Page 13 of Stay
I—
“Hey Garret, would you mind sliding over so I can sit next to my girlfriend?”
Gasping, my mouth tumbles open. And it just hangs there before I have the good sense to snap it shut.
He did not just say that!
But yeah, he did. Cole just told a complete stranger that he’s my boyfriend.
“No problem.” Garret grins as his gaze travels over me before gathering up his stuff and moving one desk over.
With an amused smirk, Cole settles next to me before closing the distance between us.
“Checkmate,” he whispers.
“You’ve got some serious mental health issues, you know that, right?” I hiss, feeling completely at a loss and out of control.
That’s the one thing I can’t handle.
Emptying his backpack, he leans over again. “Shhh, the lecture is about to begin, and I really want to hear this.”
Gnashing my teeth together, I jerk forward as Professor Mullens launches into the topic of current research methods within the field of psychology.
“We’re going to start today’s lecture by discussing the differences between qualitative and quantitative research methods. Everyoneshould have read chapters four and five from the book already, so let’s delve in by exploring some of the finer points regarding each method.”
I open my computer and begin typing notes, but can’t seem to focus. Not with Cole sitting next to me. Every once in a while, his muscular leg brushes against mine, jerking me out of whatever research method she’s discussing. Before I can stop myself, my gaze flickers to him.
It’s almost surprising when he refrains from saying a word for the entire duration of the class. He simply takes notes on his computer, and yet I’m completely distracted by his presence. I’m barely able to follow along as the professor outlines when and why we use each method.
It doesn’t take long for the fifty-minute class to turn tortuous.
Why am I so affected by him?
He’s nothing special…not really. All right, fine. That’s a lie. He’s gorgeous and easy going. Argh…I need to get out of here before I self-combust.
As soon as the lecture ends, I bolt from my seat like my ass is on fire. I need to get away from him.
“Excuse me.” I bounce on the tips of my toes before snapping, “I need to go, or I’ll be late.”
This isn’t exactly true, but that doesn’t really matter, does it?
When he doesn’t immediately move out of my way, I push past him.
“Hold on and I’ll walk out with you.” He quickly stuffs his computer into his backpack before taking off after me.
As soon as we’re out of the social sciences building, I spin around toward him. I’m pretty sure there’s a mixture of fire and fear glowing in my eyes. “You know I’m one step away from taking out a restraining order, right?”
Instead of getting annoyed the way I expect, he grins. Those damn dimples flash, making his face more handsome than before. What’s clear is that I’m not as indifferent as I’m pretending to be. And that scares me. A lot.
Within fifteen minutes of meeting him, he triggered an anxiety attack.
That’s bad news.
I want to laugh. Or maybe cry because I’d thought they were getting better. I’d transitioned almost seamlessly to Western this fall. And there’s no way in hell I’ll allow myself to backpedal. Cole sparks something unwanted within me. Something I’m irresistibly drawn to all the while making me feel distinctly out of control and frightened.
That’s one hell of a lethal combination.
For me, anyway.
