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She nods, so I grab my phone to find that she’s texted me a gift card for the campus bookstore.
“Irelynn—”
She holds up a hand. “I know the card is kind of cheesy, but I keep a spare set of various cards for special occasions, and I thought just randomly texting you a gift card would be weird. And when you texted, saying you were going to swing by, I figured I could give you this in person.” Her words come out in a rush, her face animated, yet embarrassed.
I clear the lump from my throat. “That is really sweet of you. Thank you.” I’m typically not an emotional person. I haven’t been in a few years. But she’s bringing out a side of me I’d forgotten existed. “You didn’t have to get me a gift card, though.”
She shrugs. “Well, my bestie paid for my books today, which is a whole other story. And my parents will likely be suspicious if they don’t see a textbook charge on their credit card statement, so you’re really doing me a favor if you use the gift card.” The blush goes all the way to the roots of her hair. “I used their credit card for the bookstore gift card, so…”
I grin. “Don’t you think your parents will figure out it’s for a gift card instead of books?”
She shrugs. “They won’t care. They’ll just see the bookstore name and not question it. Plus, I’ve gotten gift cards from there before so….”
I’m really touched that she went to this trouble. For once, I’m speechless.
She stares at me expectantly, and my smile widens, knowing what she wants to hear. Nodding, I stare at her beautiful face. “Okay, I’ll use it.”
She claps her hands excitedly and says, “Yay.”
I shake my head.She is so damned cute.“Can I give you a hug for this?” I hold up the card and my phone. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but…” I pause, dropping my gaze. Once I get my emotions under control, I look at her. “It’s been a long time since anyone has given me a card.” My voice is husky and I know my cheeks are slightly pink.
She nods, cocking her head, emotion shimmering in her chocolate orbs. “Of course. I’m honored to be the first one that’s given you a card… in a long time.”
She steps back and I unbuckle my seat belt. I get out and go to give her a side-armed hug, not wanting to make her feel awkward, but she steps into me and wraps her arms around me.
Well shit. My arms immediately go around her, gently. I want to pull her tighter against me, but I don’t, afraid I’ll come off as a pervert. But I can’t resist the allure of lowering my head closer to hers, inhaling her apple cinnamon smell.
She steps back, and I reluctantly drop my arms, staring at her face. The sun is lowering in the sky and the brilliant reds and fiery orange colors flicker across her face and in her chocolate eyes, turning them a prism of colors, further enhancing her beauty.
“Well, I should let you go. I plan to do some reading tonight.” She jerks her thumb over her shoulder. Guilt crosses her expression as she says, “I’m sorry you weren’t able to get your textbooks today, but hopefully, that helps make up for it.”
I shrug, my gaze intent on hers. “You didn’t mess up my day at all. I’ll just get my books tomorrow. I’m going to my buddy’s house to watch football, so I wouldn’t have started studying today, anyway.” My voice lowers. “Please, don’t feel you are a burden. If you are scared and need to talk tonight…” I hold up my phone.
Her smile is wide. “Okay.”
“Try to do something fun tonight besides study.” I wink at her, and she laughs.
“Well, I was planning on watching horror movies but… I shot that plan down since I lived one today.” She chuckles, trying to lighten the moment, but I see the flash of terror in her eyes.
I give her a gentle smile. “Yeah, might not be such a good idea. Especially with your roommate being away.”
She nods. “I’ll find something else to watch.” Her phone beeps and she checks it, worry replacing it.
“Are you okay?” I immediately ask, studying her face.
“Oh yeah. My roommate just picked up her brother to take him to his grandparents. Her parents are divorcing and it’s really hard on him.” She sighs, her arms crossing. “She may not make it home until Sunday night. But I don’t want to tell her…”
I nod, understanding. My expression is pensive as I weigh the pros and cons.Oh, fuck it, Max. Just say it.“How about this: I’ll take you to breakfast tomorrow morning and you can come with me to the bookstore. If you like coffee, I’ll buy you one afterward.”
“Oh no, Max, I didn’t mean for you to feel like you need to babys—”
Reaching over, my finger moves to her lips.Goddamn, I’ve never felt tingles like this before.It feels like a huge bolt of static electricity running through my body.But the sensation is so pleasurable, I want to keep touching her. Which is completely crazy.
Removing my finger, I brush a hand through my hair, staring at her for a moment. “I’ll be honest. I don’t want to worry you, but William was…intense. I don’t like the idea of you being alone for so long.”
“Well…” she shifts her weight, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. “If it’s not too much trouble—”
“It’s not. Not at all.” I lean against my Jeep, crossing my ankles. “Besides, the bookstore will probably be busy as hell, and I hate large crowds of strangers.” I grin at her. “You’d be doing me a favor.”
