“Hell to the no. I still smell like soap,” I said but didn't really mean it. I would do anything he asked at the stadium because I freaking loved it. “How do you plan on helping me if I decide to take your offer?”
“I know you have a presentation you’ll have to do. You’ll need a real life example to use as your resource, and if you have Thomas as your professor, I may have old notes.”
I eyed him. I did have Thomas and would love help, but my pride didn’t want me to accept it. I wanted to do it myself. “How about we see what happens? I have this whole pride issue going on. I’m working through it, but if it gets real hard, I’ll ask.”
“I expect nothing less from you,” he said, his eyes soft again. “Do you mind if I work here with you?”
I bit back a grin at his expression. He looked so unsure. For somebody with his confidence, looks, skills, and attitude, the vulnerable look did him wonders. “Sure, boss. But, I will physically harm you if you interrupt me once I get into the zone.”
“I’ll do my best.” His mouth curved into a panty dropping smile. “You are kind of a dork.”
“I came to terms with that years ago.” I held up my hand with my fingers split into two, giving the live long and prosper sign from Star Trek. “Loud and proud, baby.”
He chuckled, pulling out papers from his folder. I followed his lead and dove back into one of the books. Despite his proximity, my racing heart, and exhaustion, I completed two brutal chapters from the book without acknowledging Brock sitting across from me. My colored highlighters sat aligned by rainbow order because how else would anyone organize their highlighters? It made the most sense.
My coffee turned cold, my nose scrunching when I took a sip. I took the time to study Brock, his attention entirely on his laptop. His brown hair curled up at the end, one curl falling onto his forehead. I had the urge to pull it or name it. I did neither and continued the perusal of him. His teeth poked out, lightly biting his bottom lip as his long fingers flew across the keyboard. He made the simplest tasks look good.
“Are you done studying me, Grace?” he asked, not looking up from the computer.
I blushed, thinking of the first thing I could use as an excuse. “You have a booger.”
His gaze shot to me, widening in disbelief. “Really?” He scratched his nose, his fingers attempting to clear something that wasn’t there. “Did I get it?”
“Yup,” I lied. I lied so hard, embarrassed at something so stupid. I looked down at my notes and sighed. It was nine, the need to sleep hitting me hard. I yawned then caught Brock staring at me. “Do I have one, too?”
“Nope.”
“Thank God,” I said and began putting my stuff away and stood up. “I should head back. I’m exhausted.”
“Yeah, me too.” We packed out stuff in silence, the peace between us comforting.
“Did you walk here?” His low voice came from right behind me, his chest almost touching my back as we headed out of the place.
“Yeah. My class is just a block away or so.” I frowned, knowing it was semi-late to walk back to my apartment, but the path I would take was well-lit. “It’s a beautiful night.”
“Come on, I’ll drive you back.” He walked to his car without waiting for my response. I couldn’t decide if it was presumptuous, bossy, or kind. Maybe it was a little of all three. “Grace, get in the car.”
I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Sure, boss man.” I walked toward the car and bit the inside of my cheek to prevent a smile. He opened the passenger door of his Jeep, jutting his strong chin at me to hop in. I took a deep breath once inside. It smelled like him—masculine, tough, clean, and if bossy had a smell, it was him.
“Thank you for not fighting me on this. I feel better knowing you won’t walk home.” His large body took up almost the whole front of the jeep. His arm grazed against mine as he started the car. We drove in silence, not an uncomfortable one either. It let me relax and enjoy the cool air. It wasn’t more than a couple minutes before he pulled onto my street.
I went to grab the door handle when his hand reached out, stopping me. I sucked in a breath, turning to look at him. His face went from laughing seconds earlier to serious. Ah, shit. Another mood swing. My brows came down. “What is it?”
“I don’t want you to take this the wrong way.”
“A really great way to begin any sentence,” I said, preparing myself for the worst.
His frown deepened with two dimples popping on the sides of his face. He opened his mouth, releasing a breath before closing it.
My nerves doubled.
“I still don’t feel right about what you overheard last weekend. I’m not a great liar, but more, I want you to understand why I said those things.” He looked like he would rather eat dirt after fertilizing it, but I waited him out. “Shit. I’m bad at this. Okay. This doesn’t mean anything, okay? I need to make sure you know that.”
“Okay?” I said more as a question. “You’re freaking me out, by the way.”
“I don’t mean to. Look, Grace. I said that shit to the guys because if I showed even an inkling of interest in you, they would make our lives hell. So, I lied.”
My lady parts woke up ready to party all night. Did he say he was interested in me? Did I hear that correctly? No way. I tilted my head, my lips pressing down hard. “You lied about what?”
