My eyes widen at the story she creates. I know she wouldn’t lie to Drew normally, but she’s good at playing the part, so he doesn’t get suspicious before I have the chance to tell him.
“Dude…” He looks behind Viola and stares right at me.
“Genuine accident,” I say, knowing he’ll think I’m full of bullshit.
Viola turns to scowl at me, knowing Drew is watching our every move. “Was it a genuine accident when you didn’t tell me until after I brushed my teeth?”
I hear Drew snort behind her, and I can’t help cracking a smile at her performance.
“Sorry, man. Can’t help you out of this one,” he says to me, and then shuts the door, leaving us to rip each other apart, or at least that’s what it looks like. In any other circumstance, it might seem odd to him that Viola’s in my room, but considering her reaction, it just looks typical.
“Great acting. You really should have pursued that theater degree,” I say.
She scoffs. “I’m much better at reading words than reciting them.”
Patting my hand on the bed, I motion for her to come closer. Hesitantly, Viola comes closer and sits on the edge. Her voice drops to a whisper, and she leans into me. “I have to go, but I'll be back tomorrow after my morning class.”
I cup her cheek and brush my lips across hers. “You better.”
After grabbing my bottom lip in her mouth and tugging, she forces herself to stand before I’m able to take it any further.
“So, tomorrow,” I begin, “I’m going to need some help taking a shower.” I lift my eyebrows, hoping she gets the hint.
I know she wants us to work as much as I do, and I’m determined to spend as much time with her as I can. Fuck the rules. I’ve never been one to follow them anyway.
“I’m sure Drew can help,” she teases.
I smile at her sweetly and lift an eyebrow. “Don’t think so, princess.”
She’s contemplating it, and I wish I could read her thoughts right now. When she breaks a small smile, I know she’s on board. “I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“So it’s a date?”
She fights back her laughter. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re beautiful.”
The mood shifts and she stills. Viola searches my face as if she’s memorizing it, and I can’t seem to take my eyes from hers.
“If you’re trying to win me over...”
“I’ve been trying for years,” I say, cutting her off. “Nothing’s going to stop me now.” I wink, knowing it’ll drive her nuts.
“You’re relentless,” she says before flashing a quick smile. After a moment, she glances over at the clock, then back at me. I know it’s time for her to leave, and I’m half tempted to beg her to stay and climb in bed with me. But that’s a horrible idea.
“Good night, Travis,” she says as she walks across the room.
Before turning off the light, Viola turns and smiles at me. The door clicks shut, and as I close my eyes, the only image I can see is her.
The sun peeking through the blinds wakes me up sooner than I’d like. Sleeping in the same position all night sucks ass. My neck is stiff, and my back is tight. With all my strength, I move my legs to the floor and try to stand. Once I’m finally up, I slowly make my way to the bathroom. I didn’t realize something as natural as pissing could be so difficult and painful.
When I step out, I hear music echoing down the hall, and as I walk toward the kitchen, it gets louder. Rounding the corner, I see Viola dancing around the kitchen in a T-shirt that says Dumbledore is my Homeboy on the back. I hold in laughter as I watch her shake her hips and bob her head. She’s holding a bowl and stirring it as she sings along with the music blaring from her phone.
Leaning against the wall, I balance myself while silently watching her. She’s so distracted by what she’s doing, she doesn’t even notice me. This is the Viola I love. The one who’s wild and free, who doesn’t give a shit about anything. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and she’s wearing her black-rimmed glasses.
I clear my throat, letting her know I’m behind her. She goes frigid, and the smile fades from her face. I can see her pulse beating rapidly in her neck.
“I wouldn’t mind waking up to this every day.” I offer a smile, and she blushes.
She swallows hard. We’re alone at last, and she notices it, too.
“I’m baking banana bread. Thought you might be hungry for something besides Jell-O.” She pulls in her bottom lip before releasing it and flashing a small smile.
There’s a shift between us, and I can tell she feels it as well. No longer at each other’s throats, the sexual tension is more intense than ever before.
“Starving,” I reply, gently pushing off the wall and walking toward her.
She licks her lips as she watches my every step. I cup her face and press a soft kiss on her lips. Her breath hitches as she anticipates more, but I don’t give in. “How’d you sleep?”
She blinks. “Uh, fine, but Drew’s bed is way more comfortable than my dorm bed. You?” She turns and shuts off the stove before sliding the pan from the burner.
“Like shit, but at least the pain meds helped knock me out for a few hours.”
She turns and offers a sincere smile. “Well, good thing the only items on your agenda today are to eat and rest.”
“Oh, don’t forget my daily required lap dance.”
She points a finger at me, trying to act strong. “Breaking the rules before breakfast?”
“Rules? What rules?” I tease, knowing it’ll get her riled up and maybe she’ll loosen up a bit.
“You know exactly which rules I’m talking about. The ones we discussed when we had our little chat in your bed yesterday morning.”
“You were in my bed yesterday? We had a discussion?”
“Yes, after you got home from the hospital.” She looks at me, waiting for me to tell her I remember. She sighs. “Quit playing.” Her shoulders tense, and she’s staring intently at me.
“Viola, I’m sorry, but I don’t remember talking to you yesterday morning. I was on a ton of painkillers when I left the hospital. The last thing I remember is Drew waking me up sometime in the afternoon and saying he went grocery shopping.”
She studies me, waiting to see if I’ll crack. “Then why’d you kiss me just now?”
I shrug. “Habit, I guess. Gorgeous girl in my kitchen baking seems like it requires a morning kiss.”
“Are you freaking kidding me right now?” I can see her lips trembling, and I know I’m going straight to hell for this.
“What? Why’d you kiss me back?” I try my damnedest to keep my stance, but the fire brewing in her eyes is just too fucking much. She sees me cracking, my lips fighting the smile that soon appears.
Realization sets in, and soon, she’s pointing a wooden spoon right in front of my face. “I’m going to murder you!” she says between gritted teeth.
I burst out in laughter, taking a step back to avoid her murder weapon.
“You don’t mean that.” I flash her a charming smile, and she glares at me in return.