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“You’re right, they are.” I wrap my fingers around the back of the chair before leaning forward until we’re practically eye level. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect that girl from anyone who tries to hurt her. And that includes you, Dr. Holloway. If I catch so much as a whiff of impropriety going on, I have no problem reporting you for misconduct.”
His jaw tightens as his nostrils flare. “If you’re finished, I think it’s time for you to leave.”
With a nod, I straighten to my full height. “Just as long as we understand one another.”
One side of his mouth curls with disdain. “Oh, I think we understand each other perfectly.”
I swing around and call over my shoulder. “You be sure to have a good day, professor.”
He remains silent as I close the door behind me.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Elle
I carefully assess myself in the full-length mirror to make sure everything is on point.
A sweater that hugs my curves paired with a short skirt—check.
Light application of makeup that doesn’t make me look like the kid sister he grew up with—double check.
Hair straightened to an inch of its life, so it falls down my back in a shiny curtain—triple check.
I blow out a steady breath as my hand flutters against my lower abdomen to settle the butterflies currently winging their way to life. The light rap of knuckles against the suite door has them exploding into furious movement.
Instead of allowing the nerves to get the best of me, I swing away from the mirror and stride into the common area. With my fingers wrapped around the handle, I pause for a second and jerk my shoulders as if headed into battle. If I have my way, tonight will change everything between us.
So, you know...no pressure.
I pull open the door and find Carson waiting on the other side of the threshold. As soon as our gazes lock, a sizzle of electricity zips down my spine. It’s impossible to imagine experiencing this kind of reaction with anyone else. Maybe it’s wrong to push him the way I am, but I need to know how Carson truly feels. I understand what he keeps trying to tell me, but after the other morning in the classroom, I’m almost positive he’s lying.
Maybe even to himself.
Tonight is all about unearthing those answers. No matter what they are. If there’s not a chance for us, then I want to move on with my life. I can’t pine over this guy forever. At least, I hope I don’t.
How depressing would that be?
“Hey.”
There’s a cautious look filling his eyes as his mouth remains a tight slash across his face. The thick tension wafting off him in heavy waves couldn’t make it any more obvious that this is the last place he wants to be. I’m not under any illusion that I didn’t strong arm him into showing up at my door. I would be lying if I didn’t admit there’s a tiny part inside me that wants to end this.
Instead, I step aside and allow him in. “Thanks for coming over.”
He grunts. “You didn’t really give me much choice in the matter, now did you?”
Ouch.
But accurate nonetheless.
I shrug. “There’s always a choice.”
If it’s possible, his lips flatten even more. The guy is definitely pissed off. It only sends my nerves skyrocketing.
He stalks into the suite, making sure to keep as much physical distance between us as possible before beelining toward the square table at the far end of the room. The common area is laid out in the shape of a T with the entryway making up the bottom part of the letter. Kari’s bedroom is on the right with a communal bathroom situated across from it. Sierra’s room is next to Kari’s, and then there’s a small living area with a futon, coffee table, chair, and television. My private space, along with Madison’s, is at the back of the suite. On the opposite side is a table and small kitchenette with a fridge and microwave. As much as I’m looking forward to moving off campus next year, I’ve enjoyed living here with my friends.
Just as he drops his bag on the table, I say, “Would you mind if we study in my room?”
His brows snap together as he shakes his head. “Actually, I would. There’s no reason—”
The door to the suite crashes open and a bunch of girls pour in, arms filled with takeout bags. Not only is it my roommates but three other friends from the floor. Chatter and laughter fill the space.
Madison is the first to spot us. Her gaze slides from mine to Carson’s before she points to the bag in her other hand. “Hey, we just picked up a ton of Chinese. Are you guys hungry?”
We both shake our heads. With the anxiety roiling dangerously inside me, I don’t think I could eat a single bite without it making an encore appearance. And that’s not really the vibe I’m going for tonight.
