I wasat my desk studying, the only light on in the room was the little desk lamp. Faith and Angela had long gone back to their rooms and Rose was asleep. She was sprawled out like a starfish, her head buried beneath her pillow.
My cell chimed with a text. Absently, I picked it up.
Then I gasped. My gaze flicked to Rose to make sure shedidn’t stir.
Hey
Oh my God. It was Zeb. How did I know this? Because he programmed himself in as Z.
I’d gotten ready for bed, put on a flannel sleep shirt and thick fleece socks, then hadn’t been able to resist putting Zeb’s sweatshirt back on top. Rose didn’t say a word, just smiled.
My fingers shook and I had to take a breath before I typed a reply.
Hey
Did I wake you?
Studying
Coming to the game Saturday?
And miss the star quarterback?
You found out
My roommate freaked when she saw me in your sweatshirt
Meet me outside the locker room after the game
What? I stared down at my phone, put my fingers to my lips.
I hadn’t really dated much. A boy in high school, but that had been young stuff. I’d had to meet him at the movies because my dad–or protective older brother when he visited–had to drive me. We’d kissed and he touched my boob over my sweater, but it hadn’t really been anything special. I hadn’t felt half of what I did right now just from texting with Zeb.
While it had been three years ago, there was abigdifference between Luke and Zeb. Luke had been a fumbling boy and Zeb was a man. A huge, great smelling man.
Lifting the neck of his sweatshirt, I sniffed and had to shift in my seat. I glanced down and saw my fuzzy socks. They were blue and white striped. They were ridiculous looking, but warm. I was a virgin. An inexperienced, nerdy student who knew exactly what she wanted out of college, didn’t like to party the years away and had the ability to lose a pencil in her hair.
My little bit of excitement fizzled out. I didn’t want to make any assumptions, especially with Zeb. Popular. Attractive. Friendly. Maybe he wasn’t into me, only wanted an extra study session.
I shouldn’t assume because I’d feel like crap if Rose was wrong.
Need more help with genomes?
I wanna see my girl
Oh my God. I held my breath and typed.
The girl from the library?
Yeah
My excitement burst like a blown tire on a freeway. My heart dropped and I felt like I was swerving toward a ditch.
You, Cameron. I’m into you
If emotional whiplash was a real thing, I had it.
Why?
