So, Ashton did hear the entire exchange. I hadn’t been sure with how quiet Henry had attempted to be, whispering in my ear.
I grimace, just thinking about it playing over in my head is bothersome.
“I suck at Criminology and now, with the teaching assistant having it out for me, maybe I should drop the class.”
“You’ll get a W for withdrawn, but it won’t affect your GPA. You’re past the deadline where it doesn’t show up on your transcript, though.” Ashton stares seriously at me. “It’s up to you. Why’d you pick Criminology to take this semester? Aren’t you majoring in Sociology?”
I don’t admit that I chose the class because I knew Ashton would be in it. I thought it’d be fun to have class together. It sucks, though, because he’s doing a million times better than I am in the class.
His leg nudges me under the table.
“I thought it’d be easy.”
Ashton shakes his head and takes another bite of his sandwich. “You took it because I signed up for it. Didn’t you?”
“No!” I scoff at his suggestion. “I wouldn’t do that.” I glance away then down at my burger, grabbing it and taking a huge bite so I don’t have to answer him.
He laughs under his breath. “Good, because that would be reckless, Nova. You need to be taking classes for your major, or at the very least, the gen eds required.”
“Criminology was one of the electives that are part of the Sociology curriculum. Chill out. I’m not taking a class just because you’re in it. Don’t get such a big head, Ashton.”
“Right, my mistake.” He holds up his hand in mock surrender. “Do you want to try out those handcuffs tonight?” He wiggles his eyebrows at me.
My cheeks burn.
Boy, do I ever.
“Only if I get to lock you up,” I quip.
Ashton purses his lips, contemplating my request. “I’ll have to think about it. Whether you’re a good girl for me for the rest of the day or not.”
I snort.
“I’m always a good girl,” I say with a snicker.
“I don’t know about that; more times, you’re spice than anything nice.”
I grab a fry and pop it into my mouth, staring at him curiously. “I thought you liked a little spice in your life.”
“I like you in my life,” Ashton admits. There’s no hesitation on his part.
His leg slides up mine beneath the table, and my eyes widen.
Anyone could see us, and I’m not giving some spectator a free show!
“Oh my gosh. Quit it!” I scowl at him playfully.
“I’m worried about you. Are you still concerned about Henry?” He takes a bite of his sandwich and waits for me to answer.
I am a bit jolted over the ordeal. My silence only makes him nudge me under the table again, but this time his leg is playing with mine and my eyes widen. “Ashton!”
He grins and stares at me, his gaze never wavering. “I just don’t like seeing you upset.”
I let out a hefty sigh and grab a bite of my burger. I’m not very hungry, but I try to force it down because I should eat something. After I swallow it down, I grab a sip of water and glance up at him.
“I miss spending time with you. You’re at hockey practice all the time and the season is just starting.”
The Narwhals play their first game next week, away. It’s not that far, Great Falls, but I still hate that he won’t be home playing hockey.
