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“No, I’m not. I’m being realistic.”
“For someone who’s never had a girlfriend, you seem awfully possessive and caveman-ish.”
“Oh, yeah? I guess that’s why I never had a girlfriend. I didn’t need the damn distraction.”
Of course, he didn’t. Turning away, I focused on my book. “Anyway, I really need to study.”
He flipped my book closed. “Later.” Nuzzling my neck, he said, “I really need to spend time with you.”
“Axel,” I began, but my stupid heart fluttered, regardless. I’d missed him.
“No. No more studying. Besides, you know what they say about all work and no play…”
I smiled and pushed at his chest, putting a little distance between us. “It makes you more successful?”
His mouth quirked as he closed the space between us. “Maybe. But how boring would that be?” He swept his eyes down my body slowly. “And you’re definitely not boring. Come on, just relax, and go with the flow.”
“That’s easy for you to say. I can’t blow off studying and expect to maintain my GPA.”
“I doubt spending a few hours having fun equals you tanking your grades.”
“That’s not the point.”
“Then bring your books. You’ll have plenty of time to study.” The way he spoke made me highly doubt it. However, he was already packing my books for me. It was hard to deny him, and to be honest, I really didn’t want to, anyway. I could use a few hours to unwind from my work.
Before I knew it, he was leading me out of the library, carrying my backpack. “Where are we going?”
“My place.” He had an arm securely around me and was thumbing around on his phone. Leading me to his car, he let me into the passenger seat. He placed my backpack on the floorboard between my legs.
When he slid into the driver’s side, I said, “Do you always get your way?”
He dipped his chin, peering at me with a smug look. “What do you think?”
“You can’t answer my question with a question.”
Shaking his head, he sported a wry smile before he turned to me. “Okay, Hardcore. How is this for an answer? Yes, I do. Always. When I want something, I take it.”
I glanced down at the backpack between my legs. “Oh.” Unease started to swirl in my stomach. Swallowing slowly, I twisted my hands in my lap.
“Hey,” he said, softly touching a stray curl hanging over my shoulder. “I didn’t mean that in the way it came out. I would never take something from you that you didn’t want to give, Natalie.”
“I know.”
“I’m serious. I just want to spend time with you and have some fun. Can we do that?”
Axel may have pushed my boundaries in some ways, but it was never something I didn’t want. Wasn’t I living out the list I wrote at the beginning of the semester? Besides, what was wrong with having a little fun? I was fooling myself if I said I didn’t want to spend time with him, too. “I’d like that.”
When he pulled into his driveway, he got out of the car and walked around to my side before opening my door. Retrieving my backpack, he took my hand and gently led me out like a gentleman.
Passing through the living room, Nick was sitting on the large L-shaped sofa with Kenzie by his side. They both glanced at us with eyes slightly raised in curiosity.
“Hey, Natalie. Fancy seeing you here.” Nick’s mouth rose in humor as he slid a sly look at Axel.
“Yeah, we’re working on a project together.”
“Must be a big project, huh?” Nick still had a teasing glint in his eye. “You’ve been working on it for quite a while, haven’t you?”
Puzzled, I glanced at Axel, who appeared aggravated, but he answered, “It’ll probably take us the semester to finish.” My heart dropped at hearing him give a definitive end date to our so-called project.
