Page 29 of Safe Place

“Well I’m a big boy, Lenny.” He takes off his hood. “Did you sleep alright last night?”

My heart trips. “I did. Too much, actually. I overslept.”

“So I assume you weren’t able to eat breakfast?”

Again with his obsession with whether I have eaten or not.

“I did,” I lie.

He arches a brow. “Sophie.”

“I’ll have coffee later.”

“Coffee isn’t breakfast.” He sighs, like he wants to argue but decides to let me win this round. “Where are you headed?”

“The library.”

“Of course you are.” The corner of his mouth curves like he finds me predictable.

I shrug, ignoring the warmth in my chest. “Some of us need to study.”

His gaze dips briefly to my bag before returning to my face. “You don’t have an umbrella, do you?”

“Nope. Told you I overslept. I left it at home. Unlike you.” It comes off sharper than I intend.

“The umbrella back there belongs to my friend, Hannah. She offered to share with me. But unlike you, I’m prepared.” He says as he tugs at his jacket.

I glance at his black windbreaker. “That doesn’t count.”

“Sure it does. Umbrellas are a hassle. You bring them inside and they drip water everywhere. I’d rather just have this.” He flicks his hood.

I hesitate, then curse myself for it. I can’t seem to stop the words before they’re out. “So Hannah, huh?”

He looks at me, waiting.

“The girl you were with,” I add quickly. “You two—” I trail off. You looked good together, I don’t say. Like a frame from a movie.

A corner of his mouth lifts, like he knows exactly what I’m doing and finds it mildly amusing.

“She’s just a friend,” he says easily.

“Oh,” I reply, aiming for neutral and probably missing.

His smile widens, teasing and knowing. “I didn’t know you were also the jealous type.”

My mouth opens, then closes. Then it opens again. “What? No. Absolutely not.”

“Mm.” He hums, clearly unconvinced. “Could’ve fooled me.”

“I was just curious,” I say. Then, I’m unable to control my mouth once again. “You two looked friendly, that’s all.”

“Friendly,” he repeats, amused.

Rain drums harder around us, his hood shadowing his eyes as he watches me like this is the most entertaining thing he’s done all day.

I change the subject and keep my voice even. “Do you have another class to get to?”

“I’m done for the day. I’m heading to Boston now.” He tilts his head, studying me again. “What about you?”