Page 47 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

“I can’t imagine you doing anything basic.” His tone is low, gravelly, as his eyes flick between mine. “Not after what I’ve seen.”

My mouth has run dry, but it doesn’t matter. I don’t know what I would say to that even if I could speak. The air is so thick between us, suddenly, I can’t breathe. I sit here with my mouth agape as I try to not choke.

When the door opens, the spell is broken, and we return to co-hosts of a study group, which goes extremely well. Much to my chagrin, the Jeopardy game is a hit. Everyone is engaged and actively answering the questions. Sam even brought candy as a reward for the winning team to make it fun. As much as I don’t want to, I have to hand it to Sam. He did well. Several people even compliment us on their way out, including Maya.

She stops at the desk, leaning her hip against it. “Good job tonight, Sam.”

“Thanks, but Brynn helped too.”

Is he giving me credit for something?

“Oh, yeah. Of course.” She flips her hair over her shoulder. “Thanks, Brynn.”

“Don’t mention it.” Seriously, don’t.

The look Maya gives me could almost be described as grateful, if it wasn’t for the sneer on her lips. She turns her burning gaze back onto Sam. “This was way better than last week.”

No, really, Maya. Don’t mention it.

Sam gives me the side-eye. “Yeah, well, it was the first week. We worked with what we had.”

Maya blinks, her head jerking back. “No, Sam. I didn’t mean last week was bad or anything, I just?”

“Maya, it’s okay.” Sam laughs. “I’m not offended, but we do have to clean up and get going, so...”

“Oh, okay. Yeah, of course.” Maya adjusts her satchel strap as she backs away toward the door. “I’ll, uh, see you later, Sam. Bye, Brynn.” My name doesn’t leave her lips quite as melodically as his does.

When she’s out the door, I let out a heavy breath. “I thought she’d never leave.”

“Not your cup of tea, huh?”

I shake my head. “Too bubbly. She seems to like you, though.” I hate the jealousy underlying my words, and I hope Sam doesn’t notice it. I have no reason to be jealous. Sam isn’t mine, and I don’t want him to be.

Sam grunts, but says nothing as he ties up his cables and puts them in his backpack.

I swivel back and forth in my chair. “So, tonight went really well. I hate to say it, but you were right.”

“Hold on,” Sam says as he whips out his phone and holds it up, facing me. “Say that again.”

“Why?”

“I want it on video so I have proof.”

I scoff, smacking him playfully with the back of my hand. “I’m serious. Everyone seemed way more engaged. There was a lot of laughing even though the competition got a little intense. You did good, Sam Eastman.”

“Thanks.” A prideful smile graces his face before turning into something more sheepish. “I’ve got other ideas. You know, so we don’t have to play Jeopardy every time?”

“Okay, like what?”

“Different things.” Rubbing the back of his neck, he glances at the floor. “I could show you, if you want.”

“Sure.” It comes out as more of a question because I’m not positive where this is heading.

“Maybe you could come to my place one day and we?”

My eyelids peel back. “Your place? What happened to meeting at the library or the coffee shop?”

“We can still do those places, I guess. But it’s easier for me not to have to lug my computer around.”

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