We have been at it for hours.
My eyes are starting to strain.Reading and staring at a computer screen is second nature to me.Fighting off a yawn, I shift back in my seat, running my fingers through my long strands.
‘I think this is the longest I’ve sat still since I was about five years old,’ Zayden comments, interlocking his fingers behind his head and reclining back in the chair.The sound of his back cracking makes me wince.
‘We’ve made a lot of progress.I’m very impressed.’
‘Thank you,’ he murmurs, beaming at the praise.‘It isn’t easyfor me to sit down like this and focus.Maybe I should have hired a hot tutor a long time ago.’
Heat rushes up my neck.The casual way he says these kinds of things sends me reeling.I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to his confidence, but I like that about him.I wish I had the courage to say what I was thinking whenever I felt it.
‘How are you feeling?’I ask.
‘Pretty good.This is the most organised and prepared I’ve felt for ages.For once I feel like I know what this damn assessment is actually about.’
‘Well.Knowing that is generally a good place to start.’I smile.‘I’m glad you feel like you’re comprehending it a bit more.’
Zayden’s been doing most of the hard work, all I’ve had to do is translate what’s being asked of him in a way that he understands, and then he has no problem conducting research and writing his findings.Other than a few spelling mistakes and grammar issues, it’s overall very decent work.He certainly gives himself a harder time than necessary when it comes to these things, but I’m not one to talk, since I’m guilty of the same thing.We are our own harshest critics.
‘Break?’he suggests, looking hopeful.We did go for a walk earlier after about two hours but since then, we haven’t so much as stopped for a bathroom break.
‘Absolutely.Well deserved.’
‘Let’s go get some food.’
‘Sounds good.’
Getting to my feet, I stretch my arms over my head.My shirt rides up and Zayden’s eyes dart to the slither of skin revealed.I quickly drop my arms, hating how that is my automatic reaction.
We step out onto the driveway.
‘Bike?’he suggests, wiggling his eyebrows.
I turn my eyes upwards at the dark sky overhead.‘It looks like it’s going to storm.’
‘Excuses,’ he mutters, shaking his head, a playful smirk on his face.
‘Next time.’I grin.
He points a finger at me.‘I’m holding you to that.’
We pull up to a burger place that Zayden mentions he wants to show me.The restaurant is quiet inside when we arrive and make our way to a booth at the back.The latest chart-topping pop music drifts out of the speakers.The waitress is over at our table almost instantly and Zayden orders for the both of us, assuring me that he ordered me the best burger on the menu.
‘The best?’I repeat, leaning forward onto my elbow.
‘Mmhmm.I’ve taste-tested every single one, so I’d know.’
‘I see.A real expert, you might say.’
‘That’s right.’
She reappears with our drinks and I take a long gulp of the liquid, enjoying the coolness on my throat.I feel like I’m tired from today, despite not having done much physically.
‘I have to ask you something,’ Zayden confesses, shifting the glass in a circle with his thumb and forefinger.
‘I’m nervous now …’ I trail off, narrowing my eyes.‘What is it?’
‘You mentioned that you’d never had an orgasm before.’
