Page 88 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

We spend the next few minutes finishing our meals. By the end of it, I’m stuffed. I lean back to stretch out. “Oh, man. That was great. Thank you for ordering.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“How much do I owe you?”

Sam shakes his head, holding up his palm as he chews his last bite.

“No, seriously. Let me pay for mine.”

Still chewing, Sam puts his knuckles to his mouth as he mumbles, “No. This was my treat. Besides, you didn’t offer to pay for the pizza last time.”

I shrug. “That’s because it was your grounds for me coming over. Tonight, we had the presentation to work on.”

He swallows his food between chuckles. “Maybe you should have gone to law school.”

“Who says I’m not?”

His eyes narrow as he collects our dishes. “I wouldn’t be surprised with how smart you are,” he says before walking to the kitchen.

A lightness blossoms in my chest and radiates through me. I shouldn’t be flattered by his compliments, but who doesn’t like a hot guy stating facts about them? I hear the clink of dishes against the sink, and watch Sam saunter back into the living room to his spot on the couch.

“Thanks,” I say.

“Like I said, don’t mention it.”

“No, not just for the food. I mean, thanks for being nice to me.”

“Brynn,” Sam says, leaning back against the arm of the couch. “Contrary to popular opinion, I’m actually a nice guy.”

I giggle, ducking my head. “Is my opinion really so popular?”

“Fuck, I hope not.”

A laugh bursts from me, but as it ebbs, a lull takes over the room and all I can hear is the crackling of the fire. Clearing my throat, I reach for my phone on the coffee table. “I should see if Lisa can come get me.”

Sam puts his hand on mine, stopping me. “You could stay.”

“What?” My mouth opens and closes as if I can’t form words. “You mean, stay the night?”

He nods.

“Sam… That’s not what this”?I gesture between us?“is about.”

He runs a hand through his curls. “I know, but it’s dark and cold, and you’re already here.” His eyes flick between mine. “And I’m not ready for you to leave.”

My breath catches.

“I mean, we haven’t even had our post-study prep sex yet. Who knows how long that’ll last. Besides, do you think Lisa wants to drive all the way over here again?”

Arching an eyebrow, I ask, “Couldn’t you take me home?”

“I suppose.” Defeat hangs in his words. “Do you want me to take you home?”

My heart races. He put the ball in my court, gave me the challenge. It’s my decision whether or not to stay, and although every rational fiber of my being is screaming for me to leave, my rising desire for Sam wins. “No. I want to stay.”

His mouth ticks up on one side. “Good, because I wasn’t about to be driving you home at midnight.”

“Jerk,” I mockingly scoff as I smack his thigh. I glance at the clock. “Sam, it’s only seven-thirty. How long are you planning on lasting?”

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