Hmm. Is it possible that I’m jumping the gun here? Just because Ethan is at the library with a girl, it doesn’t mean jack shit. Sydney and I are doing the same thing, and we’re totally platonic. There is absolutely no flirting going on at all.
Much to my disappointment.
Just as I’m about to disregard the situation as wishful thinking on my part and get back to work, Ethan leans across the table and plants a kiss on the girl’s lips.
One Mississippi.
Two Mississippi.
Three Mississippi.
Four—
What the actual fuck?
A kiss like that definitely constitutes cheating.
And right out in the open at the damn library, no less?
This guy is un-fucking-believable. I’m half-tempted to stomp over there and knock him upside his head. Doesn’t he realize that his girlfriend is sitting on the other side of the room? Sydney could swing around at any moment and see them making out.
What a jackass.
I’m knocked from those thoughts when the girl across from me clears her throat. My distracted attention slices to her.
“Did you say something?” she asks.
I certainly hope not.
“Umm,” what to do—what to do, “yeah. I think we’ve plowed through enough for the night. We should probably head out so you can study for that quiz before it gets too late.” I’m rambling, and it’s not a good look for me. “We can pick this back up tomorrow or whenever you have a couple of hours of free time.” When she continues to stare like a horn has sprouted on my forehead, I slam my laptop closed. I want to get out of here before she catches sight of her cheating asshole of a boyfriend. Honestly, I should be delighted to point out what’s going on behind her back.
Literally.
I know exactly how the situation would play out. She’d dump his ass in two minutes flat. Maybe then I’d have a real shot at fucking Sydney out of my system. Where she’s concerned, I’m not picky. I’d be more than happy to be rebound sex. This chick has lingered in my thoughts for way too long.
But still...as well as this situation could work out for me, I’m reluctant to take that approach. The last thing I want to do is hurt her.
If her brows weren’t pinched together to begin with, they’re practically touching now. “You want to leave already? We’ve only been here for,” she glances at her phone, “two hours, and there’s still more to do.”
I shrug as my gaze flickers in the couple’s direction. Hopefully, they’re no longer sucking face.
Nope. They’re still going at it like two cats in heat. Any moment, he’s going to crawl across the table and mount her for all to see.
“Brayden?” Impatience simmers in Sydney’s voice.
My gaze snaps back to hers. A frown tugs at the edges of her lips as she swings around and glances in the direction I’ve been staring. I know the moment she catches sight of them. Her muscles tense.
Mine do as well, waiting to see how this situation will play out. I’m half expecting her to jump up, storm over there, and punch Ethan in the face before beating the crap out of the unlucky chick. If there’s anyone who could do it, it’s Sydney. She’s not afraid to throw down.
That probably shouldn’t be so hot.
Instead of doing exactly that, she calmly twists toward me on her chair. Her face has morphed into an expressionless mask. For the first time in three years, I have no idea what she’s thinking. It’s disconcerting to say the least.
“Let’s get back to work,” she murmurs.
Well, that’s certainly not the reaction I was expecting.
It takes a moment to find my voice. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t that your boyfriend over there?” Not that I want to rub the situation in her face, but I need a little clarification as to what’s going on.
A long silence stretches between us as her teeth scrape against her lower lip. She mumbles something under her breath that I can’t quite make out.
I tilt my head and cup my ear. “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. What did you say?”
Hot color stings her cheeks as she repeats, “We broke up a month ago.”
I blink, my mind drifting back to our previous conversation at lunch. “But this afternoon—”
“I said he was busy,” she grumbles, “not that we were together.”
My eyes narrow. “You know what that’s called?” I don’t give her time to respond. “Semantics. Why is this the first time I’m hearing about your breakup?” A goddamn month later.
A month!
She jerks her shoulders and avoids all eye contact. I bet she’s wishing she’d taken me up on my offer to get out of here. “Because my personal life is none of your damn business.”
Wanna bet?
Whether Sydney realizes it or not, this bit of information changes everything between us.
It’s oh-so-tempting to rub my hands together with anticipation. Since I’m not in the mood to get punched in the face, I refrain.