Nat gives me a soft nudge.“Why don’t you go get ready and leave early?I can cover for you.”
“Really?Thanks, Nat.”
“Don’t think it’s free.”She winks.“You owe me all the details, especially about that random stranger you were supposedly about to kiss at the frat.Let me guess—Elias?”
“God, shut up, Nat,” I groan, making her laugh as I head to the back to change.
Once I’m done, I join Elias, and we walk out together.I’m surprised when he leads me to a sleek black Ford, not as flashy as Fox’s car but nice.I slide into the passenger seat, shutting the door as Elias starts the engine.It’s already past six, and as we drive down the road, I can’t help feeling… relaxed.No games, no tension—just a nice evening with someone who actually seems interested in me for me.
“Where are we going?”I ask Elias, settling into the passenger seat.
“I don’t know.Anywhere fun,” he replies, grinning.
“You definitely have an idea of my kind of fun,” I say, making him laugh.
“Of course.How about we go to your campus?You can give me a tour, and maybe we’ll drop by the library.I’d love to skim through some good books.”
“That won’t be difficult,” I say, chuckling as he gives me a small smile.
“So, ‘boyfriend,’ huh?”Elias teases, glancing over at me.I bite my lip, looking away to avoid his gaze.
“Nat talks too much sometimes,” I mumble.
“Does she now?”he says, amused.
“Yeah, she and the others have always wanted me to date someone,” I say, shrugging.
“So why haven’t you?You’re sweet, nice, good-looking, smart…” he trails off, making me laugh.
“Being nice doesn’t automatically mean you’ll find a boyfriend.I’m waiting for the right one, I guess,” I admit.
Elias nods thoughtfully, and after a pause, I blurt out, “Did you know I was gay?”
“I did try to kiss you the other night, so that makes me gay too, right?”he says, smirking.
“You know, trying to kiss a guy doesn’t necessarily make you gay,” I tease, watching his reaction.
“Oh, really?”He gives me a playful smirk before turning his attention back to the road.“Maybe I guessed.”
We share a quiet laugh, and then he adds, “For what it’s worth, I’d still like to kiss you again.”His voice is low, almost hesitant, and I glance over to see him biting his lip.
I’m about to respond, but he pulls the car to a stop.The campus isn’t crowded at this hour, with only a few students milling around—mostly study groups and athletes practicing late.
“Looks like the tour will be quiet tonight,” Elias says, noticing me staring at him.“Shall we start with the library?”
“Uh…” I clear my throat.“Sure.”
Elias smiles, and we walk side-by-side to the library.I didn’t even think to bring my library card, but thankfully, the librarian knows me well and will let me borrow books anyway.
“When will you be heading back?”I ask.
“Missing me already?”His green eyes glint in the light from the campus lampposts, and I’m caught staring, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.
I chuckle, looking away.“I’m just curious.”
“You know, you could just admit you’re going to miss me,” he nudges my shoulder with a grin.
“Maybe a little.You’re not bad company yourself.”
