I may not know how to take his lame jokes, but it’s ridiculously funny to watch Freak attempt to adjust himself in the hard desk chair that is standard in every student’s dormitory room.
“You having some trouble there?” I tease.
He tries spreading his muscular thighs apart to fit underneath the desktop. He practically lifts the thing in the air with his knees.
“It would be easier if I sat on the bed with you,” he finally says, pushing himself away from the desk.
I don’t know what comes over me, but I suddenly break out into a fit of laughter. It’s rude and totally not like me, but something about this guy makes me feel a little unlike myself.
“Are you laughing at me?” he asks, and I’m not sure if he’s amused or angry.
“I’m sorry,” I chuckle. “But it’s funny that you even thought you could fit your body underneath there.”
“You told me to sit here.”
“I know, but I didn’t realize you couldn’t fit. Don’t you have the same desk in your room?”
“No,” he says directly. “Athletes get better furniture, better food, better everything.”
He emphasizes the word everything heavily to prove some sort of point. I get it. He’s important here. He’s spoiled. Most college athletes are.
“Too bad athletes don’t get better grades,” I quip back.
“I take it back. You are good at this joke thing.” He grins. “Aaron will like you.”
I’m hopeful after Freak’s observation. Is it possible that Aaron could like someone like me? I know I’m attractive. It’s not like guys don’t hit on me from time to time, but I’m kind of intense and can be off-putting. I’m sure that I haven’t had a serious relationship with anyone because I scare most guys away.
“Now move over,” he demands. “I’m sitting on the bed with you.”
“We’re going to have to have a discussion about respecting other people’s personal boundaries.”
“Well, I’m not sitting at this miniature sized desk for an hour. It’s impossible. I’ll never be able to focus.”
“Come on,” I tell him. “The study suites downstairs are way more comfortable. The chairs are bigger.”
“No,” he sighs. “Sit back down. I’ll make the desk in here work.”
“You really don’t want anyone to see us studying, do you? What are you afraid of?”
I know what he said earlier, but some of my insecurities are pushing forward. I didn’t think about it until this very moment, but someone like Freak probably has a different girl in his bed every night. Being seen with me might not fit his image.
“I’m not afraid of anything.”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“No.”
I can tell by his expression that I’ve caught him off guard with my question.
“Do you have someone on campus who thinks she’s your girlfriend?”
“That’s funny, but the answer is still no. I don’t have a girl. I’m not hiding from anyone. I don’t play games with women. It’s just-“
“Just what?”
“I’ve always had trouble focusing on homework ever since I can remember. The library is too packed, the study suites are not private enough, and my dorm room is like a revolving door. No one gives me any peace there.”
His answer surprises me. I never considered how outside distractions might severely affect his ability to complete his assignments. I still need him to stay at the desk, though. Us sitting on the bed together might confuse my brain, which only needs to obsess over one man and that’s Aaron.
