King of Campus

Her pink hued lips slowly tumble open.

For some strange reason I feel the need to prove this to her, so I click on the file that has all my classes listed in order. Then I turn the computer towards her before using the touch screen to open up our business ethics class. I watch her eyes quickly scan through the list of dated notes before slowly bouncing back up to mine.

If she didn’t look so appropriately chastised, which- damn it, is hot, I’d be a hell of a lot more pissed off. “I’m really sorry, Roan. I jumped to conclusions about you that obviously aren’t true.”

I cock a brow. “You mean the stereotype that all jocks are stupid and just get passed through the system because of their athletic abilities and what they’re able to do for the university?”

Even though I don’t intend the words to sound harsh, she still winces. After all, it’s nothing I haven’t heard before. It just sucks she naturally assumed that about me.

“Yeah, I guess so.” Silently she worries her lower lip between her teeth as if she’s debating something with herself. Finally she whispers, “I actually asked Dr. Paulson if she would consider giving me a different partner to work with.” She holds my eyes steadily as she admits this.

Do I tell her that I already know she tried ditching me?

You know what? I think I’m going to. She needs to understand that I’m not the idiot she apparently thinks I am.

“Yeah, I know.”

Her eyes widen until I can see all the multifaceted flecks of green that make up the spectrum of hues within them.

Before she can even wrap her lips around the words, I continue, “I could tell that’s what you were talking about with Dr. Paulson. I’m a pretty decent lip reader.”

Instead of looking impressed with my admission, because come on, it’s like a talent, she narrows her eyes. “Seriously?”

Making a split decision, I jump out of my chair before closing the distance that separates us. Grabbing her hand, I tug her to her feet. And then we’re on the move.

“Where are we going?” Her words sound breathless as I pull her along behind me.

“I want to show you something.”

With her free hand, she motions to our computers and bags. “But what about all our stuff?”

“No one’s over here. And we’ll only be gone for a few minutes, I promise.”

It takes a moment or two before we enter the main part of the library where there are about twenty or so tables all clustered together. Pulling my Bulldogs ball cap a little lower, I scan the surrounding area until I see a couple sitting at one of the wooden tables. They have books spread out between them but they’re way too deep in conversation to be doing any actual studying. In fact, it looks as though they’re in the middle of a heated exchange.

Which is perfect.

I can’t help but realize that Ivy’s fingers are still enclosed in mine and that they feel damn good. Kind of like they belong there. She trails behind me as I find a table for us to park ourselves at. Once we’re both seated on the same side next to one another, I glance around making sure I’ve gone undetected. Which I have.

Leaning towards her, I point to the couple I’ve scoped out for this little exercise.

“Okay,” pausing, I study his lips, “he just asked why she’s so pissed off.” My eyes swivel instantly to the girl. Moving a little closer to Ivy, I talk in a hushed tone. At first I think she might balk at how close I am, but then I whisper, “She says she doesn’t like the skank who was just over here talking to him.” Her entire body relaxes as I continue. My eyes slide back to the dude. “He’s saying he barely knows the girl.” I pause. “Oh, she’s saying that he seems to know her pretty well and if he’d rather be with someone like that, there are plenty of other guys who are interested in being with her.” Ivy stifles a small giggle and I can’t resist smiling as I continue following their conversation.

Even though she’s watching the couple as if it’s a TV show, she still asks with a fair amount of skepticism, “Are you really reading their lips?”

Her breath feathering over my ear sends a sudden chill racing down my spine. Taking my eyes off the arguing couple, they arrow straight to hers. God, but she’s so damn close. Only inches away. I search her vibrant green depths. As I do so, her breath hitches.

I feel it all the way down to my toes. Which is ridiculous… but altogether true.

Almost of its own accord, my body strains towards her. Just as I’m thinking about going in for a kiss, she gasps, “Look.”

Turning, I glance over to the couple in question just in time to see another girl walk past them. Actually, that chick is shaking her hips in more of a sexy saunter. Then she trails a hand lightly over the guy’s shoulder as she continues on her way. The girl sitting at the table punches him in the bicep before packing up her things and huffing off towards the main entrance of the library.