Page 20 of Always Be My Baby

Grayson rubbed the back of his head and grinned. “You’re welcome.”

“Cammy is sick. No kissing.” Leah stepped out of my view, leaving the two of us alone.

My face burned and I almost choked on the spoonful of soup I had just sipped. Grayson’s face blanched and his eyes widened.

“You don’t have to wait until I finish my soup, Grayson. I’m sure you have other important things to do. And again, thank you so much for the delicious soup,” I rambled nervously from the way I enjoyed his company.

He shrugged. “It’s my pleasure to watch you eat and keep you company. And you’re welcome. I had to show you my awesome skills. Besides being really good at playing Frogger, I’m also a good cook. My mother forced me to learn before I left for college. She said it was a sure way to win a girl’s heart.” He considered his words with a blink. “I mean we’re friends. I didn’t make soup because of what she said. You were very sick, and I’m glad to help.”

“Thank you,” I said sincerely and then took another spoonful. “So you just going to stand there and watch me eat or are you going to join me?”

“Leah and I already ate together.” He gestured out the door with the tilt of his head. “In the dining area. As friends.”

I snorted inwardly. “Then would you like to keep me company? You could sit on my desk chair instead of standing. You’re making me nervous.”

“Oh, sorry.” He took a few steps and glanced at my bookshelf. “When do you have time to read?”

I wiped my mouth with a paper napkin. “I read those during summer.” I scratched an itch on my nose. “I know you used to be in a fraternity. Why did you de-pledge?”

His eyes widened in surprise, probably not expecting that question out of the blue. Taking my desk chair, he sat, his chest facing the back of the chair, and scrubbed his face. Finding that quite sexy, I craned my neck sideways.

“I de-pledged when I realized it was taking too much time away from my ex-girlfriend. We fought a lot because pledging took too much time away from our relationship. She wasn’t happy about the social events and me meeting other sorority girls. I understood. If the situation was the opposite, I would have felt the same. It would be a different story if she was already in a sorority, but she wasn’t. People who are not in the system don’t really understand. So, after I de-pledged for her, she dumped me.”

“What? Seriously?” I took more sips of the soup and listened attentively.

“Yup.” He tapped his feet on the carpet. “It was better for me anyway. It was fun the first year and I met a lot of people, but I probably would have eventually de-pledged or become less active. To tell you the truth, it’s been a while since I’ve dated. I’ve just been pouring myself into my studies and planning for my future.”

“Smart choice. There are no do-overs. Now is the time.” I frowned. “I sound like I’m preaching, aren’t I?”

Grayson snorted. “I think it’s cute.”

I blushed and drank more of my soup. Then I cleared my throat when I felt his eyes solely on me, feeling naked under his.

“So how did you do on the test?”

He scratched the side of his neck and shifted in his seat. “Do you want the truth or a lie?”

“Grayson,” I chided. “Don’t lie. It’s okay if you didn’t do as well as me.” I smiled mischievously.

He chuckled. “You don’t even know what you got on the test.”

“True. So what did you get?”

“I missed one.” His lips slanted into a pout and those dimples became more apparent.

Holy shit! Put that lip back up.

“Truth or a lie?” I said.

“What do you think?” He furrowed his brow.

“What do I get if I’m right?” Dangerous question.

He considered my question, squinting his eyes. “I have to cook dinner for you. And if I win, I have to cook dinner for you.”

I arched my eyebrows in confusion. “Did I hear you—”

Before I could say another word, he said, “Yes you did. Either way, I get to cook for you. From what Leah told me, it doesn’t sound like either of you can cook.”