Page 27 of Patrick

He backs up, putting some space between us and studies me, his eyes intense and unnerving. I’ve seen this look before, but never aimed at me, usually aimed at someone he’s opposing, sizing them up.

“This isn’t a game, Trick. I want a real, deep down connection, not just a physical one.”

He takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, then he cups my face with his hands. “I know that. It’s just—I’m very extremely excited to connect with you physically.” We both smile. “I can wait, as long as you need, but I’m hoping it’s not for long.”

His gravelly voice does things to me and I almost forget why I’m bothering to wait at all. “You’re so sinfully sexy, did you know that?”

“Don’t say things like that to me. Not when I’m trying—” he drops his hands from me and moves away from me. “Maybe I should go home now.”

“Home? All the way to your parents?”

He nods.

“I’m sorry. I meant for you to stay here tonight, to snuggle together and be close and connected because we’ve had so little chance to share each other’s space in all the time we’ve…” I wave a hand, not sure anymore what we’ve had as our past catches up to the present, confusing me because my feelings are more vivid now and, at the same time, unreal.

“Been flirting?”

I let out a nervous laugh and nod. “I guess you could call it that, whether I was conscious of it or not. I’ve always wanted you. There’s something about you, Patrick Jennings.”

“Ditto, Sofia Rossi. And I’m going to make it my business to find out what that something is, but not tonight.”

I nod again as he stands, straightens his goods again, unapologetically. He even has the audacity to smirk and give me a wink as he cups his junk.

I laugh and pick up the book from the floor, clutching it to my chest automatically as he shrugs into his hoodie.

He leans down to kiss me, sliding his hand into my hair, cradling the back of my head and opening me up for a deep, wanton kiss, the kind that curls my toes and makes me whimper.

“Oh baby, don’t make those noises if you want me to leave.” His whisper against my ear sends a shiver racing down my spine, leaving me wordless, wanting him and wondering why I’m waiting.

He straightens at a deliberate, almost painful pace, his eyes holding mine in a molten stare, his electric blue eyes mesmerizing me, and I understand why girls at UNH—and everywhere he goes—find him irresistible.

“I’ll see you in Stats on Monday.”

I nod, and he leaves. Standing in my bedroom door, I watch him step outside and pull the back door closed behind him. Shivering at the rush of frigid air, I sag against my bedroom door jamb as I hear the solid click of the door latch and sudden cold silence.

I’m gone.

I need to get my shit back together before anyone finds out. Especially him.