He looked up, meeting my eyes. “You were awfully quick to let him know that we aren’t a couple.”
“Well, we’re not. I’m your tutor; you’re my student,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“Right.” He took a slow sip of the wine.
“We’re just friends,” I added, trying to hide the hesitation in my voice.
“Of course. Just friends.” He smiled.
I started to fiddle with my own wine glass. “Do you not think we’re friends?”
He shook his head. “No, we are. I enjoy hanging out with you. You’re a great tutor and a good friend.”
It was hard not to feel like there wasn’t more that he wanted to say. But instead of pressing him, I decided to take him at his word. After all, he was agreeing with me, so shouldn’t that be enough?
Oliver cleared his throat. “Since we’re both in town for spring break, could we get some extra studying in?” he asked.
“Sure, just text me and let me know when you’d like to get together.”
“Your tiramisu, sir.” I could have kissed the server for interrupting what had become a decidedly awkward conversation as he set the plate of dessert in front of Oliver.
“Thank you.” Oliver smiled at the man before turning back to me. “Adelaide, you have to try this, it’s amazing. Not too sweet.”
I laughed. “I don’t know if I have any room left!”
“Just one bite, I promise you won’t regret it.”
“Okay, fine.” I reached down for a fork, forgetting that the staff had already cleared the dirty dishes from my side.
“Here.” Oliver cut a bite of the tiramisu with his fork, holding it out to me.
I looked into his steel-gray eyes. They reminded me of storm clouds, the kind you love to see on a hot summer day. Looking into his eyes was like getting caught in a summer storm; you knew you shouldn’t be out in the lightning but loved the way it made your body feel. Electric.
“It’s just a small, friendly bite.” He winked.
Yeah, this was anything but just friendly.
Oliver and I spent at least an hour studying together every day that week. We switched off between his flat and the library’s study room since the campus was mostly empty. He convinced me to go to another trivia night with his friends, and once again, we walked away with first place.
Seeing him around his friends again reminded me of how much more down to Earth he was than I had previously believed.
Now, on the final night of break, I was a little sad to see it end. I had planned on laying low and living on tea and takeout, but Oliver had turned the week into something truly enjoyable.
I knocked on his front door and was met with the aroma of an array of foods as he swung the door open.
“Hi.” He grinned at me. “Come on in.”
As we entered the kitchen, I scanned the food containers arranged on the counter. In the living room, the TV was on and paused.
I glanced at Oliver, my face flushing. “Did I get the time wrong? Am I interrupting a date or something?”
“What? No! I thought since we’ve studied hard all week, we could have a relaxing night in.”
“Oh. Okay,” I answered.
He chuckled. “Just friends, remember? Nothing crazy going on here.”
I rolled my eyes as he took my bag from me. He continued, “I wasn’t sure what your favorite takeout was, so I ordered a little bit of everything. There’s fried rice and stir fry, street tacos with chips and salsa, pizza, and gyro bowls are there at the end.”
