me feel like I’m standing in front of a crowded room with absolutely no clothes on? It unnerves me, while making me feel free at the same time.
“Where is it?” Julia asks.
“There’s an event room on the first floor of this dorm. Just go straight past the elevators. You can’t miss it.” His gaze lands on me.
I’m so mesmerized by him that I don’t even realize Julia and I are the last ones left. Everyone else has toured the room and moved on without us.
“You’re up,” Andy says. “Don’t mind the mess. I’m not the neatest person on the planet.” I can’t help noticing that he didn’t warn anyone else.
Julia gives me a gentle shove, and I step around Andy, brushing his chest with my arm. Tingles spread down to my toes, and I turn to face to him. God, I’ve never wanted to kiss anyone this badly. I know Julia would approve of me grabbing Andy and going at it, but that’s not me. These feelings I’m having aren’t me, either. I’m usually so careful with my heart. I’ve seen too many girls get crushed by guys who supposedly loved them. I don’t know much about Andy.
I force myself to look away, and my eyes land on the swimming trophy on his dresser. “Wow, you must be a really great swimmer.”
“It’s a team trophy, so I can’t take all the credit.”
He’s modest. That’s a nice change from the guys I know.
He’s right about not being all that neat. His closet is overflowing with shoes, and there’s a pile of clothes on his chair. He must catch me staring because he rushes over and scoops up the clothes. “Sorry about that. I was up late, putting in some extra pool time, and I didn’t get a chance to clean up. I overslept this morning so I couldn’t do it then, either.”
“No problem.” I smile.
“What’s your event?” Julia asks, and I can’t help wondering if she even knows what that means. I didn’t think she followed swimming. Sure, she watches the Olympics, but I’d be surprised if she pays attention to anything other than the tiny Speedos those guys wear.
“Freestyle.”
Julia licks her lips. “I would’ve pegged you for the breaststroke.”
Oh dear God! She did not just say that. I want to die on the spot.
Andy laughs, and his shoulders shake. He thinks Julia’s hysterical. I’m glad he isn’t offended. Julia has a way with words sometimes. Something small and blue falls from the pile of clothes in Andy’s hands, landing on the floor.
“I’ll get that.” I bend down, wanting to cover up my red face, and pick up Andy’s Speedo. My heart stops, and not because the suit is still damp from his late night swim. My hand shakes, thinking about how this is all that Andy wears in the pool. Good God am I going to become a fan of swimming!
“Noelle.” Julia motions to the Speedo. “You can give the guy his bathing suit back now.”
My face gets even warmer, and I awkwardly stand, holding the Speedo out to Andy. “Here.” My voice cracks, giving away how embarrassed I am.
“Thanks.” Andy’s eyes stare into mine. Yeah, he knows exactly what I was thinking.
Chapter Five
“Um, we should probably go find the group or something. I’m sure you have other things to do besides babysitting a couple of incoming freshman.” What the hell am I doing? The last thing I want to do is leave, yet my mouth is just spouting these words out.
Andy takes a step closer to me. “I don’t mind at all.”
“Maybe I should be the one to go,” Julia says, starting toward the door. “I can get us checked into our room for the night.”
Check in time is three o’clock, as if we were staying in a hotel or something instead of college dorm rooms.
“Hey, why are we touring the dorms if we’re spending the night in one of them?” I don’t know why it never dawned on me before.
“My dad thinks it’s better for you to see the dorms as they’ll really look once you’re settled in. I guess it cuts down on the surprise when you see where you’re staying for the night, too.” Andy’s gaze is locked on mine like Julia isn’t even in the room.
“Yeah,” Julia keeps edging toward the door, “so I’ll go check in. Great meeting you, Andy. And, Noelle, I’ll catch up with you in a bit.” She closes the door behind her, leaving me alone with Andy. In his room.