Page 11 of Safe Place

I nod quickly, forcing a smile. “Yeah. Sorry. I guess I’m just not fully awake yet.”

He studies me for a second like he doesn’t totally buy it, but thankfully doesn’t push. “What are you doing here so early?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation far, far away from whatever just happened.

He shrugs, his expression softening. “Meeting with a professor. I figured I’d get here early and do some work before.”

He gestures to his friend. “This is Wyatt, by the way.”

Wyatt gives me a smooth, easy smile. “Hey, Sophie.”

I know I’m blushing.

Micah adds, “He’s also on the law school track. If you ever need help with anything, he’s the guy to ask. Smartest guy I know.”

I glance at Wyatt again. Those hazel eyes are just as bright up close—borderline glowing. Close up, he’s even more intimidatingly attractive.

Before I can say anything, Micah grins. “Sorry, Soph. He’s got a girlfriend. I’m pretty sure she’s the jealous type, too.”

My eyes snap back to him. “Oh my god—no—I wasn’t—I’m not⁠⁠—”

He laughs under his breath. “I’m kidding.”

Wyatt just raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say a word.

Micah points to the empty chairs at my table. “Mind if we sit?”

“Oh—no. Of course.”

As they settle in, I glance between them—two tall, ridiculously attractive guys who look like they were pulled straight from a magazine ad. Wyatt pulls out a thick book and his laptop, already diving in, saying nothing more. Micah doesn’t open anything at first. He just leans back in the chair right across from me, relaxed. He watches me for a few seconds. I pretend I don’t notice, praying my face isn’t even redder. Then he takes out a book.

Wyatt’s phone buzzes. He checks it and freezes immediately. “Oh shit.”

Micah looks up. “What?”

Wyatt glances around the library like he’s looking for someone. “Kate knows I’m with a girl. One of her friends must have seen us.”

My stomach drops. “Oh—I’m sorry. I didn’t⁠⁠—”

He’s already standing. “No, no, don’t take it personally,” he says quickly, grabbing his books and slinging his backpack over his shoulder. “She can just be a bit sensitive about this kind of stuff. She’s waiting for me at the student center.” He gives me an apologetic look. “It was really nice meeting you, Sophie. I’ll see you around.”

And then he’s gone.

I stare after him for a second before turning back to Micah. “I hope they’re okay. I really didn’t mean to cause any problems.”

Micah scoffs softly. “Trust me, you didn’t. Wyatt could be sitting next to a man with long hair and Kate would still get jealous.” He glances at me. “Seriously. Don’t even worry about it.”

I let out a breath. “Well I hope she didn’t catch my face.”

“I did warn you his girlfriend’s the jealous type,” Micah says lightly. “You were probably staring at him too much.”

I crumple a Post-it note and throw it at him, but miss miserably. “Hey. I did not.”

A grin tugs at his mouth. “If you say so. But just so you know, I’m the jealous type, too.”

He then checks his watch. “I have to meet with my professor real quick.” Then, more casually, “If you’re staying, I can come back and we’ll walk to class together?”

I hesitate for half a second. “Sure. I’ll be here.”

“Good.” He stands, then pauses, tipping his chin toward the bag on his chair. “Can you watch that for me?”