Todd’s probably out getting food with Peter right now. Talking. Relaxed. Warm. His hoodie probably still smells faintly like my cologne since he used it this morning.
The thought hits me right in the chest.
My phone buzzes in my hoodie pocket.
For one irrational second I think—the universe wouldn’t be that kind, would it?
I slide it out carefully under the desk.
Todd: Hope you’re paying attention in class.
My face heats instantly. I can’t help the grin that breaks across my face, stupid and wide.
I text back quickly:
Me: Define “paying attention.”
He responds almost immediately.
Todd: If I walk in right now, will you look like a good student or someone thinking about getting naked with me?
I swallow hard. Same difference.
Me: Definitely the second one.
Three dots appear. Stop. Start again.
Professor Hilliard clears his throat sharply at the front of the room, snapping my head up.
Right. Class. Learning. Future. All still important things. I put my phone face-down. Forty minutes left. I’m never going to survive this.
The second Hilliard dismisses us, I’m out of my chair like the room’s on fire.
My notebook is empty. My brain is full. All Todd.
I head toward the parking lot, tugging my hoodie tighter against the cold as fat flakes drift down. I’m halfway to the Jeep when I spot someone leaning against the driver’s side door—Todd. Hands in pockets. Hood up. Smile soft and smug and aimed right at me.
I slow my steps, because apparently I enjoy torturing myself.
“I thought I said,” I call out, “that I wanted you at my apartment.”
He pushes off the Jeep with the toe of his shoe, sauntering toward me like he owns the whole damn lot.
“Yeah,” he says, shrugging lightly. “But if I came here, I’d get to see you faster.”
It hits me dead-center. Warm and stupid and addictive.
I raise a brow. “You’re trouble.”
He grins. “I think we established that fact already.”
I don’t even pretend I’m not staring at his mouth. “Get in the car.”
I open the passenger side door for him, and he grins and moves to get in, but before he climbs in, he leans close and murmurs, “Miss me?”
I shake my head, but I can feel the smile pulling at my lips. “Get in the car, Todd.”
He finally slides into the seat. I take a second to breathe before I walk around to the driver’s side and get in too.
