“Uh huh …”
“Okay, fine. ‘I am about to do something very bold in this job that I’ve never done before … try.’”
I clap Sophie style. “Aw! A Jim Halpert quote! I wish Ayumi was here.”
Sophie’s grin drops. “Okay, fess up, Kit. Why are you still playing hard to get with Levi?”
“You did stare at him the entire way over here,” Mia says.
I reel back. “I—I’m not?—“
Sophie waves me off like I’m a personal affront, heading to chem lab. “See you guys at dinner.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“No cookie today?”Levi asks.
He’s been asking to walk me back to my building sometimes, which I try not to overthink. But, you know, I do.Downton Abbeywill start in the lounge in a bit, so we won’t be hanging out tonight. These occasional walks back are the only time I get him to myself. Keeping my cool is my full-time job for every one of the five minutes. Don’t freak out. Don’t act like a weirdo. Don’t gawk. Don’t randomly quit walking.
“They only had oatmeal raisin left.” I wrinkle my nose.
He chuckles. “No equal opportunity?”
“Not for cookies. Plus, Saga’s lost their magic after I had this incredible brownie a few weeks ago.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“I think that was the best brownie I’ve ever had.”
“Good to know.” He sends me a sidelong glance. “What are you up to tomorrow night?”
“Nothing with Sophie, but I always have work to catch up on. She keeps me busier than I should consent to.” I love my schoolwork and need my sleep, so my recent habit of staying up late practically every night is a hundred percent to see him.
Pride flickers in his eyes—I’m busted.
“Could I distract you from your work and take you on a date?”
My heart rate takes off like it’s trying to win the hundred-meter dash. Sadly, I don’t know how much of it is because I’m happy to be asked—so happy—or because my brain is warning my body of danger.
How could I even make a date work?
Alone with him? Really shouldn’t. Riding in his car? No way. One touch from him already sent me spiraling—twice. Why does he have to be so devastatingly attractive? He’s making my confusing life even more complicated.
My shoulders drop in disappointment. How do I even begin to explain? I shake my head in reply and try not to spiral.Seriously mixed messages. Sorry, pal.I could probably walk somewhere or do something on campus, but I shouldn’t suggest that. It would be too much to admit to my strangely stringent requirements. And I don’t want to give him the impression that dating him is an option. Would. If. I. Could.
“We could study?” he says. “Very friend-like. At Common Grounds?” He sends the most adorable questioning face—soft and hopeful and not pushy at all. Also, he basically read my mind, which maybe should freak me out but instead gives me all the warm fuzzies.
“Okay.” And by that I meanAbsolutely yes, I’m dying for a date-adjacent activity with you.
This should be fine—it’s harmless enough. But I need to stop smiling so much. Crinkles form at his eyes and do nothing to slow my heart rate. No need for aerobic exercise. Talking to Levi is all I need to maintain optimal heart health.
“Is six alright? We play at eight.”
Words are unwise at this juncture, so I bob my head in response. I start a risk mitigation plan—Pay attention to how I feel. Have an excuse ready if I need to bolt. Travel light. Sit far enough away to avoid accidental touches. No skirt or dress, in case I go fetal.
It’s complicated being me, but this is worth the risk. It’s so worth it.
Flats on, I clutch my laptop, planning to do my easiest homework at Common Grounds. I can’t expect to have much focus with Levi sitting nearby. Not sure if my computer will short-circuit from his magnetism, but there’s a great chance my brain will—a pity because he’s super smart, and I want to show him I can keep up.
