Page 28 of Return Policy

“You didn’t take out your doodle book, and you always have it with you. Even in class I see you scribbling in it during lectures. But somehow you still aced his test.”

He noticed?

“Oh, no. Didn’t bring it with me today,” I reply, shuffling the shit around in my bag so he can’t see I’m a big fat fucking liar.

“Still won’t let me take a peek, huh?” His knowing eyes tells me he does, in fact, know I’m full of shiitake.

“Why do you want to see so bad?”

“Just curious what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.”

I raise my eyebrows at him to say,Remember the rules?, but my cheeks betray me and flush with heat at the compliment.

“Elijah, we talked about this. You promised to keep things professional,” I say in my most convincing tone.

“Just pointing out facts. No need to go all sexy librarian on me, Sunflower.”

“Mm-hmm.” I narrow my eyes and attempt to subtly clench my thighs at him calling me sexy, but I’m pretty sure it just looks like I have to go to the bathroom. “Well, are you ready to learn about the pharaohs?” I open my arms, dancing like an ancient Egyptian.

“Ugh,” he groans, lips quirking upwards. “Fine.”

Two hours and a shitty cup of coffee later, Elijah seems to have gotten a good enough grasp on the subject to break for the day. “Alright, I think we can call it for now.”

“Time of death?” Elijah asks.

I check my invisible watch. “Feed Sophia o’clock.”

“Oh, thank God. Your stomach finally reminded you it’s way past lunchtime?” He flashes a dimple popping smile.

“Maybe.” I stifle my own grin as whale noises erupt from my empty belly.

Elijah chuckles and places his wide palm on my stomach. “Aw, it’s okay, girl. Daddy’s here. I’ll feed you now.”

“Elijah.” I giggle, swatting his hand away. “Don’t you ever say that again.”

“Sorry, Mommy.” He pouts. “So where am I taking you and your belly baby today?”

“I’ve been taking birth control for years, so no lil’ sunflowers in this field.” I point at my stomach, and Elijah laughs.

“Okay, well there’s a place on campus, Burgers and Brews, that has the best burgers in Crystal Bay.”

“Oh, absolutely yes. I pick that.”

“Alright, Sunflower. Your belly, your choice.”

* * *

“Ohhmuhgawd, it’s so good,”I moan after taking a bite of the most delicious BBQ bacon cheeseburger I’ve tasted in my entire life—and I’ve tasted a lot of them.I’m a bit of a burger-isseur.

Elijah chews his boring ass cheeseburger, smiling at me, his dimples totally kissable.

“Why the hell are you grinning at me like you just walked into the Playboy Mansion?” Blinking is his only response as his eyes dance with amusement. “Do I have something on my face?” I reach for a napkin and pat my mouth.

“Nope,” he says between bites.

“Then why are you looking at me like I have ‘loser’ written on my face?” I place my pointer finger and thumb in the shape of an “L” on my forehead.Cue “All Star” by Smash Mouth back track.

“Would you prefer I sat here scowling?” He attempts to contort his face into a frown, but he’s just pouting with the corners of his mouth upturned, the dimples a dead giveaway at his amusement.

---