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“So you go there with all the oldies?”
I nodded. “You’d be surprised how nice everyone is. They’ve always got something to share as well.”
“Well, you aren’t going to have to worry tonight.” He pouted his lip out, and it only made me wonder if the football team had some kind of deal that meant they could skip the cue, because I couldn't imagine any of them waiting for the hour that was advertised out front. “I've reserved a table for us.”
“Reserved? They don't reserve tables.”
“They do if you're one of Covey U's Quarterbacks.”
“Wow. Your name really does mean something around this place, doesn't it?”
“To everyone but you. Although, I hope this time together is going to change that.”
“I hope so too.” I offered him a meek smile, bringing the liquid to my lips. The cold chased down my throat when I swallowed, calming down the anticipation in my belly over what might be next.
“Thank you, Tanner. I had a great time tonight.” I clutched the paper bag filled with books tighter, reluctant to move out of his car because I didn't want to admit that the night was ending.
We’d spent so long at El Poro’s we got kicked out because they were closing. We’d spent over four hours together, and it still didn’t feel like long enough. I wanted more.
Offering me a small smile, he ticked his thumb against the steering wheel. “I had a great time, too. Thanks for letting me take you out.”
And then suddenly I felt like I was in high school, going on my first date. Awkward tension filled the air, because neither one of us knew what to do with ourselves. What was it about Tanner that made me feel like I couldn't think straight? I almost missed the days that I couldn't stand him, because at least then I didn't feel like my breathing was constricted just looking at him.
“Did you want to come up?” I almost couldn't believe that the words came out of my mouth, but then again, I also knew how desperately I didn't want our time together to end.
He looked out the window at the dorm doors and then back at me. His hand gripped the steering wheel, and I almost felt a little disappointed because I thought he might be ready to turn me down.
“I’d love to.” That was a surprise. “But I only if you’re sure about that?”
I took his hand resting on his thigh and scraped my nail across the thick veins covering it. He took in a sharp inhale as I said, “Yes. I want you to come up. I’m not ready for this night to end.”
He breathed out a small smile. “Neither am I.”
Walking hand in hand into my dorm room, I pointed to my bed. “Please, take a seat.” His options were limited to that or my bean bag, and I knew where I’d rather he ended up.
My bed buckled under his weight, and I stifled back a laugh, realizing it was the first time anyone but me had been on it.
“This is a big room for just you.” He looked around at the books and posters, taking it all in.
“Yeah, well. I think being a junior has helped. I had this crazy roommate last year who was obsessed with Flaming Hot Cheetos. Thankfully, she transferred out of state, and they didn’t replace her. I think they may have forgotten about the spot, but I’m not going to remind them.
“Did she go to Texas?” I raised a brow. “Because she likes it hot?” I groaned at his lame attempt at a joke.
“No. I think she ended up in St. Michael’s. I don’t talk to her much anymore.”
With the bag of books in my hand, I skittered over and took a seat next to him. “Did you want me to show you some of the books I bought?”
“Yeah.” His smile grew into a full-on grin. Our thighs touched, and his hand rested behind my back, so he was leaning into me. My brain was dizzying from the smell of his cologne, but I tried to stay focused. I pulled one of the books out of the bag and put the others to the side. Without warning, Tanner took the book and studied it.
“And what about this book drew you in? The guy?” He asked with a mischievous glint.
I looked down at the black and white portrait shot of a gorgeous man. “No. I’ve read a couple of books in this universe before. The first one was about his dad, and then the next one was about his friend in high school. His character in the second book drew me in and the storyline about his mother from the first was enough to have it pushed straight to the top of my TBR.”
“What’s a TBR?”
“To be read list.”
“And books have universes? LikeMarvel?”
