Page 91 of The Assist
“Maybe he’s gonna propose.”
She places a hand to her lips. “Oh my God, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.”
“You look hot, per the usual. Relax and have fun.”
She picks the phone up, bringing it closer to her face. “What are you doing tonight?”
“Not sure. Wes just got back, but he said he has some things to do.” Saying the words aloud makes my stomach flip—and not in a good way. I know I’m being overly sensitive, but it feels like the beginning of another brush off.
She bites at her lip and narrows her gaze. I wait for her to give me another lecture on being too available, but her phone beeps and her expression goes serious. “Shit, he’s on his way. I gotta go.”
“All right. Have fun and text me later. I can’t wait to hear where he takes you.”
When we hang up, I look around the empty tutor center and stand. It’s ten minutes until we close, but no one has walked in the door in an hour.
I shift my attention to said door, and my eyes widen when Wes fills it. His arms are full of flowers and boxes and I start to make my way to him.
We meet in the middle, and his eyes scan the room. “Where is everyone?”
“Tutor sessions are over, and I told them I’d lock up. What are you doing here? What is all this?”
He shrugs, which is all he can manage with his arms full. “I was hoping for an audience, but I guess this will have to do.”
I swallow a laugh when he begins to hand me the items he carries. A dozen red roses, a box of chocolates, a giant bag of Chewy Spree, a miniature stuffed pig, and a card that I can’t wait to read later.
I’m stunned speechless, but manage to say, “Thank you.”
“I know it isn’t much, but it’s all I could come up with on short notice.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’m in love with you. Been in love with you, and I’ve done a really shitty job of showing it. I wanted to storm in here and tell you and everyone else because you deserve that and so much more. Guess just telling you will have to do for now. I never asked the first time, just assumed. I don’t want to do that this time. I want to be worthy. Want to be your choice. Be my girl?”
My heart is in my throat as this amazing guy stands in front of me looking more nervous than I’ve ever seen him. “You’re in love with me?”
He nods.
“Dumb jock fell in love with the prissy sorority girl, go figure.”
He grins. The cocky swagger is back as he closes the short distance between us and bends so we are eye to eye. “The smart jock fell for the hot sorority girl.”
“She fell for him too,” I say as I wrap my arms around his neck.
His lips slam down over mine, and I drop the gifts so I can jump him, wrapping my legs around his waist. “Probably should get out of here. I’d been prepared for an audience. Without one I’m likely to bend you over this desk.”
I consider that, but ultimately pry myself off him.
“All right, boyfriend.” I test the word, loving the way it sounds. “What’s next?”
He chuckles. “I have no freaking clue. What do you say we start with a double date? Mario got tickets to some ridiculous K-pop band Vanessa likes.”
“BTS?”
Wes shrugs. “Don’t know, but I figure my best shot at winning over V is getting on her good side while she’s happy . . . and maybe drunk.”
I don’t tell him what I already know—that all he has to do to win Vanessa over is keep me happy. It’ll be way more fun to let him sweat this one out. And I can’t wait to watch it unfold.
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