“Miss Bellamy?” he snaps me out of my pity party.
I look up from my shoes, grinning nervously. “Yes, sir?”
He chuckles, shaking his head. “No, don’t callmesir. I’m Adolf. Just Adolf.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m Blesk. Oh, well, I guess you know that already…”
“Mr Slater has asked that you head up. It is apartment 1002. That is level Ten. Room Two. Here’s a door card for the elevator.”
Though hesitant, I take it. “Thank you.” I look at the plain white card, flipping it over.
I hear Adolf chuckle, probably at me. “He said he would usually come to collect you, Miss Bellamy, but…“ He reaches for an answer. “He can’t this time.”
“That’s fine. I wouldn’t expect him to.” Nodding to myself, I stride past him and head towards the elevators that are flashing with activity at the end of the lobby.
Refusing to analyse how stupid this is, I take one to level ten. When the doors ping open, they reveal a long hallway with deep red carpet. I move quietly, passing various doors until I get to apartment 1002.
I stop and stare at it.
Just knock…
Most people don't need a full internal debate to knock on a door. I’ve been on campus for exactly two days, and in that time, I’ve managed to upset my brother and cause a fight between my brother and his friend, and now I’m stalking my potential tutor. Like some kind of crazy lady in cowboy boots with childish daisies on them.
After a second, I knock softly, hoping that he won’t hear— The door immediately swings open.
Oh God.
He stands there shirtless. He rubs his damp hair with a towel; tiny beads dot his lashes and face. I can smell his shampoo or soap and him, and I— My gaze involuntarily slides down his torso, over sculpted muscles rippling beneath tanned skin. He is athletic; that’s not a normal person’s physique.
My heart races, my pulse thumping in my ears. I feel warmth creep up my cheeks and know they are pink.
Close your mouth, Blesk!
Tiny beads of water trail through the little tufts of hair from his navel to the seam of his jeans—I gulp. My eyes dart up to meet his—beautiful.
“Blesk, sorry about”—he lowers his arm to his side—“not being better presented.”
Oh, I like your presentation.
High Distinction from me.
I blink at him.
A knowing grin plays on his lips. “Are you checking me out, Miss Bellamy?”
“Oh my God! No. I just wanted to give you this.” I hand him the envelope. Actually, I throw it at him.
“Please, come inside.” He waves me in.
I find myself inside his apartment before I've decided to move. Furniture divides the space into sections. From my spot, I can faintly make out a bed behind a towering bookcase. With actual books. I want to edge over there and explore them, touch the spines and dive into their depths. I don’t. Can’t. That would be odd. To the right of the bookcase, a door hints at a bathroom. The lounge area sits across from me, and I hesitate, shuffling by the door.
“Want a drink?” He strides over to the kitchen where he pours himself a drink.
Glass. Brown drink. Ice.
I don’t know where that memory comes from, but my breath catches. I shake it away. “I really didn’t want to disturb you. I just wanted to thank you for the harmonica.” I take a step closer to him.
His eyes stay glued on me as he throws back a mouthful of his drink. “You’re not disturbing me. What’s with the formalities, Blesk? Feeling weird about being here?”
