He shoved his hands into his pockets. "What do you have going on for the rest of the day?"
I could tell he was trying to change the topic and get the focus off him, so I let him.
"I have two classes this morning, and then I'm meeting Rush this afternoon to do the school paper interview with him."
His brows rose. "You're finally interviewing him, huh?"
"Yep."
"Want me to tag along and defend your honor?"
I gave him an exasperated look. "Weren't you just telling me to sow my wild oats?"
"Yeah, but not with Monroe."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "And why not?"
"Because he's a football player," he said like it was obvious.
"And what's wrong with me spending my time with a football player?" I asked.
"They're jerks who are only after one thing."
Looking at him skeptically I said, "You do realize you're a football player?"
"Exactly."
I shook my head at him and rolled my eyes. "Wilder's a football player, and he isn't a jerk. He's also madly in love with my best friend and not interested in sleeping with the entire female population of Waterford."
"True," he agreed. "But Wilder's different. He's never been a jerk and has always been a one-woman kind of guy. I tried to turn him into me last year, but it didn't last very long. Olivia batted those long, dark eyelashes at him, and he was a goner."
I crossed my arms against my chest. "Olivia did no such thing. I was the one who talked her into continuing to tutor him. She wanted nothing to do with Wilder."
"But when there’s one girl who wants nothing to do with you and you’re used to them clamoring to have your attention, it makes for an intriguing situation."
"Whatever." Talking to Slate about relationships and commitment was pointless. "You're going to make me late for class."
"If I had a dollar for every time I heard a woman tell me that, I'd be a rich man," he said, his gaze looking out in the distance.
"Goodbye, Slate," I said and continued walking toward my class.
"Wait," he called, hurrying to catch up to me. "In all seriousness, if you need a buffer with Rush today, I'd be happy to inconspicuously be in the area at the same time. I know things between you two are... strained."
Strained. That was one way of putting it. I appreciated his concern for me, but like I'd said before, it was just an interview, nothing more.
"Thanks, Slate, but I'll be fine," I assured him. "I'll ask him the same questions I asked everyone else, and it will be over before I know it."
Maybe if I said it a few more times, it would be true. Rush had the ability to make all my well thought out plans disappear. My determination was no match for his dark brown eyes and chiseled jaw.
"Well, the offer still stands if you need it."
"Thank you."
"I'll see you tomorrow at game night?" he asked as he walked backwards away from me.
Olivia had had the bright idea of starting a game night to do something different than parties, going to the Wolf's Den, and football games. Basically, she wanted some kind of intellectual hang out time. I think everyone had been fine with our repeated activities, but Wilder loved making Olivia happy and nobody wanted to make Wilder unhappy, so he made sure there were always plenty of people there.
It always ends up being a good time, but this would be my first time going without a boyfriend. It had been nice to have Mick there by my side, to be my partner if needed, to strategize with, and to put a barrier between Rush and me. Now I'd be going on my own.
