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8
Drew
I breezethrough my classes the next morning after our big win. By pulling off that pass at the last minute, I helped lead CRU to victory. Not only did it allow for major bragging rights against our biggest rival in the division, but when I looked up, Abby and Sydney were in the stands watching it all happen. I’m not sure why it mattered so much. Maybe it’s because I haven’t had anyone close in the stands to watch me in a while, but for some reason, just knowing Abby was there, made me want to show her just what I could do.
As I make my way from class to class, people stop and congratulate me. I’m happy to have fans, but it takes longer to go anywhere when this happens. Typically, I avoid crowds but for some reason, I can’t get away from them today. As the season progresses, I’m sure it’ll just get worse if our winning streak continues. I wouldn’t trade the win for the world, but it gets old being bombarded by fans and their constant interruption.
I slink onto my stool and plop my bag down just as the professor begins. I quickly greet Abby with a smile as I pull out my notebook and materials needed to start.
While listening to what our assignment is for today, I can’t help but notice Abby’s her typical self for class. It’s adorable the way her big dark glasses perch on her nose as she hunches over her notebook, taking furious notes about our expectations. Her hair is pulled back from her face, and she rests one hand on her notebook to keep it in place. We’ve sat in class several times together over the past couple of weeks, but for some reason today, is the first I’m noticing. Who the hell knows what’s changed? She even smells good, for crying out loud. Without a conscious thought, I lean closer to determine the exact scent that keeps intriguing my senses. Trying not to be obvious, I pull in a deep breath. Hmmm… Is it citrus or pear? A combination of both? Damn, whatever it is, it smells delicious. There’s also something uniquely Abby floating in the air, and my senses are on high alert.
Abby’s body moves and when my eyes find hers, she looks pointedly at me, forcing me out of my revelry.
“What?” she defensively whispers and looks herself over with care, checking if anything’s out of place.
I quickly shake my head and dismiss her concern as I silently mouth, “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.”
Christ, Jacobs. Concentrate on the lab, not your lab partner.Get it the fuck together.Feeling like a dumbass for being caught,I shake all thoughts of Abby and her mouthwatering scent away from the forefront of my mind.
Thankfully, I read over today’s chapters to better prepare myself last night after the game. It was hard concentrating with adrenaline from winning coursing through my veins, but after a while, I was disciplined enough to get the job done. Glancing at Abby, I wonder if she did the same. Knowing her, she’d already read everything a couple of days ago at best, so I don’t feel bad she was there to watch us win last night. Just the thought of seeing her cheering in the stands has my heart beating faster.
When the professor suggests we get to work, Abby opens our conversation with, “Great game last night. I was on the edge of my seat the entire last half. You and DeShawn were so in sync with one another, it’s almost scary.”
“Well, I do spend more time with him than just about anyone else on the team,” I say, rolling off my tongue sarcastically.
Abby shakes her head. “That’s obvious. It’s almost as if you knew he’d be there to make the shot.”
“Well, he and Grey are probably my closest friends off the court, so we’re bound to be in sync from time to time,” I say to keep things light, but when Abby’s eyes narrow and her lips purse, I’m not sure that was the message delivered.
She stares and pulls in her lower lip as if she’s contemplating her next words. “Why do you do that?” Barely above a whisper, her question leaves me to wonder if she spoke her thoughts aloud, or if she wants an answer.
“Do what?” I finally ask when she doesn’t release her gaze.
“Downplay everything.”
What the hell am I supposed to do? Act like a cocky ass and strut around as if I think my shit doesn’t stink. I don’t think so. Abby scrutinizes my reaction and when I realize she’s not letting this go, I ask, “Would you rather I be a cocky ass?”
Abby laughs, and it’s a beautiful sight to see. “No. Been there, done that—on the first day of class. I’d rather not see that side of you. Thank you very much.”
Wait, I was an ass the first day we met?
Before I can defend myself, she places a palm on my bicep. “Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.”
Not entirely following her train of thought, I ask, “And what secret would that be?”
“That underneath the cocky exterior you use to keep people out, you’re really a decent guy.”
“Uh…” I start, but I’m clueless how to respond.
“Forget I said anything…” Abby shakes her head dismissively. “Let’s get this lab done. I have to work, and you have practice.”
I shake my head, relieved to let the subject drop. I’m obviously not the only task master here.
As we exitthe science building after lab, I pat my rumbling stomach. “Wanna grab a bite to eat?”
Abby’s eyes nearly reach her hairline as she glances at her watch. “Uh… I guess so. I have about an hour before work. Mind if it’s near the library?”
