Page 53 of The Equation of Us
“Don’t you have a big game tomorrow?” Kyle asks.
Dean nods once. “Coach is letting us stay out until eleven.”
“Special treatment for the hockey stars,” Kyle says with a smirk. “Though some of us are wondering if all that weight training is affecting your academic standing. Heard you needed a tutor.” He glances at me, his implication clear.
I feel Dean tense beside me, though his expression barely changes. “Nora’s the best,” he says evenly. “Lucky to have her help.”
Our eyes meet briefly, and I see the carefully controlled heat there, invisible to anyone who doesn’t know what to look for.
“She’s being modest about her skills,” Kyle continues, placing a hand on my lower back. “Nora’s the top student in our program.”
I subtly shift away from Kyle’s touch, but he doesn’t seem to notice, his hand settling more firmly against my spine. Dean’s eyes track the movement, his fingers tightening imperceptibly around his beer bottle.
“Dean mentioned you’re both interested in the Archer Initiative,” Gavin says, clearly trying to diffuse the tension. “Pretty competitive.”
“Different tracks,” I explain, grateful for the change of subject. “My focus is neuropsychology, his is prosthetics engineering.”
“Still, must make for some interesting… tutoring sessions,” Kyle says with a smirk that makes me want to step on his foot.
Dean takes a casual sip of his beer, but I can see the muscle working in his jaw.
Before Kyle can respond, Dean says, “Speaking of interesting sessions, Nora, I’ve been meaning to ask if you want to grab coffee sometime. Compare notes on the McPherson paper.”
His hand slides slightly lower on my back, and I step away, putting some distance between us. “I’m pretty swamped right now with research, but thanks.”
Kyle isn’t deterred. “Come on, we could both use a break. Sunday morning? That café near the science building?”
“She said she’s busy, man,” Dean interjects, his tone friendlier than his eyes.
Kyle shoots him an irritated look. “I think Nora can speak for herself, Carter.”
“And I think she already did,” Dean counters with a tight smile.
The tension between them is palpable, and I find myself in the awkward position of mediator. “I really am busy,” I say firmly. “But I appreciate the offer, Kyle.”
He looks like he wants to argue further, but just then, Daphne appears with a tall, well-dressed guy I assume is James.
“Nora! You came!” she exclaims, giving me a quick hug. She spots Dean and offers a small, slightly awkward smile. “Hey, Dean. Good luck tomorrow.”
“Thanks,” he says, his tone noticeably softer with her. “You must be James?” he adds, extending a hand to Daphne’s date.
I watch the interaction carefully, searching for any signs of lingering feelings, but Dean’s expression is polite and neutral. There’s none of the tightly controlled heat I’ve come to recognize when he looks at me. None of the anger he just directed at Kyle.
“Daphne talks about you all the time,” James says to me with a warm smile after introductions are complete. “Says you’re the one who keeps her sane during exams.”
“That’s an exaggeration,” I say, but I’m touched by the comment.
The arrival of Daphne and James shifts the dynamic, diffusing the tension between Kyle and Dean. Kyle eventually drifts away to talk to some friends, while Dean, Gavin, Daphne, and James fall into conversation about some upcoming campus event.
I observe their interaction carefully, like a scientist would.
I look for any signs of lingering feelings between Daphne and Dean, but there’s nothing but casual friendliness. Daphne seems genuinely happy with James, her hand tucked in his, her smile more relaxed than I’ve seen it in months.
After a few minutes, Dean excuses himself, mentioning an early bus ride tomorrow. As he leaves, his eyes meet mine briefly, a look that communicates volumes. He might appear calm and collected to everyone else, but I can see the possessive heat in his gaze, the promise of consequences for Kyle’s hand on my back.
It shouldn’t thrill me the way it does.
As the night progresses, I find myself relaxing, enjoying the rare opportunity to socialize without academic pressure. Gavinturns out to be surprisingly good company—quick-witted and observant.
