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“Shit, I’m glad I stuck to Biology.” Jenny rubs her temple.
“I’ll take Chemistry and Mechanics any day over this.” Enrique exhales loudly, running his hand through his hair.
“No fucking doubt,” Jonas agrees.
“We’ve covered a lot of ground tonight. I think the outline is solid for Kevin. Let’s tighten it up and look at it with fresh eyes in a few days,” Bessie suggests cheerfully, making notes on her computer.
“Yes, let’s quit for now. We’ve been going at it for hours.” I massage the back of my neck to ease the pressure. “I’m sorry if I’m being picky and demanding. I just want to make this as perfect as possible.”
“Hey, Little G, we’ve got this. Together, we’re five of the top brains in the country. Nothing will slip through the cracks.” Enrique comes to my side and drapes his arm around my shoulders. “Think we can have a beer now?”
I peer up and catch the humor dancing in his eyes. “I suppose I’ll allow that, seeing as you guys have drained your brains.”
“Not this again,” he groans. “Stop saying that. This is us; the Nerd Herd sticks together. Even though we’re mentally exhausted, it’s been fun.”
There are rumbles of agreement, and I wrap my arms around his waist, squeezing tightly. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.” He kisses my forehead.
There’s a knock at my door, and everyone’s heads jerk toward it.
“Who could that be? We’re all here,” Jonas says.
“Not everyone. Greer has a new hunky neighbor that has taken an interest in her,” Jenny announces with glee.
“Oh yeah! I’ve heard about Lawson.” Bessie wiggles her eyebrows.
Enrique tenses, his arm tightening.
“She’s exaggerating,” I tell them and slide away, going to the door.
There’s a spark of hope that Lawson is on the other side. The flowers he left sit on my nightstand, reminding me of our outing on Sunday. I’m still not sure it qualified as a date. Walking around the city with a fellow New Yorker isn’t my idea of a real date. And, him not offering much personal information about himself was disappointing. I analyzed the day over and over in my head and decided to wait and see what happens the next time we see each other.
My heart does a double flip as soon as I open the door. Lawson has his hand raised as if to knock again. When he sees me, a huge smile forms on his lips, and his eyes brighten. I try to hold his gaze, but my eyes drop, roaming over him quickly. Tonight, he’s dressed casually in shorts and a t-shirt, and his dark hair is ruffled and damp. The scents of soap and spice immediately fill the space between us.
And those glasses… his eyes glow brightly behind the lenses.
“Hi, Lawson,” I barely whisper, gripping the door for support.
“Greer.” The deep rumble of my name sends a chill over my skin. “I was hoping you were home. Hope it’s not too late.” His eyes rake up and down, taking in my appearance.
Ugh! Why did I change when I got home? Once again, I’m dressed down in gym shorts and an oversized NY Giants shirt that was intended to be a present for my dad, but I never gave it to him. Most likely, I appear to be ready for bed.
“I’m home and it’s only seven thirty,” I reply lamely.
He chuckles, but then his expression changes right as I feel the body heat behind me.
“Greer, you okay?” Enrique lays a hand on my arm, and the smile fades from Lawson’s face.
“Yes, Enrique, I’m fine. This is my neighbor, Lawson.” I step back, opening the door wider. “This is my friend, Enrique.” I purposely emphasize the term.
There’s an awkward silence as my eyes dart between them uncomfortably.
Lawson makes the first move, offering his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Enrique shakes it, and I take the opportunity to step further back, not wanting to give Lawson the wrong impression.
“Well, I was going to order dinner and hoped you’d join me, but it seems you have company.” Lawson focuses his attention back to me.
