“Wow,” he says breathlessly. “You just… wow.”
I chuckle, fanning myself. “Still counting?”
He shakes his head, still trying to catch his breath. “You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to my next reward.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“Definitely.” His eyes light up with devilry, and a laugh bursts from me, the rush of adrenaline only adding to the chemistry sizzling between us.
“What if I’m out of tricks?” I feign innocence, leaning back slightly, reveling in the way his gaze darkens with desire.
“Then I guess I’ll just have to be more creative,” he replies, his voice thick with desire. He shifts closer, brushing his fingers along my thigh, and I can feel the craving build again.
“Creative, huh?” I raise an eyebrow, my heart racing at the thought. “Like what?”
“Let’s just say I have a few ideas that might keep you on your toes.” He leans in, finding my lips again, this kiss slow and deliberate.
As we melt into each other, I feel my skin against his, how familiar it is—this connection is more than just physical. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once, but right now, I choose to focus on the thrill of the unknown, on feeling a piece of myself come back.
Chapter 24
Jared
I spot Alli buried in a sea of textbooks, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Even from here, I swear I can catch the faint trace of her perfume.
I lean over from behind, resting my hands on the desk around her. “You know, for someone who’s studying so hard, you look a lot like you’re trying to solve world hunger.”
She looks up, a mix of annoyance and amusement flashing across her face. “Thanks, Jared. I’ll be sure to add ‘World Hunger Solver’ to my resume.”
I chuckle, pulling out a chair and plopping down across from her. “Work hard, study hard.”
Alli rolls her eyes, but I catch the ghost of a smile on her rosy lips. “I really want to get an A on this paper, so it’s important to me to get that. I’d invite you to help me, but I feel like you have a motive as to why you’re here.”
“Guilty as charged,” I say with a mock serious expression. “I wanted to see you.”
“Uh huh,” she replies, raising an eyebrow as she leans back in her chair. “I’m sure you just happened to stroll in here with absolutely no plan at all.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Okay, you caught me. I may have heard a rumor that the library is the best place to find beautiful girls studying diligently.” I lean in closer. “What do you think? Am I right?”
She shakes her head, that gorgeous smile breaking free. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Jared. Just because you’re the star of the football team doesn’t mean I’m going to give you a free pass to my study session.”
“Come on, I’m practically a straight A student in charm.” I smirk, tossing an imaginary lock of hair. “Besides, I might have some pretty good study tips. Like how to keep your mind sharp with snacks.”
“All you think about is food,” she retorts, crossing her arms but laughing. “What is it? ‘Eat a granola bar and you’ll ace your midterms’?”
“Exactly! And my secret? Pizza is a major brain booster,” I say, stretching my legs out and resting an arm along the back of my chair. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to fuel their genius with carbs?”
You’re impossible. But I’ll admit, that’s actually pretty tempting.”
“Don’t forget Serena and Tyler are visiting tonight,” I add, hoping to sound casual, even though I know it’ll stir up unknown emotions for Alli.
“Right, I forgot that’s today.”
“Worried?”
“A little bit? I mean, I don’t think I can handle seeing Serena and keeping a straight face when I’ve been lying to her.” She shifts uncomfortably, like the thought of keeping up the lie is physically weighing her down.
Reaching across the table, I gently take her hand in mine, squeezing it lightly. “Hey,” I say, my voice gentle in hopes to reassure her. “It’ll only be for a few hours. If you’re feelinguncomfortable, we can leave whenever you want. You don’t have to go through this if it’s too much.”
