Enemy Down - Cathryn Fox Page 0,35
skiing. “That’s sounds amazing, Christian.”
He gives a shrug, like he’s indifferent about it. “Why don’t you…come,” he says. “Come to think of it, the Dean of the law department spends time in Aspen. I’ve skied with his daughter many times over the years.”
I wince like I’d just been stabbed with a hot poker. Now where did that crazy burst of jealousy come from? I’ve seen Christian with many girls. Not since we’ve been living together or whatever it is we’re doing, but still.
“Wow, that is awesome. Maybe she’ll be there again.” I put on my best smile and hope he can’t see the ridiculous cracks in it. I have no right to be jealous, like no right at all.
He nudges me. “Too bad you couldn’t come. I could have introduced you to Dean Saunders.”
I laugh. “I’m injured, Christian, and I’ve never been on skis. One concussion this semester is enough.”
“You could be healed by then, or you could stay in the chalet and drink hot chocolate.”
“While that all sounds tempting, I have plans with my mother that I just can’t break.” I kept her from coming to see me a couple of weekends ago, and she’d be devastated if I didn’t come home for Thanksgiving, although she’d probably be all for me going to Aspen with a boy.
“I get it. Family is important.” He turns away, but not before I catch the little lost boy look on his face. My throat tightens, pretty sure I’m reading him wrong—seeing things that aren’t there. This is Christian Moore, star football player, every girl’s fantasy come to life. No way is he lonely. He can’t be, right?
His father doesn’t go to his games, Maize.
As I consider that, the receptionist calls my name, and I lift my head to find two deep blue eyes staring at me with great concern. “Want me to come in with you?” he offers.
“No, I’m a big girl, Christian,” I tease with a grin. “I can take care of myself.”
“Right, I know. I’ll be here waiting,” he tells me and my stupid heart squeezes tight at his sweetness. I like the way he takes care of me and dotes on me at every turn. I love the way he always wants to be there for me, when really he bought me and I’m supposed to be doing things for him, but no, he’s been cooking and cleaning and pampering me. I’m not used to it, and I wasn’t even sure I wanted it at first, but dammit, he’s proving to be so much more than a jock out for his own pleasure. Which really sucks, because when my apartment gets fixed, I’ll be leaving his place for good.
Unless…
Unless what, Maize? Unless you seduce him and trick him into keeping you for a little longer? I almost snort at the idea as I walk to the examination room. The receptionist puts my file on the counter, and my stomach knots because I’ve yet to pay my bill. I was hoping once I got the boot off, and I could move around a little better, I’d apply for jobs on campus to help pay the medical costs. Christian’s payment only covered tuition and room and board, and I still can’t believe how this all turned out. The thing is though, when I become a successful lawyer, I plan to pay him back every cent. What happened was a freak accident, and while he was the one who threw the ball, an accident is an accident. The fault is not his, deep inside I know it, and I’m the one responsible for my own tuition.
“About payments,” I say and twist the strap on my purse. “I was hoping I could make installments.”
Her brow furrows like she has no idea what I’m talking about. Picking my file back up again, she flips through it. “Your bill has been paid, Maize. In full.”
I shake my head. “There must be some kind of mistake.”
She glances at the papers again, and shakes her head. “No, not a mistake.”
My mind races. Mom has no idea about the accident, so it’s not like she emptied her meager savings account and came to my rescue. Kaitlyn would have if she could have. She’s a scholarship student like me, without two cents to rub together. No, there is only one person who could have paid it, and I’m honestly not sure how I feel about that. I have no time to think about that though, not when the doctor is