Self

Chapter 68

“Which university are you aiming for?”

“Bellmere University.

“And the major?”

“Bioinformatics.”

Shane perked up. “That’s the mix of biology, math, and computer science, right?”

For the first time, Yara looked him straight in the eye, a touch of surprise in her voice. “You’re familiar with it?”

“I’ve dabbled in a few classes, but I’m no expert. I’ve always been curious about what sets applied life sciences, bioinformatics, and biology apart.”

Yara got serious momentarily. “Applied life sciences is all about how we use biological molecules in fields like anthropology, chemistry, biology, and physics.

“Biology? That’s the big picture stuff–the study of living things and what they’re all about.

“And bioinformatics is like the technical cousin. It’s all about crunching the huge amount of data biology with computers, using math, information science, stats, and computer science.”

Shane paused to think. “So, if I got this right, biology is the whole overarching major, applied life sciences is the hands–on part, and bioinformatics is where you get your geek on with computers to solve biological puzzles?”

Yara gave him a look of newfound respect. “Yeah. You’re right.”

“Is that so?” Shane’s grin spread across his face, eyes twinkling with delight. “Props to your explanation, then. I’m just the guy who put it in plain English?”

Yara took a fresh look at the guy across from her.

She remembered Shane as the life of the party, always at restaurants, bars, or clubs–the quintessential party animal. Who knew he had a knack for biology?

ist went to show looks could be deceiving.

It just

She had been with Yale for six years, and he barely knew what she studied, much less chatted about anything work–related.

Their time was mostly spent hanging out with his buddies at bars or tangled up on the massive bed in his villa’s bedroom.

So, hearing Shane toss around terms from her field was a pleasant shock to Yara.

Zachary, sitting next to her, was lost. The jargon flying around the table was like a foreign language, and his brain felt like it was about to burst.

Somehow, he managed to survive the meal and bolted to pay the bill the moment they finished.

Shane watched him dash off, a sly smile playing on his lips. He turned to Yara, whose eyes sparkled in the dim light, and his gaze lingered, growing more intense.

While chatting, Shane checked his phone. “Zachary texted. Something’s come up, and he’s asked me to give you a lift home.”

Yara glanced at her watch, noting the late hour. “That’s okay. I can just grab a cab.”

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“How can I, as a gentleman, let a lady head home alone after dinner? Plus, Zachary’s given me this mission to give you a lift home, and I intend to see it through.”

Yara bit her lip slightly. “Well, then, I appreciate it.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

Exiting the restaurant, Shane smoothly took her gloves and opened the car door for her with a flourish. After you.”

The guy was a true gentleman.

“Thanks.”

The drive was quiet, lasting 20 minutes, with hardly a word exchanged.

Shane’s driving was so smooth that Yara was drawn to the world outside the window–the retreating streets, snow–dusted trees, and stark branches, all under a crisp, biting wind…

Shane’s hands were steady on the wheel, his eyes occasionally stealing glances at the woman beside him.

She was quiet, her pale complexion giving her an air of tranquility.

Just sitting there, she seemed to radiate a subtle, bookish charm.

Her nose was perfectly sculpted, her lips a soft red, her eyelashes fluttering like delicate fans… Absorbed in the passing view, she looked innocently endearing without even trying.

She used to sport fancy curls that did not quite fit her–pretty, sure, but lacking uniqueness.

Then, her hair fell straight and simple, effortlessly tucked under her scarf, and she was breathtaking.

A quick grin flashed in Shane’s eyes before it disappeared. He held the steering wheel steady, eyes locked on the road ahead, the picture of focus.