Page 85 of His Reckless Freshman

She looks so dejected right now.

“I’m sorry, it’s just… I feel like it’s getting too intense now, you know? And I’m not after making this more than what it’s supposed to be.”

“Yeah.” She sniffs. “Yeah, I get it.”

Pulling on her shirt, she doesn’t even bother with her bra, folding it up and tucking it into her bag after she’s straightened her clothes. Clearing her throat, she tucks her hair behind her ears and forces a smile.

Shit, her eyes are glistening.

“It’s, um… Thank you.” She sniffs again, nodding and looking awkward as fuck. “I really appreciate what you’ve done for me.”

“That’s okay.” I want to tell her it’s my pleasure. To assure her that going all the way would be a privilege. But I can’t take from her that way.

She’s not my girl.

I don’t want her to be my girl.

I said no women!

Jolie checks her watch. “I guess I should probably get going.”

Guilt clutches me, turning my stomach into a ball of writhing worms.

She can’t leave this way, all sad and dejected. That will seriously kill me.

“Let’s get room service,” I blurt. “We could watch another movie or… play a game.”

What the fuck are you doing?

I have no idea. I just know that I don’t want her leaving all upset.

I can still be friends with the girl, right?

Her eyebrows wrinkle. “P-play a game?”

“Yeah. I’ve booked the room for the night, so I just thought maybe we could borrow Scrabble or something. Eat… something and…” I wince, scrubbing a hand through my hair.

She watches me, her head tipping to the side as a kind smile stretches over her face. “Okay. That’d be nice. Thanks.”

Oh shit, I was not expecting her to say that.

“Uh… okay. I’ll call downstairs, then.”

“Okay.” She heads for the chaise, and I call down to reception, asking if they have any board games. The lady is very helpful and tells me she’ll send up Scrabble before transferring me to room service.

“What do you want to eat?” I ask.

“Whatever. I pretty much like everything.”

Helpful. Not.

Scratching the back of my head, I talk to the room service guy, and he tells me they make great spring rolls and also have a beef stir-fry that’s pretty popular.

“It’s not spicy, right?” I check.

“No, sir, we can make that mild for you.”

“Excellent. Thanks.” I finish up the order, and it’s not long before we’re setting up for a game of Scrabble.