Page 21 of A Stealthy Situation

His smile swiftly fills his face. “Out of those two, definitely the Venus, but overall, monkey face orchid. They make me laugh. Every. Damn. Time.”

“Yeah, but we already established that doesn’t take much.” I pull out my phone to look up whatever the fuck that orchid is. When it hits my screen, my lips twitch. “Okay, that thing is pretty funky-looking.”

“See? See? And there’s just so much cool shit like that out there. Not even cute like that, but really bloody mind-blowing. We wouldn’t have half the medicines and cures we do now if it wasn’t for plants, and they literally balance the entire ecosystem. Need food? Shelter? Water? Plants!”

There’s something about seeing this hulky, handsome guy totally nerd out that makes me weak. I have never, ever thought a plant was cool or interesting in my life. The best use I ever got out of them was when Em and I would use branches and sticks to sword fight as kids.

So, I might not share his passion or his interest, but I can grudgingly admit he kind of makes me want to.

“I take it you’re studying something plant-ish?”

He frowns for a split second. “Sorry, I thought I already said. Yeah, I want to be an ecologist. Still a lot to do to get there, but it’s happening. What about you? Something with hockey, right?”

Did I tell him that? I wouldn’t put it past me because once I get started on that sport, I’m like Harrison—can never shut up about it—but it’s not in a good way.

“That’s the aim. Get my journalism degree and become a sports reporter for hockey. A decent one, not one of those assholes who are always after a sound bite.”

“That’s a cool goal.”

“Thanks.”

“I don’t know a whole lot about sports, but would hockey be hard to get into? It’s pretty popular, right?”

Pretty popular? He’s cute. “Something like that. But I’m confident.” Nothing like cashing in on the bit of nepotism that goes along with my last name.

Harrison points at something below us. “Are those two in the bushes over there fucking?”

“Probably. It happens at least a few times a party.”

“Can’t say I’ve ever wanted to have public sex like that.”

“It’s fun.” I grin his way, and he plays with his baseball cap in a way that makes him look adorable.

“Of course a DIK knows all about that.”

“Hey, I’d rather they do it down there than in my bed. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to stand in the hall and wait for people to be done in my room.”

“Jesus,” he mutters, sounding scandalized.

“Eh, I come from a big family, remember? I’m used to boundaries not being a thing.”

“Surely common decency helps you realize you don’t fuck in someone else’s bed.”

“Nah. You know what it’s like. When you’re with someone.” I sweep a look over him. “That tension building and building … then you give in, and it makes you so high there’s no stopping it. You don’t give a shit where you are, you just need to get off.”

Harrison turns his head slightly toward me, and the idea to kiss him briefly flickers through my brain. Sure, it’s not the most romantic place to do this, but I’m not after flowers and songs—I just want to suck his cock.

Something makes me hold back though.

Something in his expression.

We’re so close our shoulders are almost touching, so I can see every detail on his face. The freckles over his nose, the long, strawberry blond eyelashes, his strong jaw, the muscle in his cheek … and the doubt in his eyes.

I groan and drop my face onto my folded arms. “You’re straight, aren’t you?”

He chuckles. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“But … but … class. And the dinner date you promised me.”

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