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He’s pausing too long in his indecision. I thought maybe we were about to bond over travel, but it makes me uncomfortable enough to want to change the subject. What’s safe? “Sooooo.” The book in my hand reminds me of when he first came to my apartment. I set it back down on the counter. “What other books do you like? Did you actually readThe Silent Patient?”
Reaching out, he runs his hand down my arm until his fingers link with mine. He slowly starts stepping out of the kitchen and toward his bedroom, laughing to himself as he responds. “I did. I’m actually kind of a nerd.” He says it like it’s an embarrassing thing to share, but I love it. “I like psychological thrillers, but I tend to read anything that specifically focuses on the human mind, or how people interact and connect.”
Okay, is it weird I’m turned on by the fact that he loves to read? Liking it in the first place would have been attractive, but the fact he loves books that will teach him something is even hotter. I refrain from sharing those thoughts. “Oh yeah, you’re a sociology major. I don’t think it’s nerdy. I’m the same.” He gives me a half smile as he continues walking us slowly down the hallway. Sometimes he’s open, other times he seems uncomfortable talking about himself. I don’t want to push it all at once, so I attempt to lighten the mood. “How do you feel about conducting your own research on how two specific people can connect?” I try to be clever, but I’m awkward.
He humors me. “For the sake of research, it would be a shame if we didn’t at least test out a few theories.” A smile lights his face before he reaches his arms around my back, pulling me into him as he pushes his way through his bedroom door.
CHAPTER TWENTY
ThursdaynightwithDeanhas been playing through my head on repeat. I wish I was counting down the minutes until I was going to see him again, but he hasn’t asked to make plans, and we’ve hardly talked since he dropped me off yesterday morning. I’m considering seeing what the girls are doing tonight as a distraction, but I don’t want to go to a party. As I open my phone to our group chat, it buzzes in my hand.
Avery:Miller’s buddy has tickets for the student seats to the game this afternoon. He can’t go anymore and offered them to us. Do you want to come? What are your plans?
Maci:That is my plan now! I’ll meet you at the stadium at like 3:30?
Avery:Yes! Do you want to invite Dean? Miller suggested it. Thought we could at least try to get to know him this time.
Maci:Haha I doubt he’ll want to double date considering I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think we are dating, but I’ll ask him.
I wish I wasn’t unsure of myself when I’m not around Dean. When he’s with me, he gives me his full attention, and that gives me more confidence. Maybe I feel like the time we spend together is only ever on his terms. I just don’t get it. How much he acts like he enjoys being around me doesn’t align with how much time we spend together. But the worst that can happen is he says no to me trying to make plans, so I might as well try.
Maci:Hey.
Way to be bold, Maci. I roll my eyes at myself. I set down my phone, half expecting him to ignore my vague, purposeless text, but it buzzes almost immediately.
Dean:What’s up, Jackson.
Maci:Nothing much, just getting ready for the game.
Dean:The football game?
Maci:Yeah, are you surprised?
Dean:Just didn’t know you liked football.
Maci:I don’t go to a lot of games. But Avery and I try to go a few times a year. College experience and all. We wanted to catch one more before the season is over.
Dean:Ahhh, got it. Your pact with yourself to do all the things this year.
Maci:Do you want to go with us?
Maci:Avery and Miller
Dean:Sure
Maci:Really?
That was easy. Maybe I need to take more initiative like Avery said, and like I promised myself I would.
Dean:Yes. lol Really.
Maci:Okay, meet you out front at 3:30?
Dean:Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.
I change into my favorite pair of jeans, and tug on a long sleeve shirt and my green school hoodie, hoping I’ll be warm enough. On my way out the door I pull up my text thread with Avery to let her know I’m on my way and opt to walk the half mile to the stadium in case I decide to drink. Plus, parking is a nightmare on game day.
The moment I spot Avery and wave at her, I also see Dean. I’m not sure why I’m surprised he’s on time. He showed up exactly when he said he would for our first date. He’s wearing black joggers and a green school hoodie, the yellow “O” slightly faded on the front. His sandy blond hair messy in that sexy “I just woke up like this” way, paired with his dark eyes is enough to keep my gaze locked on him. He’s looking down at his phone, so he hasn’t seen me yet, but when Avery follows my gaze to him too, he must feel it because he looks up at that moment. He flashes a smile and meets me where Avery and Miller are standing, waiting for us. As soon as he’s close enough, his hand reaches out, settling on my lower back as he leans in and kisses my hair. “Hi,” he says, casually, to both me and my friends.
