Bared Souls - Ellie Wade Page 0,37
for that.
“All right, fine.” He kisses the top of my head. “You shower here, and I’ll grab a shower in one of the other bathrooms.”
“Okay,” I agree.
Leo leaves me alone in the master bathroom, and I struggle to shower quickly because this is the most incredible shower I’ve ever experienced. It’s like my own personal massage.
After I’ve showered, I throw on my clothes from yesterday and look at the time. If I hurry, I can make it back to my dorm for a clean change of clothes and still get to class in time. If these sleepovers become a regular occurrence, I need to think about leaving some clothes here.
Leo is in the bedroom, showered and dressed, when I exit the bathroom.
“You ready?” he asks with a tilt of his lips.
“Yeah. I have to stop at my dorm on the way to change my clothes.”
We retrieve our backpacks from the living room and head out.
“How about I grab us some coffee and breakfast while you go change? I’ll meet you at your dorm and walk you to class.”
“Okay.” I smile like a fool, so happy.
“Do you want a muffin? Egg burrito? Breakfast sandwich?” he asks.
“I’ll do a scrambled egg and veggie burrito,” I say.
“Great. See you in a minute.” Leo hurries off toward the diner, and I walk toward the dorms.
Quinn is still sleeping when I get back, so I quietly change in the bathroom.
“Hey. Where were you last night?” she asks, half-asleep from her bed when I exit the bathroom.
“I have a lot to tell you.” I grin as a soft knock raps against the door. “I’ll fill you in later.”
She stretches her hands over her head. “Sounds juicy. Can’t wait.”
I open the door to see Leo standing there.
“Ready?” he asks, handing me an insulated to-go cup of coffee.
“Yes,” I say, closing the dorm door behind me.
We’re quiet as we walk to my first class while we each take bites of our breakfast burritos. I’m not sure if it tastes incredible because of the situation I’m in—happy with Leo—or if it’s legitimately the best burrito in the world, but I have to stop myself from groaning with every bite.
As we approach my first class, I stop and face Leo. “I just want to clarify,” I state. “I am only kissing and touching you, and you’re only kissing and touching me.”
“Yes.” He nods.
“So, basically, what you’re saying is that we’re dating. I’m your girlfriend, and you’re my boyfriend.” I chuckle as Leo’s face twists into something resembling pain.
“Would we use those terms though?” he protests, scrunching up his face.
My head falls back in laughter. “Yes, we would. Unless you want to take back the first part and give me free rein to kiss some—”
He halts my sentence by abruptly pressing his fingers to my lips.
His stare is predatory. “Do not finish that thought, Alma.”
“So then, you’re my boyfriend?” I quirk up an eyebrow.
He rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, fuck it, I’m your boyfriend.”
“Great.” I giggle and stand up on my tiptoes to kiss him.
He kisses me several times—short, chaste kisses—and I love every one.
“I’ll see you later.” He kisses me once more.
“Bye.” I spin toward the building, and if not for the hot coffee in my hand, I would skip the entire way.
EIGHTEEN
Leo
After finishing my last class of the day, where my douche bag of a professor decided to assign an additional paper for shits and giggles, I pull out my cell phone to text Alma.
Dinner?
Her response is almost immediate.
I’m just going to grab something from the cafeteria. I have to tutor in thirty minutes.
When will I see you?
After? I work until 8 tonight.
Okay.
So, you want me to come over to your place?
Unless you want me to finger you in front of your roommate, I’d say that’s a good idea.
Leo! So vulgar.
You love it. Don’t pretend you don’t.
Whatever. ;-)
See you tonight.
See you! xo
I resist the urge to tell her that I miss her and that I’ve been thinking about her all day. I already agreed to a label this morning. There’s only so much new-relationship shit I’m comfortable with in one day.
I do miss her though. It’s stupid really. I’ve managed twenty-one years without her, but now that I have her, I can’t go an hour without wishing I were with her. I wonder if she’d quit her tutoring job if I just gave her a bunch of money. I have plenty, and she obviously needs it, but I have a feeling that if I offered Alma money