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CHAPTER TWELVE ¦ FIRE
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Mia
“What are you doing here, Austin?” I ask as I step into an already crowded hall.
He’s leaning leisurely against the wall, grey sweats reminding me of the ones from his bedroom, the dark hoodie I know has WHITLOCK emblazoned on the back. The BB hat is backwards, revealing the tuft of dark hair that I want to touch, and I hate that I have these urges. It’s all his fault, he keeps turning up, pushing his way in and lowering my defences.
“Meeting you.”
I sigh. Some of it is for show. “You got a copy of my schedule? How?”
He grins and a dimple I’ve seen before pops. I want to lick that dimple.
God.
Stop it, Mia!
“I have my ways, you’ll have to check out my ways in the bedroom.”
I stop walking, nearly falling over my own feet, and ignore the way the heat curls in my belly. I’d had a morning without altercations, which had been a good start to the day, but thenAustin shows up. I note the people who have stopped what they are doing just to watch us.
"Do you want take-out?" Austin asks, breaking the silence.
Is he oblivious to the crowds?
"Now you're speaking my language!" Avery cheers, as she launches herself at us. Where the hell has she come from?
Rolling my eyes, I shrug because I can’t find a sassy response, and this is a massive concern because sassy is my middle name. It’s a sweet gesture and I don’t know what to do with it. I’ve lost my sass because of it.
"I think we should have take-out at yours," he suggests, stepping closer to me.
“Why would I do that when I have lectures, and also, because I don’t want to.”
I hear snickering. No one ever speaks to Austin Whitlock like this. And for some reason, I get away with it. He keeps hanging around but I don’t know what else to give him. He’s leaving me out of options. Basically, the only options that works for him are his own, and I’m relenting.
But I know what he wants. I’m just not sure if I can act on what I’m starting to want, too.
I’ve never wanted to be an elite girl. I detest jocks and their girls. They saunter around campus like they own it, they talk to people like dirt. Okay, so far, I’ve only ever heard nice things from the BB crew, but look at Zac! He’s everything I detest. I stare at Austin who is waiting patiently for my reply. Like he knows it’s going to be a yes. Damn it. Why does he keep trying with me when he can have his pick of anyone?
A small voice attacks me.
You’ll miss him if he makes a move on someone else.
Damn it.
“Hey.” His thumb drops in my chin, and something flutters in my chest. He lifts my face to meet his gaze. “You’re the only I want to hang out with.”
I shrug. Only believing him a little. How the hell does he read me so well? I’m boring. A nerd. Why does he want to spend time with me? I’m not remotely interesting. I hate that Austin has a way of getting under your skin and staying there. The campus bachelor is telling me that I’m it… the one he wants to date. I don’t understand it, but then I don’t understand anything when he’s staring at me with those hazel eyes.
Am I breathing?
“Do you two need a room?” Avery laughs.
Austin pulls me closer to him. "I’ll help you out with this decision. Food. Mine. Now."
"Yours?" Avery frowns, already making a move to join us.
