“It’s fine. I wasn’t planning on staying long, but I needed to get this assignment wrapped up for tomorrow. I can complete the rest at the apartment.”
Damn.
“Oh. All right.”
Once his bag is packed, he rises to his feet. “Did you take your car or walk here?”
I glance toward the staircase and wonder how rude it would be if I just took off. “I walked.”
His brows lower as a frown settles across his face. It only makes him even more handsome.
“You shouldn’t be walking home alone when it’s dark. It’s not safe.”
I shift my bag on my shoulder, itching to get away from him. “I know, but it isn’t that far.”
“Come on, I’ve got my car. I’ll give you a lift.”
When I open my mouth to argue, he shakes his head and everything inside me deflates.
Great.
Instead of getting away from him, I’ll be trapped inside the confines of his car.
I can’t help but drag my feet as we head to the first floor before beelining for the exit. Standing much too close for comfort, Crosby stretches his arm around me and grabs hold of the door before opening it. When I stare, his lips tremble around the corners as if he knows exactly what’s going through my brain.
Since when does this guy have manners?
As soon as I step outside, the chilled night air hits my cheeks. It makes me wish I’d grabbed a jacket before heading out the door earlier this afternoon. I rub my hands up and down my arms to ward off the cold.
Not a second later, Crosby steps closer before throwing an arm around my shoulders and tugging me against his body. The woodsy scent of his cologne inundates my senses. Just as I’m about to inhale another breath, I stop.
What the hell am I doing?
It’s so tempting to fight my way free, but his warmth feels much too good.
“Is that better?” His husky voice has a shot of need exploding deep within me before settling uncomfortably in my core.
I clear my throat along with those unruly thoughts. “Yeah, thanks.”
When we’re about halfway to the parking lot, I notice a group of three girls walking toward us. There aren’t many people still on campus at this hour, just a few either heading to the library or the dorms. Their gazes stay fastened on the guy next to me. When they’re about ten feet away, one waves as a big smile lights up her face.
“Hi, Crosby. I was just at the football house looking for you.”
“Oh yeah?”
“A ton of people are over there partying. I was kind of hoping you’d be one of them.”
“Sorry, not tonight,” he says easily. “I’ve still got a lot of homework to plow through.”
The blonde’s curious gaze settles on me before she hikes a brow. I’ve seen her on campus and at the football parties. She’s gorgeous, with the kind of trim body I can’t help but envy.
Since I can imagine what she’s thinking from our proximity and it couldn’t be further from the truth, I decide it would probably be a good idea to separate myself from him. Except, when I try to step away, Crosby’s arm tightens around me, anchoring me to his side.
He clears his throat. “Maybe another time, all right?”
Her attention returns to him before she closes some of the distance between them.
“I’m free if you need any help studying.” Heat flares to life in her eyes. “It’s all about the proper incentives.”
Umm, okay.
When one of her hands settles on his chest, I glance up to get a read on his thoughts. This conversation has definitely taken a turn for the uncomfortable.
Just as Crosby’s mouth opens, she turns to me and cuts him off. “I’m not sure if we’ve met before. I’m Shandi. Any friend of Crosby’s is definitely a friend of mine.”
Ummm.
“Hi. Brooke.”
My eyes widen when she reaches out and slips my hand into hers before giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Maybe we could help Crosby study,” she winks, “together.”
It takes a moment to snap out of the mental stupor that has fallen over me and tug my fingers free. “I think you’ve got the wrong idea.”
Before I can say anything more, Crosby brushes her other hand from his chest and pulls us back a step. “Sorry, Shandi. You’ll have to find someone else to party with.”
Her gaze bounces between us before she pops her shoulders. “No worries. Maybe another time. You two have fun.”
And then the trio takes off, giggling as they go.
Wait a minute…did she just imply what I think she did?
Crosby propels me forward as I shake my head, trying to make sense of the strange conversation. After a couple of steps, my feet grind to a halt as I swing toward him.
He glances down at me with raised brows. “What’s the problem?”
“I don’t know who that was, but if you’d rather hang out with her, feel free. I’m more than capable of getting home on my own.”