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Max’s voice lowers. “You don’t even need a tennis racket.”
Jesus. My thighs squeeze together as an involuntary squeak comes from my throat. My heart beats in my chest and my fingers ache to touch his skin.
His grin hitches higher, and I’m seconds away from launching myself out of my chair and into his lap, but Professor Wilkins’ voice cuts through the room, interrupting our moment.
Which should be a good thing, since I completely forgot where we are. Yet my body is heavy with disappointment.
Professor Wilkins launches into semester expectations as she hands out her class syllabus. I’ve already looked at it online and read the first couple of chapters of the textbook, although it was tough to completely concentrate, considering what happened on Saturday afternoon with William.
Rather than take a traditional roll call, Professor Wilkin informs us she will point at us, and we need to stand, give our name, and our major and minor. Blinking rapidly, I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, then my fingers move to the edge of my lace floral cami top, rubbing it between my fingers.
Musk, woods, and peppermint waft through my nose as Max leans close to me, his voice a whisper. “You’ve got this, beautiful.”
My head lifts to his and I give him a smile. His words ease my nervousness, filling me with confidence. Professor Wilkins nods at me and I stand up, stepping into the aisle, my body close to Max. I gaze down at him before speaking and my nerves are gone.
“Hi everyone.” My shoulders are back and my chest is high as I look around the room, my eyes finally moving to him as he gives me a nod of encouragement. “My name is Irelynn McDaniel. I’m majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology.” Before I sit, my gaze drops to Max, who winks at me.
Once I’m settled into my seat and the next student begins their introduction, Max leans across the aisle. “Irelynn Rose McDaniel. A beautiful name for a stunningly gorgeous woman.” He leans back in his seat before Professor Wilkins sees him talking to me.
My heart pounds in my chest as a soft smile crosses my lips.This man flusters me in the best way.My body is still turned toward him, studying his profile as he turns his head, listening to the student a few seats over from him. He turns toward me, a sexy smile curling his lips.That’s the smile he reserves for me. I haven’t seen him smile that way at anyone else.
When Professor Wilkins is turned away, listening to another student’s introduction, I lean across the aisle and whisper, “Now you know my middle and last name. But I still don’t know yours,” I whisper back.
Max winks at me. “You’ll know my last name shortly. But you’ll have to wait to find out my middle name.” He leans back in his chair and seconds later, Professor Wilkins nods at Max. “Your turn.”
He draws himself up from his seat, all muscles and hard planes beneath the jeans and t-shirt he’s wearing as he steps into the aisle closest to me. Max tilts his head, giving me a wink. Turning his attention to the class, he radiates confidence as he meets the eyes of the other students. “Hi everyone. I’m Max Devlin. I’m majoring in Criminal Justice with a Psychology minor.” He grins at me before he slides into his seat.
My hands are clammy from his nearness. His scent infiltrates my body, making my skin hum, and that wink ratchets my body temperature up at least ten degrees.
As the student introductions continue, I glance at Professor Wilkins, then lean toward Max. “I’m going to figure out your middle name.” Determination glints in my eyes.
He cocks an eyebrow, one side of his lips pulled in a smirk. “How’re you gonna do that?”
My smile is flirtatious. “You’ll find out, Max Devlin. I’ll get it out of you, one way or another.” Turning my body toward his, I twirl a lock of hair around my finger, tilting my head slightly.
His eyes heat, and he mutters a low curse under his breath. My smile widens as he tries to shift in his seat without being obvious, but I’m aware of the hardening bulge in his jeans. I felt it yesterday in his closet when we kissed. I felt it again last night when I was curled up in his arms on the couch.
I’ve been trying to convince myself the desire swirling inside my body is because I haven’t had sex in a few months, but that isn’t it. Although I desired my ex-boyfriend, Ben, it was nothing like the yearning and hunger I feel for Max.
Calm down, Irelynn. Focus on class.Easier said than done when every time I turn my head, the heat from Max’s gaze bores into me like he wants to throw me onto the desk and tear off my clothes.
Taking a deep breath, I turn my focus to Professor Wilkins as she begins her lecture, my fingers flying over my keyboard, taking notes. College is one thing I excel at and though I’ve had to work harder in certain classes than others, my confidence rebounds.
My attention roves to Max, who is typing notes, a look of concentration on his face.He’s so damned sexy when he’s focused.
As though he feels my gaze, he looks over at me and smiles, warming my heart. I return his smile, then look away, not wanting to get too distracted by him.
When class ends, we look at one another, matching smiles on our faces.
“Feel like heading to the coffee shop?” He grins as though he already knows the answer.
“Sounds perfect.” Packing up my class materials, I shove them into my backpack, slinging it over my shoulders. I meet him at the end of the row, and he gestures for me to walk ahead of him. I grin, feeling his eyes on my ass, which causes me to add an extra swing to my hips when I walk.
He falls in step with me in the hallway and we engage in easy conversation about the class and assignments until we reach the doors of Stevenson.
Max holds the door open, and I step through, exiting into the bright, warm sunshine. Inhaling deeply, I enjoy the fleeting last moments of summer, despite looking forward to autumn, my favorite season.
As he walks down the steps beside me, his hand brushes mine, and his fingers automatically wind around mine. Looking up at him, I smile, admiring the way the sun highlights his blond hair. “I’m thinking about a bet between us. If I win, you tell me your middle name.”
