’m usually a very nice person.”

“It’s fine. I get it. I just hope that the rest of the class doesn’t take me for one of ‘those guys. I’m not going to worry if they do. They will eventually get to know me. I’m going to do the work, and I honestly need to get a pass in this class or my future is doomed. I will be at the top of the class if I can make it.”

“Dramatic much?”

“Only when I need to be. I’m intense when it comes to my education. You know, as the TA aren’t you required to help me out? Tutoring and such? If I don’t pass won’t that look badly on you?”

“Required, no. But I’ll let you know when there are study groups. I know a few of the girls; they will be cool about it. If you don’t pass this class, that’s on you, homeboy. Since grading is mostly based on proving that you’ve absorbed the knowledge, I can only suggest that you study up. The professor doesn’t go in for memorizing shit. You need to give your opinions. Don’t hold back, even if you think she won’t agree with you. She’s all about open dialogue.”

Rain didn’t want to wait around for a study group. He needed to spend time with Quinn now. This was going to take some finesse. He sensed that asking her out after her initial opinion of him was not going to go over well.

“So, you dorming it still?”

She made a scoffing sound. “That’s kind of personal. Do you want my address, social security, blood type? Why do you need to know? Planning on stalking me later?”

“Sorry. I wasn’t trying to pry.” That was a total lie. “I’m just still in a dorm because of my little brother. I don’t know many seniors that haven’t moved out by now. I dream of the day I can live somewhere that I don’t have to hear someone else snoring. The fact he’s a horrible slob doesn’t help anything. I grew up with him and he used to be just as tidy as me. He’s become his own version of Oscar the Grouch. It’s disgusting.”

“Your brother goes here too?”

“Yeah. I feel responsible for him. He’s kinda distracted right now. My mom, hell, my whole family would have my hide if someone didn’t keep track of him. I’ve gotten used to the dorm, I may even stick around when I start law school next year.”

“Eesh, a lawyer. That’s the creepiest profession. Well, besides taxidermy.”

“Ouch, creepiest? Really?” Rain was trying to keep the conversation going, as well as trying to stay casual and was feeling quite proud of himself so far.

“I mean—an ambulance chaser? How can you live with yourself? Bad suits and getting criminals off on crimes they should be locked up forever for?”

Quinn had leaned back so she was sitting on just the edge of her desk. Rain took that as a relaxed pose and stayed where he was, not wanting to press his luck. He was as close as he was going to get to her right now. It wasn’t close enough; still, he could almost feel the heat of her skin.

“Sorry to disappoint, but environmental law is going to be my focus. I won’t lie and say that I’m not interested in at least dabbling in criminal law. But I’ve always planned on being a lawyer to help out my family’s business. We have a need for pretty much every profession to keep things running smoothly. We don’t currently have an attorney that is a family member. I’ll be the first. I plan to move back home and do my part. Our parents are always trying to convince us to stay close and take over the reins of the businesses.”

Quinn gave him a studied look. “Mama’s boy?” she said with a grin.

Rain laughed, “No. Although my mom is just about the most awesome person I know. I’ve never been one to wander far. I like my family too much to be too far away from them.”

Her smile wavered a little. “I guess some people get more homesick than others.”

“You’re not lonely here?” he asked.

“Nah, I kind of think of this as home now. I have some friends, my roommate. I guess that’s enough.”

Rain didn’t think that was enough at all, but he didn’t want to say anything that might insult her, or make her uncomfortable.

He’d hoped that talking about family would be some common ground to start from but she didn’t seem to feel the same.

“I love my family, but I love where we live even more. I’m a happy tree hugger, even though we cut them down for a living. I’m never more relaxed than when I’m out in nature. Even though I miss them, it’s been nice to be away too. It’s nice to get out on your own, be your own person.” It was a lame attempt to negate the uncomfortable feeling that settled between them.

Her eyebrows rose up. “How does that work? Cutting down trees but loving them? Seems to me that would clash. Either you love the environment or you’re trying to destroy it. You don’t care about the bunnies and deer?”

“I’m sure there are plenty around here that would agree with you, but it’s not that simple. No trees means no paper,” he said holding up the syllabus that had been handed out. “No buildings, no desks, so many things rely on wood. My family cuts down trees and replants more than we take. We manage our forests, the rivers, and streams. We consider ourselves guardians of Mother Nature. She gives, but we give back more. We’ve been doing it for generations and I’ll be proud to carry on that legacy. Besides, the bunnies and deer are smarter than most people they figure things out on their own.”

Quinn cocked her head at him. “You’re a real do-gooder aren’t you?”

“I’m not sure about that. I try to do the right thing. I treat people fairly; I work on my flaws, and hope that someday I’ll make my family and my future partner proud of me.”

“Future partner? Are you gay?” She’d blurted it out and it clearly wasn’t a well thought out question. Her expression even showed her own shock at what she said.

Rain gave a jolt. “That’s a personal question. I only asked if you were still in the dorms and you jumped to conclusions. Now you want to know where I put my cock?” He saw her flinch at that word and realized it might be too abrasive.

“First, eww. Second, sorry that was rude. You just said partner and that’s where my brain jumped. I’m looking for a no-strings male to hang with. I want someone to go to the movies with someone that won’t complain that they are off butter, or salt, or air.”

“Get a lot of that do you? You’re friends sound a little high maintenance.”

“I wouldn’t call them friends. I’m really good at making acquaintances. I tried to have friends, or I used to. But I guess I’m just better off alone. I’m pushy, I like what I like, and I’m terrible at sharing. Most friends tire of me before long. And I’m not saying that in a woe is me kind of way. Believe me, I’d get tired of myself too,” she said with a self-deprecating laugh.

“I’m thinking you just haven’t met the right friend yet. Someone tall, handsome, incredibly patient, and happy to let you be you.”

She gave him a surprised look and then looked away uncomfortably. Clearing her throat she asked, “You’re not intolerant of any food groups are you? I really try to be sensitive, but I get sick of sitting in committee meetings discussing gluten-free donuts versus no donuts at all. Let the donuts be! Free the donut!” She raised her hand in the air in a militant pose.

Rain enjoyed her enthusiasm. She was funny, smart, and even more beautiful close up. She also seemed to be a little broken, but strong because of it. Add to that the fact that she liked donuts, and he was sure that there were more things to love about her.

“I have zero food issues unless you count the need for a ridiculous amount of fake butter on my popcorn at the movies. And I have to have Red Vines. I replace the straw in my drink with them and some people think it’s gross.”

“I have never heard of that before. It’s genius! You almost have a Cherry Coke that way.”

“Yup, my sister-in-law showed me that trick. Changed my life.”

Quinn tilted her head to the side. “You must live a very quiet life, Rain.”

He didn’t deny it. “I have up to this point. I never was one that needed to be constantly entertained or seek out a new adrenaline rush. I think waking up every morning, being able to step outside and fill my lungs with air, is pretty damn exciting. I may be letting my generation down. I just don’t see the point in trying to impress anyone.”

“So if you aren’t a thrill seeker. What do you like to do?”

Rain stepped over to an empty desk and sat down. Her continued questions didn’t show an end to their conversation and if he sat, he hoped it would keep her talking.

“I like being in the woods. Seattle is fine, but I belong in the forest. Near the ocean and the mountains is the best. I spend time with my new niece and nephew when I’m home. Oddly, I even enjoy spending time in the offices of the businesses and reorganizing them so that my uncles can’t find anything.” The thought made him grin. It wasn’t uncommon for him to get phone calls or emails full of cursing because someone couldn’t find something. His cousins would get in on it too, but they ran things more nowadays anyway.

“You like kids? Do you have any?”

“No, I don’t have any, do you?”

“No, I managed to avoid that little epidemic in my high school.”

“I do like kids, at least the ones related to me. My brother had twins last year. A boy and a girl.”

“Your brother had twins? I must have missed that medical breakthrough on the news,” she said sarcastically.

“You know what I mean.”

“That men think they are crucial in giving birth when historically they were never even allowed anywhere near the process?”

“Well, my brother and my cousin, the doctor, sat back while my mom, my sister, and a few other key women in the family helped his partner give birth at home. Having twins at home is a long process that she says she wouldn’t have been able to do without the support and love of my brother. So in the right circumstances, yes, I think men can be crucial in the process. I think most men have been told they don’t have a place in the birthing process and that they aren’t necessary, so they’ve lost the confidence to support their women when it comes to birth and childcare.”

She was quiet as she watched him. “I really don’t want to like you, but I’m enjoying our conversation.”

“Why don’t you want to like me?”

“Because you’re a man taking a woman’s class. You’re handsome and I’m sure you know it, and have used it to your advantage. You like mansplaining things to people, and worse, you don’t even know you’re doing it. Still, you can hold a conversation and I find that almost a rarity around here.”

“I certainly don’t think I’m mansplaining anything. I’m just giving you my opinion on the subject. I’m sorry if it differs from yours. I have utmost respect for women. I think if fewer people considered this a woman’s class, more men would be comfortable taking it.”