I could feel Preston’s eyes burn along my back as I turned and started for the tunnel.
The guys had begged me to join when they celebrated tonight, and I was glad that I already declined. I didn’t feel like celebrating. My comfort would be in my room, writing an essay about the infrastructure of the rotator cuff, pretending I wasn’t completely jealous over Preston Rusk.
An hour later, my phone buzzed on the nightstand next to my bed. I had all eight pillows wedged behind me, propping me up so I could see my laptop.
I reached across, swiping the screen, expecting it to be Landry, when my stomach dipped.
Preston: Heard you weren’t celebrating tonight. Thought you’d be here.
Trinity: Not tonight. I’m surprised you’re not “catching up” with the supermodel.
Preston: I haven’t“caught up” with Sierra in a very long time.
Trinity: Whatever you say.
The bubbles appeared, then disappeared. I bit my lip, wondering if the flippant response was what triggered the silence.
Fifteen minutes later, my phone buzzed again.
Preston: When there’s a knock at your door, answer it.
I frowned down at the phone, just as a knock sounded across the room. Slipping from the bed, I padded across the carpet, my heart thumping as I flipped the latch, then slowly pulled open the door. I smelled it before I saw it. A teenage boy stood at the door, a pizza box in his hand.
“Trinity Maxwell?” he asked.
I nodded. “That’s me.”
“Here you go.” He shoved the box in my direction. “It’s already been paid for. Have a good night.”
Stepping back into my room, I let the door shut as the smell of pepperoni pizza wafted through the air. I placed the box on the desk, smiling to myself as I picked up my phone.
Trinity: Weirdest thing just happened. Some kid dropped off a pizza at my door. Said it was paid for.
Preston: You can just say thank you.
Trinity: You didn’t have to do that.
My heart fluttered as I recalled our phone conversation.He remembered that pizza was my favorite.
Preston: You didn’t eat dinner and I was told you were working on a paper. You need fuel.
Trinity: Careful, Coach. You sound worried about me.
Preston: Would it be a crime if I were?
Trinity: According to Canyon University, yes.
Preston: And according to you?
These lines just kept blurring.
Trinity: Thank you for the pizza. Good night.
Preston: You’re welcome. Don’t work too hard.
After that conversation, I couldn’t even focus to finish my paper. So I enjoyed my pizza, then let the exhaustion take over, hoping I didn’t dream of the man I shouldn’t want.
25
