I can’t remember any other girl who has affected me the way that Summer has. I’ve never been this desperate for someone. Nor have I ever really cared when a girl left before I woke up. Hell, I’m usually the one to wake up first and suggest that they leave instead of sticking around for breakfast. But I wouldn’t mind waking up to Summer in my arms and cooking her breakfast so I could spend more time with her.
I’m not sure how long I’ve been staring at the inside of my fridge when a sharp knock sounds at my door, pulling me from my depressing thoughts.
I open the door and feel my frustration grow. Elijah stands in front of me, completely relaxed and seemingly unaware of how pissed I was at him last night—and how pissed I still am this morning.
“Is it too early to start drinking?” he asks casually.
“Are you fucking kidding me, man?” I snap at him. “What the hell was that yesterday?”
He pushes past me into my apartment, setting a six-pack of beer on the counter. “It didn’t seem like your conversation was going so well, so I gave it a push.” He shrugs out of his leather jacket and tosses it across the back of my couch, not giving a shit about my piss-poor mood.
“By flirting with her?” I growl.
“She left with you, didn’t she?” he asks, cracking open a beer bottle on my countertop, and I swear to God if this motherfucker just chipped my counters, I’ll kill him.
“Not the fucking point.”
“I didn’t kiss her. I didn’t even buy her a drink. I’m not sure what you’re so upset about.”
“You flirted with her,” I repeat. “And you danced with her. You touched her,” I end on a growl.
“Are you upset that I flirted with her or that she flirted back?” he retorts as I take an angry step toward him. “Because she only flirted back to piss you off.” I stop, and he laughs. “Or the fact that she only came to find me on the dance floor to make you mad? You didn’t catch on to that?”
“Obviously not,” I grumble.
“You know, I’ve seen her from a distance at the bar before, but seeing her up close? You’re absolutely fucked, my friend. More so than I thought.”
“She’s more than just her looks,” I snarl.
His eyes widen before he shakes his head and gives me a pitying chuckle. “Oh, that makes it even worse. Do you actually like her or something?” His nose scrunches up as he takes in my expression. “Jesus, did you sleep with her?”
“So what if I did?” I ask petulantly.
“So that makes it even more dangerous than it already is. Thinking a girl is hot is one thing. Thinking your student is hot is a predicament. But having feelings for her? That clouds your judgment. You won’t be able to do what’s best for you because you’ll be too preoccupied with making sure she’s happy, even if it’s at the cost of yourself.”
I scoff. “Oh, come on, Elijah. I know you’re against dating. I know how jaded and pessimistic you are, but this is a bit much, don’t you think?”
“Considering some of the women I’ve met? I don’t think so.” He glares at me.
“Jesus man, somebody royally fucked you up, didn’t they?”
He snorted. “Whatever. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Just leave Summer alone.”
“And if she approaches me again? Should I just ignore her because you’ve suddenly gone all alpha male over astudent?”
“Is it so hard for you to believe that people are actually capable of caring about others? I get that you haven’t done thatsince college, but some of us have let go of our young-adult baggage.”
His jaw clenches. “Just because I choose not to get overly attached to others does not mean that I am beneath you,” he states quietly. “I’m just looking out for you, okay? Can you just see where I’m coming from? I don’t want you to lose your job over some girl. You love your job. I just… want to make sure you’re keeping in mind what’s important and what’s worth risking your career over.”
I clap a hand on his shoulder, the tense moment evaporating. “Thanks for looking out for me, Eli.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Somebody has to, right?” Elijah opens another beer bottle on my counter—which I decide to let slide, considering our truce—and hands it to me.
I lead him over to the couch, where we both flop down before taking swigs of our drinks. Despite our obvious differences, Elijah has always been a great friend. He’s been there for me through the tough coursework; he came with me to spend the holidays with my family; and he tried his best to cheer me up when Juliet suddenly left. He may be rough around the edges, but overall, he’s a great guy. Someday—whenever he gets past all his hangups—he’ll make someone really happy.
I’m about to flip on the TV when he clears his throat. “So, how’d the rest of your night go? You walk her home like the chivalrous bastard you are?”
