Even The Playing Field | BOOK #1 IN THE PSU SERIES

thirty-seven

"Did you start mine yet?" He asked as I turned and looked at him. His blue eyes were brighter than the white computer screen. "Did I start your midterm about me?" I spoke sassily as he scoffed.

"Yes. I did YOUR work for class." I said while directing my attention back to the screen. I start typing again but his throat clears. "Thanks, babe." He says. I chuckle and roll my eyes.

I felt his gaze rest on me as I focused on the screen. Writing about Matti was a lot different than writing doctor's notes or a chemistry lab report. Matti was more complex than all of those because Matti had sides of him that were unseen and non-reportable.

His gaze was comforting to me yet so uncomfortable. He could read me so well, I could leave nothing left to imagine, the only thing left to protect were my thoughts.

They were all consumed with him anyways.

I couldn't read him at all except the obvious emotions. It was like he had none except the ones he let show.

It was pure to know that he trusts me enough to open up to me for some things. We were taking baby steps towards the phase of me being ready for us.

A blush came upon my cheeks as I saw him running his gaze up and down my body.

"Did you bring stuff to stay the night?" I ask as he exhales. I shut my computer lid and laid it on the table next to us. I turned to look facing him, sitting criss-cross-apple-sauce, next to his chest. He shook his head.

"Well, it's past curfew." I point out as he snorts. "You think I care?" He mocks as he reaches to play with my fingers. His calloused hands hold my tiny ones, he lightly rubs his fingers against my knuckles.

I try my best to not smile at the gesture but I fail as he laughs at my smile.

"It's the little things, huh?" He asks as I shrug. "So do you wanna run back to the house with me?" He asks as I look at him.

"We could get in trouble." I point as he shakes his head. "You'll be with me—it will be fine." He says as I raise an eyebrow. "I don't want to get into trouble, so no thanks." I decline as he chuckles.

"You won't get into trouble, I promise." He laches our pinkies together. "What if the security catches us, and you don't get into trouble with the president, but I do." I try to reason but he just smiles.

"I think I can pull a few strings?" He winks as I shake my head. "What are you gonna do? Threaten to not play the next game?" I tease. He laughs, "No. Do you not know who the president of the university is?" He asks in shock.

I raise my eyebrows, "No? Am I supposed to?" I speak as he smirks. "We're not going to get in trouble because the President is Dr. Joseph." He says as I shake my head—still confused.

"Reese's dad is the president." He dumbed it down for me as I laughed. "No way!" I say in shock. He nods, "I know. Who would've thought— the smart guy had a spawn that is the dumbest guy on campus," He laughs.

His thumbs rub over my knuckles again, "So—what do you say? Go with me?" He asks as I pause. I could die in the rain, chances unlikely though. And his jeep is weather proof, it's not that far of a drive. I look out the window—it is calmer outside.

I huff—and then nod.

He released my hands and rubbed them together in excitement. I chuckle at his childish behavior. He stands up from the bed and holds his hands out waiting for me to climb out of the comfort.

"Okay, Okay." I say as I reach out to grab his hand as he pulls me towards his body and sets me on the ground.

"You're so damn slow." He states as I look up and glare at him. "Gee—too bad we all can't be athletes." He chuckles at my comment and walks towards my door. "I'll go tell them we're leaving real quick." He says as he walks halfway out the door.