“He told you that?”
“The night I moved in with him, we had this unexpected heart-to-heart. I worked up the courage to ask him what he was looking for in a girlfriend. That’s what he told me—he wants casual. And before you get up in arms, I get the feeling he’s still hung up on Gemma.”
Her shoulders slump. “His ex.”
“His daughter’s mother who died. That’s not an ex. It sounds like she owned him, lock, stock, and barrel. His commitment to her is beautiful and tragic, and hearing him talk about her broke my heart.” I brush my bangs out of my face. “I can’t compete with that. So we decided we’d have fun until I leave for my trip. And to underscore the point, he even told me he didn’t want Hazel to know that we’re kinda seeing each other.”
She balls up a napkin and tosses it on the table. “This is unacceptable.”
“Do I wish he wanted more? Absolutely. But I’m not going to pressure him. Nick has enough responsibilities. I’m just going to try to enjoy myself. I’ve never had a fling before.” I shrug. “I can handle it.”
Paige doesn’t look convinced. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m not all that convinced either, but I don’t want Paige to be down on Nick.
“Remember when you told Marcus that you didn’t want to move in with him since you hadn’t been dating long?”
“Yeah.” She takes a sip of her water.
“This would be worse. Nick and I went from zero to one hundred in, like, fifteen seconds. So I don’t blame him for not wanting to dive feet first into a relationship with me. But he promised to be monogamous, so that helps.”
I don’t tell her this is the first time Nick’s gotten into anything remotely serious since Gemma passed. That seems too personal.
“Boo.” She shakes her head. “That boy is going to rue the day he lets you go, mark my words.”
Judging by how fast he left my room after we were done the other night, I’m not so sure. Don’t get me wrong—he cuddled and was sweet. But he looked like he was itching to go. I couldn’t really fault him since he has a five thirty a.m. alarm.
“Speak of the Devil.” Paige motions to the other side of the cafeteria where a few of the football players walk in.
I immediately find Nick. He’s talking to some girl, and my claws descend.
But she’s not hanging all over him. He nods at her, and she trots off. I take a relieved breath.
I really need to get my feelings in check.
Nick’s not Ezra, I remind myself. My ex chose to cheat. It wasn’t the women’s fault. No one knew he had a girlfriend. So I can’t get catty with girls over Nick. He’s either going to be true to our agreement or not, and then it’s over.
The thought dampens my excitement to see him. When he spots me and walks over, I don’t leap out of my seat and smother him in a hug like I want to. I give him a careful smile.
But the smile he gives me? He might as well announce he had his face between my thighs.
Just before he reaches our table, Paige whispers, “Holy shit, Abby. Do you see how he’s looking at you?” Paige fans herself.
After what he told me about not letting Hazel know that we’re seeing each other, I’m totally shocked when he comes to our table and leans down to kiss me. “Hey, buttercup.”
I open my mouth to say hi, but nothing comes out.
Paige laughs. “Hey, Nick. How’s it going?” She smirks at me. “Ya left my girl here speechless with that kiss.”
He chuckles and motions for me to scoot over. When I do, he drops down into the booth next to me, wraps his arm around my shoulders, and tugs me to his chest. “I haven’t seen Abby in two days. Kinda miss my roommate.”
“Roommate? Sure. Let’s go with that.” She rolls her eyes. “Ouch.”
I give her a look and mouth ‘sorry’ because I didn’t mean to kick her so hard. Turning to him, I scramble to think of a question. But he’s so close and he smells so good, it’s difficult to think. “How was your study session last night?”
Nick put Hazel to bed, and then Cadence watched her while he left for a late-night study group. The night before, I had a shift at the diner. So today is the first time I’ve seen him since he licked me to the best orgasm of my life.
My face heats just thinking about it. I’m so lost in my own head, I almost miss his response.
“It was a waste of time. Everyone was arguing about how to break down the assignment, so we didn’t get much done.” He leans close to me. “Would’ve rather hung out with you.”
