Page 42 of His Reckless Freshman

“It’s fine,” I cut him off because I’m pretty sure I’d rather die than have this conversation.

“I take it you don’t want a repeat, then?”

I shake my head, then quickly have to say, “No offense. It’s not you. It’s me. I’m just not ready for that kind of thing.”

“Okay. I understand.” His voice is husky, and I can’t decide if he’s disappointed or relieved.

Whatever. I need to get out of here.

“Well, I better get to class.” I hug the laptop to my chest and start backing out of the room.

I, of course, bump into the door and let out this weird squawk, which I have to try and laugh off. My face floods with heat and I dip my chin, spinning out of the room and practically running for the main exit.

“Don’t forget your bag,” Angelica calls after me.

Ugh!

“Thanks.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I’m great.” I pause and force the brightest smile I can. “He’s going to publish it.”

“Wonderful.” She smiles back, but her eyes are starting to narrow at the edges.

Seriously, what is my face doing right now? I’m smiling, right? She can see that I’m totally cool and all is well?

You suck at this. Get out of here.

“Well, I’m off to class.”

“Okay, bye. Have a good day.”

“Yep.” I bob my head, then bolt out the door. By the time I make it outside, I’m feeling wrecked all over again, and the thought of going to class seems way too much to handle.

Is it okay to take a mental health day?

Might as well. Like you’ll be able to concentrate on anything anyway.

With a defeated sigh, I head to my dorm, figuring I’ll just miss my morning classes, then force myself to the afternoon ones.

But I don’t manage those either.

And I am holding Bridgerton entirely responsible. And maybe Ben Evers, because he was the one who told me I was allowed to watch it.

I started the first episode, assuring myself that I wouldn’t get invested and I was just “skimming” to see what the fuss is about.

But then I found Daphne so freaking relatable, and now I can’t stop watching her. When she finally got it on with Simon, I was transfixed.

Is that really what sex is like?

Or does that only happen after you’re married?

Either way, they made it look so easy. So enjoyable.

But it’s just fiction. It’s not real.

But what if it is like that?