Page 36 of Safe Place

The second he’s out of earshot, I turn to Sophie. “So how do you know Sinclair?”

She shrugs, casual, like this doesn’t bother her at all. “We just had a class together last year.”

Then Poppy, bless her overly talkative soul, leans in. “Wait, that’s Holden? He’s so handsome, Sophie. No wonder you⁠⁠—”

Sophie’s cheeks go red, and I see her nudge Poppy under the table. “That was ages ago.”

Grant smiles like a kid who just found his favorite toy. “Oh, did someone have little heart eyes for Sinclair?” He looks at Sophie, then Wyatt—but not before sliding a quick glance my way. It lasts half a second, but I catch it. He knows exactly what he's doing.

I keep my expression completely neutral. I refuse to give him anything.

“Holden's great, right WyWy? He's a handsome dude, he's so nice, and he's smart. Is he smarter than you, Wyatt?”

Wyatt smirks. “Yeah, he is. Doesn't even try and he probably has the best grades from everyone on our track. Naturally gifted prick. I'd hate him if he weren't so damn nice and down to earth.”

That’s it. “Well, I bet I have the highest GPA out of everyone in our year,” I say, maybe sharper than I meant to.

Grant laughs, leaning back. “Oh, right. Yeah. Ladies, Micah has a 4.0. Been keeping that since, what, middle school?”

Poppy looks impressed. “Wow, really?”

I shrug, leaning closer to Sophie, letting my arm brush hers again. “I’m actually quite a genius. Not sure how people get below that. Just do your homework. Answer the questions right on the exams.” I smirk.

Wyatt coughs loudly. “Asshole.”

Sophie tries to hide her smile, but I catch it. And when her knee presses lightly against mine under the table, I decide maybe Holden can go fuck himself. Because I’m the one sitting next to her tonight, not him.

After dinner, I drive Sophie and Poppy to their place. Sophie’s in the passenger seat, and I’m so tempted to hold her hand. I really don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I’m considering just doing what my body clearly wants to do.

I haven’t gotten laid since that first day I met her—but with Hailey, in the car before class. She’s the reason I even bought that damn sweatshirt, the one that ended up matching Sophie’s. I don’t remember ever going this long without sex. It feels like it’s been forever, and it’s messing with me.

Of course I want to sleep with Sophie—badly. I’m a guy, and she’s stunning, in an effortless kind of way. I think about how she looked on my bed the other night, her sweatshirt riding up just enough to tease me, and my body reacts before my brain catches up.

But if this was only about sex, I’d have found someone else by now. I wouldn’t be sitting, rearranging my whole schedule just to eat dinner with her. I wouldn’t care this much about making her smile. So yeah—I’m in way deeper than I should be. And I am completely fucked.

I drop the girls off, and the five of us exchange quick goodbyes. Could’ve sworn I heard Wyatt and Poppy exchange numbers, too.

There’s a lot more I want to say to Sophie, but I hold back. She already stepped out of her comfort zone tonight. So instead, I shoot her a text.

Me

Hey, Soph. I’m really glad you were able to come out tonight. I had a great time. See you in the morning for the presentation. Don’t stay up too late, okay?

ELEVEN

Baby, did you eat?

SOPHIE

Our group is presenting this morning in Intro to Comm. I’m the first one in the lecture hall, quietly going over my slides. I didn’t get much time to practice after last night’s unexpected dinner, but I feel pretty confident. Micah’s edits on the deck were incredible—clean, polished, professional. He really is perfect. Too perfect. I shouldn’t let myself think that. I know how this goes. It’ll be like Holden all over again; the semester will end, and we’ll drift apart.

But maybe, just for now, I can let myself enjoy it.

“Hey, Cliffe!” a voice calls from the door. I don’t look up.

“Cliffe the Lion! Look, the Westcliffe mascot’s in class with us!” Ella’s voice rings out, followed by a few snickers.

I keep my head down, repeating to myself, It’s not worth it. Don’t give her the satisfaction.