Page 40 of The Obvious Check
“What time is it?” I grin, way too happy about how raspy and sexy her voice is, knowing it’s because she had a good sleep and that I was able to provide that for her.
“Eleven-thirty.”
She blinks before her entire body jolts. “Eleven-thirty? I overslept.”
“Yeah, Stanley came out for a walk, and when we got back, you were still passed out. I didn’t want to wake you.”
Her expression falls, embarrassment flickering across her face.
“I missed our class.”
“I got the notes,” I say easily, trying to brush it off, but she shakes her head, worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.
“It’s not just the notes. My scholarship is contingent on my attendance.”
“So you missed one class.” I shrug, unconcerned. “Pretty sure they won’t revoke it over that.”
“It’s not just one class, though. I’ve missed a bunch—” She stops herself. “With all my apartment issues, I’ve missed a lot.”
Well, isn’t it interesting that she’s never missed a class with me. That’s not the point right now.
“Don’t worry about it,” I say, filling a glass with orange juice and sliding it toward her. “Come eat and we can figure it out.”
Her hesitation lasts only as long as it takes her to eye the spread in front of her. Eggs, avocado, bacon, hash browns, waffles. The works.
She stares at it, dumbfounded. “Do you really think I can eat all this?”
I shrug. “Didn’t know what you liked, so I figured I’d make it all.” The way her eyes track the meal, I suddenly think. “Oh, wait, are you a vegetarian? I can take away the meat.”
She bounces in her seat slightly. “It’s not that. It just… looks incredible.” She pauses, then says softly, “I’ve never had a guy cook for me before.”
“This is the part where I’d usually question what kind of guys you’ve been hanging around with,” I say, arching a brow, “but I already know, and something tells me Luke’s never done a damn thing for you except extort you.”
Her fork hovers in mid-air.Shit.I took that a little too far. I know it. She knows it, and if I don’t say anything, this could get awkward real quick.
“Eat,” I say, pointing to the fork, hoping that changing the subject reduces her chances of bolting. Lifting her fork, shewastes no time shoveling the food into her mouth, and I feel better than I did last night. She’s well rested and is eating a good meal. At least I know she’ll be okay for the rest of the day.
“I put your clothes in the dryer,” I say casually after a few minutes. “It’s all folded in the laundry room when you’re ready.”
Once again, she freezes mid-chew. What did I do this time?
“You folded my laundry?” Ah, the most cardinal of sins. I nod, and her face contorts in horror.
“It was just a few things,” I say quickly, knowing I might’ve gone a little overboard with making her feel at home. “Figured you had a class this afternoon and I didn’t want you worrying about it.”
“Thanks.” The word is quiet. Barely there, but she eats like she means it. I knew she was hungry, which only fuels my next question.
“So how long do you think you’ll be out of your apartment?”
She takes her time to chew and then swallows, glaring down at the plate the entire time.
“Uh, I’m not sure. I’ll need to call them today.”
Lie.
I know she’s lying. It’s obvious from the way she’s pushing her food around her plate, avoiding eye contact with me. It’s going to take longer than a day to fumigate.
“Wanna stay here?” I offer in an attempt to ease her concern, keeping my voice deliberately casual.
