That doesn’t necessarily answer my question. “But why me? I guess that’s what I don’t understand. You could have anyone you wanted. There are thousands of girls who would love to date you.” Even though that number sounds like an exaggeration, it’s probably not.
He blows out a long steady breath before finally admitting, “Because you’re the only person I can actually be myself with. I’ve never felt that way before… and I like it. A lot. I like how I feel when I’m with you.”
Something in my heart melts at his words. How can I really not take a chance on him when all he’s done is open himself up to me? Even though I’m in no way convinced this thing between us won’t end up exploding in my face, I still think that maybe… just maybe… it’s worth taking a chance on.
Roan is worth taking a chance on. And I want to, I realize. I want to say yes to him.
“Okay,” I finally whisper.
Looking absurdly relieved, a huge silly grin slides its way across his handsome face. If my heart weren’t already melting, that would totally do the trick. You’d have to be made of stone not to be affected by him.
And I am most definitely not made of stone. Especially where he’s concerned.
“Okay?”
The grin marring his face intensifies. And god help me, so does mine in response. I just can’t help it.
His eyes are wide, brimming with excitement as he reconfirms, “We’re really doing this?”
“Yeah,” I admit, feeling the very same excitement pulse and course its way through my veins. “I guess we are.”
“Alright.” He glances at the digital clock on the dashboard. “I guess we better get to class before we’re late.”
We both exit the SUV at the same time before meeting up by the hood. Roan nabs my fingers with his larger ones. For just a moment, I glance down at our clasped hands before my gaze lifts to his. I’m getting used to him doing that.
As we hit one of the main walkways that lead to Adler Hall, I begin to notice other students staring at us. Some are even pointing and whispering. A few take their phones out. Most are simply turning so they can wave or say hi to Roan. A few girls actually stop and openly stare at our joined hands as if they can’t quite believe what they’re seeing.
Roan smiles, greeting people along the way like he’s some kind of celebrity. It’s more than a little disconcerting. I mean, we’ve been out and I’ve seen how strangers respond to him but in a large group like this, just walking to class, it’s a little overwhelming the way they flock to him.
Before I know it, people are crowding around us, just trying to get close to him. Even though I’m at his side, two or three girls wiggle their way in until they’re pressed up against him. And don’t think the chick who keeps rubbing her ridiculously big breasts against his bicep has gone unnoticed either. Because she hasn’t. Unable to help myself, I shoot her a dirty look. Although it does absolutely nothing to deter her, because her eyes are trained solely on Roan.
The only thing that stops my temper from totally flaring is the fact that he isn’t paying them any attention at all. Questions are being shot at him. Greetings are called out. There are fist bumps and shoulder slaps as we slowly progress towards Adler.
The crowd surges and it almost feels as if I’m being pushed away from him. But when I try loosening my hand and moving out of the way, Roan’s grip tightens in response. His eyes touch upon mine for just a moment before tucking me closer to his big body before picking up the pace.
As we hit the cement steps of Adler, the crowd following him finally disperses.
Feeling almost agitated, I mutter under my breath, “I don’t know how you take that all the time.” I hate it. “Do you even know any of those people?”
He glances over at me before shaking his head. “There were a few guys I knew,” he shrugs his broad shoulders, “but otherwise- no.”
“And the girls?”
Ugh.
Is this really what I’ve been reduced to?
Sounding like a jealous shrew?
I don’t like it. Not one damn bit.
Again he shrugs. “I don’t really pay too much attention to them. There are always girls hanging around. That’s just the way it is.”
Sucking in a breath of air, I try to decide how I feel about this. Do I really want to deal with all the attention he seems to garner every time he steps out of his apartment? Especially on campus. I’m not going to lie- it’s a little daunting.
He squeezes my fingers in his large hand. My eyes instantly arrow to his, only to find him already watching me. “Are you having second thoughts?” There’s an odd note woven through his words. A tightness. As if he’s steeling himself for my response.