I shrugged. "So you're all about sex, huh?"
He ran his hand through his hair. "No. I mean, I told you about my past."
"Does Rob know about everything? He won't let you go...overboard?"
"Yeah, he knows."
"So you're in good hands."
"I guess." James smiled down at me. "If he's ever bothering you, just let me know. He's all talk. He's harmless."
"He's fine. I'm getting used to taking care of myself."
James frowned.
"I just mean I'm getting thicker skin. I didn't mean because you aren't taking care of me."
"Okay." He tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "Tomorrow I'd like to go shopping for some stuff that will make our apartment more comfortable. Whatever you want. I want you to feel at home here."
"That sounds perfect."
He leaned down and kissed me again. "Try not to fight with the press while I'm gone."
"I'll be on my best behavior."
"Me too. Text me if you need anything." He kissed me once more and pulled away from me.
"I will." I picked up my pants off the floor and folded them.
He smiled at me on his way out the door. I heard him and Rob laughing and then it was completely quiet. I wondered if they always acted that way with each other's girlfriends. I had expected James to get super angry with Rob. But he had just thought it was funny. It was so nice seeing him laugh. I grabbed the rest of our folded clothes and walked down the hallway.
After putting our clothes in the hamper, I went back out into the living room and sat down on the couch. James had finished mounting the T.V. on the wall. I turned it on and picked up one of the many remotes. It took me a while to figure out how to use it, but I eventually got Shark Tank on. I loved watching Kevin O'Leary make fun of everyone. This was probably my top choice for a Friday night. Although I'd prefer to be snuggled up with James while I watched it. His apartment seemed eerily quiet despite the T.V. being on. I turned up the volume. I had never been alone here before. Maybe after we picked out a few things together I'd be more comfortable.
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out. James had sent me a picture of him and Rob sitting at a bar. Rob was giving me the middle finger. Or maybe he was giving it to James. I laughed. It was the only picture I had of James. I touched the screen. He was so handsome. He'd probably have to beat off all the drunk girls at the bar with a stick. Hopefully Rob would just give the middle finger to everyone that came up to them.
I had an unread message from Tyler. I opened it up and smiled. "I hope your day was okay. I was thinking about you. Did you meet Eli?"
"Yes, Eli saved me from having to stand in the corner of the lecture hall. Thanks for telling him to save me a seat."
I was surprised to see my phone buzz right away. I guess since we were just friends now, there was no protocol about waiting a certain amount of time to text back.
"I'm glad I could help. What are you and Professor Hunter up to tonight?"
"He's out with his brother who's visiting from out of town. I'm watching Shark Tank."
"I'm watching too. I'm waiting for Kevin to start talking about his wine club."
"I know! I love when he does that." I glanced back up at the T.V. It was such good quality that I could almost see each of Kevin's pores. Little T.V.'s had their advantages.
"It's definitely the best part of the show. I'm DVRing it. I can pause it if you want to come over."
"That's very tempting. But I've had a pretty crappy day. I think I just want to stay in. Thanks, though." I could just imagine how James would react if he came back and I was gone.
"What happened?"
I looked up at the T.V. Maybe another perspective would be good. Tyler's first reaction probably wouldn't be to punch Professor McCarty in the face. But I didn't want to talk about it. I didn't want to think about how I felt frozen. His hand lingered on my ass for close to a minute before I got the courage to slaphim. Just thinking about it made me feel sick to my stomach. "I'm just not sure I can do this anymore. I think maybe I should try to change schools. All of this just seems too hard."
My phone started ringing. I guess that wasn't a sufficient answer. "Hi, Tyler," I said, putting my phone to my ear.
