I sigh. “Hi. What are you up to?”
“Just getting ready to order a ribeye steak.”
I frown. “But this is the line for coffee…”
His smile widens. “I’m joking, Poppy.”
“Oh. Right.” I let out an embarrassed laugh. Thinking about Brody really threw me off.
I clear my throat and cross my arms over my chest. “How are things going with the essay? Have you been following the outline I helped you make the other day?”
“Yeah, it’s been awesome. You were really helpful. Thanks again.”
I flash a genuine smile, heartened at his praise and glad that he’s having a better time completing this assignment.
We move up to the register, and Nick gestures for me to order.
“It’s okay, I can pay for my own coffee.”
“I know you can. I want to pay for yours.”
I quirk an eyebrow at him. “Is buying me coffee your way of trying to bribe me into tutoring you again?”
He lets out an easy chuckle. “Nope. I just wanna be a gentleman and treat you to a coffee.”
I bite back a smile and tell myself not to get too giddy. He’s just being his normal suave self.
I tell the barista my order. Nick orders a cold brew, then hands over his credit card.
We step over to the other end of the counter and wait for our drinks.
“Thank you for the coffee,” I say.
“My pleasure.”
While we wait, I notice a handful of female students gaze longingly at Nick. Can’t say that I blame them. As cocky and smug as he is, he’s also undeniably handsome, especially the way he looks right now.
He’s wearing a hoodie and joggers that do little to disguise how ripped his shoulders, back, biceps, and quads are. And he’s wearing a Hollis U hockey team baseball cap backwards, his dark hair sticking out the sides. He looks like every college girl’s fantasy come true.
He reaches up an arm and stretches, offering a peek of his ab muscles and the trail of dark hair disappearing underneath his waistband. I swallow hard. I feel so mismatched standing next to him. At five-foot-five, I barely reach his shoulder. He clears six feet by a handful of inches.
He yawns, seemingly oblivious to all the stares he’s getting.
My phone buzzes. When I see another text from Brody, I exhale sharply. I read it.
I’m serious, Poppy. I need to talk to you. There are some things I need to say to you clear the air between us.
A spark of hope ignites inside of me. I don’t want to get back together with Brody. What Idowant is the apology I deserve from him. I want him to say sorry for shattering my heart. For going behind my back and sending endless sexy texts and photos to other women. For taking my virginity. For lying to me. For using me.
Maybe his conscience finally caught up to him.
“Everything okay?” Nick asks.
“Yeah, it’s fine. It’s just…my ex keeps texting me.”
When I look up at Nick, his smile is long gone. His brow is furrowed in concern.
“Why?” he asks.
