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He gives me one of his soft smiles, the ones I’ve only ever seen him keep for me, and I melt.
“We never talked about the grand opening.” I say delicately so no one overhears, “I know you were apprehensive about it.”
“You kept me busy wondering where you were and if you were with him.” He answers grimly, his index ghosting over the skin of my hand and curling around my finger. “It was a good distraction.”
“That aside, how did you feel?” I push him, refusing to let him bury this answer behind our games.
“Good. Better than I thought, honestly.” He answers, “Seeing their names on the entrance and knowing their legacy will always be there makes me feel like I did the right thing. Like they’d be proud of me for making this happen.”
“You should be proud. It’s really beautiful.” I tell him honestly, because it is. I know he played a heavy part in designing the look and layout even if he didn’t oversee the physical build itself, and it’s gorgeous.
“Thank you.” He answers gruffly, his finger moving to trace the hem of my sweater where it meets my jeans. “When can I see you again?”
“Am I invisible?” I ask, playfully.
“No,” he says, looking up to meet my eyes. “Most days, you’re all I see.”
The oxygen dies in my lungs as unconcealed reverence leaks into his gaze. How am I meant to protect myself from him, to guard my fragile heart from his assault, when he says things to me that would have the greatest poets taking notes?
“What are you doing tonight?” I ask him.
“Devlin’s having people over after the game.” He says, “You should come.”
That’s not exactly an enthusiastic invitation.
I start to turn away from him and towards my desk, ready to give him a dismissive answer of some sort, when he places a hand on my arm.
“Let me rephrase.” He says, pulling my attention back to him, “I want you there with me.”
“Better,” I tell him, “What time?”
“The game’s at five, so let’s meet there at eight. I’ll text you the address, he lives off campus.”
Señor De León walks in then, bringing an end to our conversation. We separate after class with a wave and a whispered ‘good luck’ as he’s off to get ready for the game.
???
I walk into Devlin’s house with Nera and am immediately overwhelmed by the number of people there. I thought this was going to be a relatively small get together after the game, not a full blown party.
I pull out my phone to text Rhys when I see I already have a message from him.
Rhys:Helping Rogue with something quick, will be there soon, sorry.
Thayer:All good. Did you guys win?
Rhys:What do you think?
Thayer:*smirking emoji*
Thayer:Did you score?
Rhys:A hat trick.
Thayer:No way!
Thayer:Show me the highlights later.
I put my phone away and look at Nera who’s standing next to me in jeans, a black cut-out top, and a high pony, looking as gorgeous as I’ve ever seen her.
