“About to get really good, once you tell me what you’re wearing.” I laugh. There’s nothing sexy about my leggings and oversized sweater.
“Oh, you know, the usual college attire. See-through lace, a thong, and a smile.” My belly tightens at the sound of his low, dominating growl.
“You better fucking not be.”
“What if I told you I have on a baggy sweater and old leggings covering my lace get-up?”
“I would tell you to find a secluded place and video call me so you can show me my beautiful girl.”
I tuck my head down as I make my way across campus, trying to hide the rush of color feathering across my cheeks. This is how it’s been since the night at the club. I love him. So damn much. And tonight, I plan on telling him. I’ve been preparing myself for him not to return the sentiment. I know it’s a lot, but I can’t deny how I feel any longer. Not that he doesn’t know in the way I show him physically.
Do I think he loves me back? The way he shows me? Yes. But we have yet to discuss where we go from here. We’ve agreed we belong to each other, but from there, I’m still in the dark. I’m hoping that things will progress during fall break, and we can come up with a plan to come out. I’m rooting that it’s not the same way my dad and Violet did. More like pizza and trying to keep each of us alive.
At least I know I’ll have Violet on my side. If anyone will understand, it’s her.
“Wish I could, but I have to talk to my physics professor about a paper, then I have to hurry home. I have this controlling man who doesn’t allow for tardiness. If I slip into a room and give you a peepshow, it may put me off course, and I don’t want to be on his bad side. Even though, sometimes, I kind of like it.”
His low moan is so sexy. I love knowing how much I affect him. “I’m hanging up. Get your ass here. I have plans for you tonight. If you’re late, I will make sure you don’t come until morning. And you have no idea what I have in store for you. Don’t. Be. Late.”
Then he hangs up.
Every nerve ending comes alive with anticipation. It’s only been three days since I last saw him, but it feels like an eternity. I can’t wait to be back in his arms. I’ve already lined up my pile of lies to feed my dad and Violet, claiming some fall break job—a nanny position that requires overnights and the weekend. It’s perfect.
I race to the science building to beg and plead with my physics instructor to give me an additional assignment to raise my grade. I’ve missed a few classes and really need the extra credit. Part of our arrangement was that school didn’t become affected. I kept it to myself that I was too tired and sore to attempt to walk to class on some days, so I spent the day recovering in bed. But now, I really need to sweet talk my way into not failing, so my dad doesn’t kill me.
I make it through the doors, up the stairs, and down the hallway. When I open the door to my physics class, I slam into a body.
“Oh shit,” I squeak. “Sorry—” I cut myself off when I realize I’m in Evan’s arms.
“I’m not sorry.” He grins wide, not releasing me. “Were you coming to talk to me? Maybe a last-minute coffee before we leave for break?” I pull away from him, adjusting my sweater that’s fallen down my shoulder, exposing too much of my bra.
“Hey. No, actually, I need to talk to Professor Geller. More like beg him to give me some extra credit. I’m worried I’m gonna fail.”
“Yeah, it helps to show up to class.” He eyes me playfully, pointing out my absences.
“Yeah, I’ve just been overwhelmed. Definitely need to re-evaluate my schedule for next semester. No more early classes,” I laugh. I’ve run into Evan here and there, and he never misses the opportunity to ask me out. I feel terrible for making excuses each time, and I don’t know why I just don’t come out and tell him I’m not interested. He’s super nice and has offered to send me his notes for every class I missed. It makes me feel bad to accept them, knowing I will always reject his advances.
“So, want me to wait? We can grab a coffee? You can tell me about your break plans. And maybe I can help you with some physics.” He wiggles his brows, and guilt washes over me as I conjure up another excuse.
“Sorry, I totally would, but I’m on a time schedule. I really need to get home. My dad has this big thing planned, and we have to leave so we don’t hit traffic.”
As always, he hides his disappointment with a half-smile, then shrugs and steps back. “No worries. Next time. Have a great break. Hey, why don’t I get your number? For real, I’d love to help you with physics. No pressure or strings attached. This is my second round. I should know it pretty well by now.”
I hesitate at first but figure there’s no harm. It’s for platonic reasons, and I may actually need his help.
“Yeah, sure,” I agree, and we swap numbers. He gives me a hug goodbye that lasts longer than necessary, and we go our separate ways. After speaking with Professor Gellar, he throws me a bone and assigns me extra work. I scan my phone for the time and realize I’m twenty minutes behind schedule.
Shit.
I race back to our dorm, only to find Violet not here. “Oh, come on…” I call her cell, and it rings in our room. She walks in seconds later, wiping at her face. “Hey, what’s wrong? You ready?”
She throws her hair into a ponytail. “Yeah, sorry. My stomach is suddenly upset. That cafeteria breakfast must not be—” She throws her finger up and races back out of the room toward the bathrooms.
Shit. Shit!
I scramble around our room getting all my things together, continuously checking our clock. Every time the minute hand moves, my anxiety kicks up a notch. “Jesus, what’s taking her so long?”
I’m about to grab her out of the bathroom when she returns. “Wow, sorry about that.”
“You’re not pregnant, are you? I swear to God, I’m not ready to call you Mommy yet.”
She slaps me playfully on the shoulder as she walks by. “God, no. You’d make an awful stepdaughter. Honestly, it was just something I ate.”
I give her a quick once over. “Okay. Are you ready? We really need to go.” I don’t explain why I’m in such a hurry, but she thankfully doesn’t pry.
“Yeah, I’m anxious to get home too.”
It’s still strange to hear her say that. Home. Technically it’s my house, but now we live together at school and at home. She’s in a better place with us, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
We get on the road, and I waste no time speeding down the highway. I debate on texting Gabriel that I will be late, but I don’t want Violet to pry.
The ride home is tense. I’m pretty sure Violet is catching on to my frayed nerves, but I keep the music loud so she doesn’t ask any questions. By the time we pull up into my driveway, I’m almost an hour late.
“Yeah…so, hey, just head in. I gotta go run an errand. Tell Dad I’ll be late, ’kay?”
She eyes me suspiciously, confirming what she already knows. There’s something up with me, and the next time we talk, she’s definitely not letting it go.
Without another glance, I take off down my driveway back onto the main road.