“How was practice yesterday?” We talked on the phone last night for a few minutes, mostly to say hi, and he asked about my classes.
“Fine, I wish they would tell me if I was actually playing this weekend. I hate not knowing.”
“Where’s the game? Is it here?”
“Yeah, the next three games are at home. You’ll come, right?” Oswald is looking at me with wide, hopeful eyes. I would say yes even if I didn’t want to, but I really want to see him play.
“I would love to. How do I get tickets?”
Oswald’s eyes soften, and he mumbles, “I want to kiss you so badly right now.” His eyes even dip to my mouth. “But that’s not a good idea, because I won’t want to stop.” He’s silent for a breath then adds, “Don’t worry about tickets, you can sit with Memphis and Bates if he can make it.”
My thoughts are split between him wanting to kiss me and him inviting me to sit with his brother. “Are you sure they won’t mind?” What I’m really asking is if he’s sure Memphis won’t mind, but I’m not brave enough to say that. I spent way more time than I should have thinking about his behavior at dinner Monday and after.
“I’m positive. I doubt he’d even let you in the stadium without him.” Oswald chuckles.
I let that conversation die as the seats around us slowly fill in, even though I have questions about his last statement, but I do glance up at the stage to see Memphis. He’s standing next to Hilbrand and peering at something she’s pointing at on the lectern.
His hair looks damp, as if he just got out of the shower, the collar of his white shirt is unbuttoned, and his sleeves are rolled up his forearms. It’s so much easier to examine him when he’s not looking back.
As if he knows I’m studying him, Memphis lifts his eyes, and our gazes connect. I should probably look away, but I don’t, not until the chair next to me snaps down when someone takes the seat.
Her floral perfume fills my nose. It’s nice but a little strong, like she just applied it. I pull my stuff over to make sure she has enough room, and she twists her head to glance at me. I try for a small smile, but it probably comes off as awkward. She resumes pulling out her laptop without acknowledging me.
“Italian for lunch?” Oswald asks, but it’s not really a question.
“Are you already thinking about lunch? Did you eat this morning?”
“Yes and yes.” He nods. Even though I’m looking at Oswald, I can still see when the girl next to me leans forward to get a better look at him.
“Do you want a bar?” I haul my backpack up on my lap and pull out one of the snacks I packed because he’s always hungry.
“Beautiful and carries munchies in her bag.” He snatches the blueberry protein bar from my fingers and smacks a kiss on my lips. “Wait, this wasn’t your breakfast, was it?”
“No, you’re always starving.”
“Aw, Wavy baby, you’re killing me.” Oswald groans sweetly, and my heart flutters into my throat.
“Let’s get started,” Memphis announces, calling the class to attention and hopefully distracting Oswald from seeing my goofy grin.
For the next ninety minutes, I allow myself to watch his every breath and move without worrying about who knows how entranced I am by him. He opens the class up to more discussion and shows excitement when the room engages with him.
I swear he looks directly at me a few times, but I bet half the people in the room feel the exact same way. As he makes his way over to the podium, he makes an announcement. “My office hours will be cut short on Thursday by an hour or so. I will be checking emails but most likely not responding until Friday. If you have an urgent concern, get it to me before then. See you next week.”
“Ready.” Oswald is already on his feet.
I close out my notes app and shut my laptop before sliding it in my bag. When Oswald reaches for it, I intentionally turn so my back is to him. “Nu-uh, you don’t always need to carry my stuff.”
“Are you trying to distract me with your butt?” He sounds slightly outraged, but when I spin to face him to tell him no, he snatches my bag and smirks down at me. “It worked.”
“I was not.” I glance around to see if anyone else heard him.
“I know, and that’s why it’s so adorable. Get moving, Wavy.” He uses his body to urge me forward.
“I can’t go any faster,” I mumble under my breath while tipping my head toward the girl blocking the row. Oswald is so close, I can feel him bump against my body with every movement. My brain must be going a little haywire, because I’m thinking about how much I like it.
“Come on, this way is cleared out,” he says and takes my hand to tow me after him. I give one quick glance down toward Memphis when we’re about to leave the room, but Oswald catches me looking. “Don’t worry, he’s coming.”
“I wasn’t worried.” I sound defensive, making it more obvious I was.
