As we cut across the cafeteria, Jinxy shouts something to him that makes Nick grumble under his breath.
“What’s that about?”
He shakes his head. “Just Jinxy being an asshole.”
I can’t help but notice that every single woman turns to watch us pass. Ugh, then that cheerleader Tiffany, who gave me crap at Moe’s, runs up to him. She gives me a funny look before she turns to Nick. “Good luck this weekend! I’ll be cheering just for you.”
This is where Ezra would’ve hugged his fangirl and let her fawn all over him while I stood there like a lamppost.
But Nick, who never lets go of me, smiles politely. “Thanks. Appreciate the good vibes.”
And then we’re off again. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
“That girl doesn’t like me,” I tell him once we’re outside.
“She doesn’t like anyone.”
I don’t state the obvious—that she more than likes him—because I know that sounds insecure, and I don’t want to come off like a needy basket case.
A brisk wind whisks across campus, and I shiver and pull out a button-down sweater from my bag. As I tug it on, I notice that Nick is only wearing a t-shirt. “Aren’t you cold?”
He shrugs. “I’ll be sweating my ass off in a little while. I don’t mind the chill.”
It makes me realize I haven’t seen him wear his letterman lately. The football guys basically live in those jackets.
When I’m done putting on my sweater, he grabs my hand, and we resume our trip to the library.
I almost have to pinch myself. Nick Silva is freaking holding my hand. Not because I asked him to, but of his own accord.
Butterflies erupt in my chest, and I barely keep myself from skipping.
Cool your jets, Abigail. This doesn’t change anything.
Who am I kidding? It changes everything.
25
ABIGAIL
I expect Nick to take off when we reach the library, but he patiently waits with me while the librarian checks for the packet I need for my class.
But when she returns, the title on the handout doesn’t match what’s in the syllabus. When I point this out, she shrugs. “This is what I have down for the course. Why don’t you grab a table and double-check the materials?” She glances around the room, but every single table is full. “Follow me. I’ll open a study room for you.” Nick and I follow her through tall bookcases into the shadowy back, where she unlocks a door. “Here you go. Take your time. If this isn’t correct, just return the packet.”
The door clicks closed behind us.
I put the folder on the small table. There’s a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooks the quad on the opposite side of the door.
I’m about to tell Nick he doesn’t need to stay with me when he wraps a muscular arm around my waist and nuzzles my neck. “This was a brilliant idea.”
Goosebumps break out along my arms, and I tilt my head back. “Don’t you have to go?”
“I probably have twenty minutes before I need to haul ass across campus.” He turns me around, and there’s a question in his eyes that I’m eager to answer.
Hopping up on my tiptoes, I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his handsome face down to mine. “Why, Mr. Silva, do you need a tutor?”
His lips graze mine as his hands find their way under my skirt and he grabs my rear. “As a matter of fact, I do. How are you at oral reports?”
I giggle and pull him closer. He smells so good, like sandalwood and soap. “Hmm. I’m not sure how advanced I am at oral. Maybe I could demonstrate, and you could critique my methods?”
