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He glances down at me, still waiting for my answer, and I force a smile, reminding myself to play it cool. He can’t know that I’m out toget him.
The thought sits ugly in my gut, and it’s an effort to not let it show as I try to sound bright and breezy. “I guess after buying you coffee, I should probably learn yours too.”
“It’s Ethan.” He sticks out his hand.
I stare at his long digits, his big palm, and finally slip my hand against his.
“I’m Mick. I mean Mikayla.” I give him a firm shake, the way my daddy taught me, then let go before I can think about how strong his hand is.
“Anyone ever call you Mickey?” There’s a playful twist to his smile, and if he wasn’t wearing shades, I’m pretty sure I’d be able to catch the twinkle in his eyes.
“Only if they want to die.” I throw a glare of warning in his direction.
He barks out a short laugh. “So, Mick.”
“That’s right. Not Shorty. It’s Mick or Mikayla.”
“Or mouse.”
“What?”
“You know, because you’re so little.”
I try to make my glare even darker than the one before, and I’m ashamed to admit what an effort it is. Ethan’s fighting a laugh as he keeps teasing me.
“And because your first name is Mickey. Like Mickey Mouse.”
“Okay, I’m gonna have to kill you now.”
“Good luck with that, lil’ mouse.” His lips stretch into an exquisite smile, but that’s not enough to stop me forming a fist and throwing a punch his way.
I did say I’d have to kill him, right?
He grabs my fist, his large hand making it disappear within his grasp.
I grunt and try to pull it back. He gives it one little squeeze before dropping it and continuing to saunter along beside me.
He’s still fighting a grin, his lips twitching up and down, and I’m irritated with myself for finding it charming.
Shit. I am in so much trouble.
I’m supposed to be making this guy fall for me so I can break his heart. But in only two small interactions, I can tell this whole fiasco is going to do me in. I’m not saying I’ll be tumbling down Slope Swoon nursing a broken heart, but if Ethan keeps being so cool and likable, dumping on him this way is gonna sting.
Remember why you’re here. Remember your future. Remember what you want.
I clench my jaw, repeating the little mantra and reminding myself that I am not one of those girls who needs a man to be happy.
I can simply make the choice not to fall for Ethan Galloway. I will not let myself be wrecked by his playful smile and charm. I’m on a mission to take this player down, and I will. I’m strong enough to do this.
Stealing a sideways glance at him, I grit my teeth and try to act bored and nonplussed when he strikes up a conversation about what my first class of the day is, then goes on to tell me how he’s studying kinesiology.
Dammit. Even that’s cool.
Yep. This guy is going to ruin me.
CHAPTER10
ETHAN
