Sydney stalks into the tiny living room, grinding to a halt when she spots us on the couch. Her eyes widen in surprise. Ethan slams into her back, and she pitches forward a couple of steps.
“Why did you—”
His voice falls off as he takes in the sight before him. The tension filling his face vanishes only to be replaced by one of amusement. “Oh.” A chuckle escapes. “Sorry, man, looks like we’ve interrupted your Friday night.”
Rowan drags a hand through his hair. “It’s not a problem.”
Really?
I’m perched on his lap.
Topless.
This definitely seems like a problem...an embarrassing one.
Sydney spins around to face her boyfriend. Or maybe ex-boyfriend. It changes on the daily and is difficult to keep track of.
“You should go. Not only have you ruined my night,” she thrusts a hand in our direction, “but you’ve ruined theirs as well!”
Ethan’s lips sink into a frown as the humor from moments ago evaporates from his eyes. He folds his arms across his chest. “I’m not going anywhere until we hash this out. As usual, you’re overreacting.”
Her brows skyrocket into her hairline.
I almost shake my head. That’s the wrong thing to say to a girl who is already pissed off.
“As usual?” Her voice rises a couple hundred decibels until it could shatter glass. “What does that mean?”
You can see the exact moment Ethan realizes the error of his ways as he drags a hand over his face. “That’s not what I meant,” he mumbles.
“All right.” She plants her fists on her hips. Ethan should quit while he’s already behind. If he continues, this won’t end well for him. “What exactly did you mean then?”
He presses his lips together before throwing a pleading look in our direction as if it’s possible for us to save him from himself.
Sorry buddy, you’re on your own with this one.
“We need to get out of here,” Rowan mutters, “before it turns ugly.”
I glance at my naked breasts which are still shielded by my arms. “Any ideas as to how we accomplish that?”
“Yup.”
Before I can ask any further questions, Rowan wraps his arms around me and rises swiftly to his feet. I bury my face against the hollow of his neck and hang on for dear life.
“We’re, ah, gonna give you guys some privacy to talk,” he says by way of explanation for our hasty retreat.
Let’s hope it’s more talking and less yelling. Although I wouldn’t lay money on it.
Neither respond as Rowan moves swiftly toward my bedroom, firmly shutting the door behind him. Once he settles on my bed, I lift my face to meet his gaze. A smile curves his lips, and I find my mouth bowing up at the corners. A chuckle slips free before his shoulders quake, and then we’re both dying of laughter.
“So,” he says, “you still interested in continuing this or...”
“Or,” I quickly reply. “Definitely or.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
33
Demi
Students scatter like rats fleeing a sinking ship as Professor Peters releases us for the day with a reminder that there will be a not-so-pop quiz on Friday.
Rowan groans, joining the chorus of other less than thrilled students. I shoot him a smile before elbowing him in the side. “Oh, come on, you did awesome on the last one. Pretty soon, you won’t need my help.”
“Maybe I should consider tanking this quiz on purpose so I can keep getting your special brand of assistance.” Humor ignites in his voice.
“Don’t you dare!” I roll my eyes as a grin simmers at the corners of my lips. Ever since Rowan and I got together, I’ve been over-the-top, ridiculously happy. It’s like I’m living in my own real-life version of a Disney movie. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if I woke up to woodland creatures singing on my windowsill. Not even Annica’s snarky comments are enough to bring me down. Her antics are like that of a pesky fruit fly. Easily ignored.
Once our bags are packed up, we head into the crowded corridor. Rowan snags my fingers as we make our way out of the building. People call out his name, greeting him as if he’s a celebrity. I never noticed all the attention he garners. I was too busy trying to avoid him. A lot of guys in his position would soak it up as if it were their due and bask in the adoration, but he doesn’t seem to give a damn about the notoriety. He simply goes about his business as if it’s normal. The way he handles himself only makes me fall harder for him. He’s nothing like what I assumed. Or maybe what I talked myself into believing.
Thank goodness he never gave up on me. I would have missed out on getting to know a great guy as well as a meaningful relationship.
Rowan holds open the door as we step into the bright autumn sunshine. There’s a hint of crispness to the air as the breeze wafts over us. As much as I love summer, sweater weather is my favorite time of year.