King of Campus

“No,” he moves a little closer to the bed before tentatively sitting down at the end of it. My book and computer are between us and for some reason, I’m glad about that. The kiss we shared in the elevator flashes its way unwantedly through my head. Yep. Definitely better to have a barrier between us… no matter how small it is. “I thought we should talk… in private.”

One side of his mouth hitches up into a thin smile.

Sitting up a little taller, my eyes hold his turquoise colored ones. God, but they’re stunning. I mean, yeah, Roan is completely gorgeous. He really is. But his eyes are such an unusual and bright greenish-blue color. Just as I feel myself swaying unconsciously towards him, I realize what I’m doing and jerk myself back.

Clearing my throat, I finally mutter, “Yeah, that’s probably a good idea.”

“I,” his big hand comes up to scratch at the dark stubble covering his chin before he continues, “guess I should apologize for all this.”

My brows snap together. “Why? None of this is your fault. It’s not your website,” god, it had better not be, “right?” My eyes narrow just a bit because if he has something to do with that freaking website, like he’s trying to create more hype for himself, I’ll punch him.

A few times.

Right in that pretty face of his.

He must see the murderous glint in my eyes because he immediately starts shaking his head. “No, of course not. I barely pay attention to all that crap.” Then he amends, “But I know the site is out there because I got myself into a shitload of trouble last year when some pictures surfaced that were taken at a party. So, I know I have to be conscious about what I’m doing when I’m out in public.” He shakes his head. “It just never occurred to me that picking you up from work and doing a little bit of research at the library would turn out to be such a big freaking deal.”

Neither one of us mention the photo where we’re staring at each other at the library.

I shrug my shoulders wanting to downplay everything that’s happened since this morning but it’s not easy. It feels like my life has been turned upside down. And other than keeping my distance from Roan, I don’t know what else to do about it.

Wanting to sound diplomatic, I finally say, “I’m trying not to let it bother me.”

Nodding, his eyes stay fastened onto mine. “Well, for what it’s worth, I appreciate you being a good sport about it. Pictures of girls get posted online all the time but there are usually a few of them in the shot and these aren’t girls I’m friends with.” He pauses before lowering his voice. “I guess that’s why these pictures seem like a big deal. It looks like more than just a random hook up. And I’m pretty much known for my one nighters.”

Charming.

“But we’re not going out and we’re definitely not hooking up,” I emphasize to him. But maybe I say the words for my own benefit as well. Just another reminder that there’s absolutely nothing between us. We’re partners for this project and that’s it.

“I know, Ivy. But the pictures make it look like something is going on. And for whatever reason, people are interested in what I do and who I see.”

“Okay, I get that. But if we make a concerted effort not to be seen together, then everything should just die down. Right?” Because that’s what I’m hoping. People aren’t going to sit around talking about us if there aren’t any new pictures to fuel speculation.

His eyes burn into mine before he finally admits, “Probably.”

Even though this has only been going on for about twelve hours, I already know this kind of scrutiny isn’t something I’d want to live with on a daily basis. I’m getting tons of text messages from people I didn’t even know had my number and my Facebook page has been flooded with friend requests as well as about forty messages asking if Roan and I are now an item. I keep answering no, but that hasn’t quashed any of the buzz surrounding this whole ridiculous situation.

“Let me ask you something,” he pauses as my eyes lift to his. “Does it really matter if people talk about us? I mean, we know what the truth is.”

I sit up a little straighter before pulling my knees to my chest and hugging them close to my body. “People think we’re like… involved. Why would you want that?”

“I didn’t say I wanted it. But who the hell cares what people post on some stupid website? They don’t even know us.” He lets those words hang in the air before asking, “I mean, we’re friends, right?”