Page 10 of His Reckless Freshman

I give him a tentative smile, flashing my teeth this time before worrying that I might have something stuck in them. I quickly look away and run my tongue over the tops and bottoms, just to make sure.

“So, what are you doing out here?” He slips his hands into his pockets, all casual and friendly, and my nerves take a quick break, allowing me to answer him.

“I’ve just been at quiz night with my cousin. But I’m leaving early because I kind of need to get back to my dorm and get on with studying and writing that article you gave me. Well, Jax suggested it, but you gave her permission to give it to me, so…”

I force my words to trail off as a cold sweat prickles my skin.

Why did I just say that? Don’t bring up the article! It’s a disaster! And now he’s going to ask and⁠—

“Oh really? You only got it yesterday. You’re making progress already?”

“Well, y-yeah.” I nod, crossing my arms and forcing a smile. “I so appreciate the opportunity, you know? So I’m gonna write you the best article I can.”

He lets out a soft laugh. “It was the basketball team one, right?”

“Yep.” I pop the p without meaning to and inwardly cringe.

“You had any luck getting interviews yet? I know athletes can be a little hard to manage… or persuade.” His eyebrows dip in the middle. “I find them kind of arrogant, to be honest. It was unfair of Jax to lump you with this.”

Oh no. Is he going to take it off me?

“I can handle the challenge,” I say quickly, my eyes darting to his face. I take in his expression, wondering if it’s safe to tell him the truth.

No! Pretend everything is fine. Pretend you are up for the challenge!

But my traitorous brain doesn’t hear me in time, and suddenly I’m blurting, “Although, to be honest, I have asked a few of them.” I wince and shake my head. “They’re not keen. In fact, I think I totally screwed up, and I’ll be surprised if any of them talk to me now.” My eyebrows wrinkle.

Oh no! What did I just say?

Looking down at the pavement, I brace for the unimpressed huff.

But instead, he laughs, a smile stretching across his face. “I’m sure it won’t be crap. How many players did you ask?”

“Three.”

“Well, you’ve still got a few more to go. Don’t give up. I know you can do this.” His hand lands on my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, and a warm flush runs right through me.

He’s still smiling at me… almost like he thinks I’m cute or something.

Oh my gosh, does he think I’m cute?

Does he like me?

A horn beeps and I jolt, quickly checking my phone, then glancing up to see my Uber has arrived.

Bummer. I kind of want to stay here, basking in Kieran’s smile.

It’s still in place, his eyes warm with kindness and… oh my gosh, is that attraction?

I can’t breathe.

“Is that your Uber?” He points past me, and I quickly hold up my phone with an awkward laugh.

“Yeah, that’s, um… that’s me.”

“Okay.” He nods, taking a small step back. “Nice talking to you.”

“You too.” I beam at him.