Power Plays & Straight A's - Eden Finley Page 0,43
year.
I have to do the right thing and step back.
Then class on Monday morning happens. Suddenly, all those prioritizing thoughts about hockey and agents and my future send up a big white flag.
Because one look at Zach as he enters the room wearing his glasses, baggy jeans, and an Avenger’s T-shirt, and I realize I’ve been trying to convince myself I’m not scared.
But Zach scares me shitless.
I like him, and I don’t know when that happened.
Though it shouldn’t be a surprise. My brother told me he’s off-limits, and I ignored him.
Seth and I don’t have that type of relationship. We always have each other’s backs no matter what.
Except when it comes to his best friend.
I threw a game for Zach and didn’t care. I’ve been suspended from the very game I claim is my everything, and I. Don’t. Care.
Because Zach is … I don’t know what he is.
He’s someone who deserves to be cherished.
I like that he doesn’t understand people but tries to. I love when he blurts out something most people wouldn’t dream of saying and then blushes like crazy.
And, even though it’s a lot of pressure, I like that he’s inexperienced.
I want to be the first and only one to make him come. I want to worship his lithe body and pepper it with kisses, tasting every inch of his skin.
Fuck, I really should not be thinking about that right now.
I shift in my seat, and as if Zach’s in tune with my every move, his eyes meet mine.
I wonder if he knows what I’m thinking about. His cheeks pinken, and I wonder if he’s thinking the exact same thing.
He avoids eye contact more than usual which is saying a lot.
As much as I’d love to corner him after class and drag him back to my room like some sort of caveman, ultimately, it’s up to him if we go any further.
When class ends, I anticipate him slipping away through the side door again, so I rush out of the room and cut him off as he leaves.
“It’s cute you think that’ll work more than once.”
He slumps. “Should’ve known.”
I adjust my backpack on my shoulder. “So, I did some reading yesterday.”
He stares at me. “Umm … congratulations?”
I laugh. “I found out some very interesting things about TAs and what happens if there’s a conflict of interest.”
A few days ago, I wouldn’t have read into his paling skin and the way he averts his gaze as he swallows hard. I would’ve put it down to being one of Zach’s quirks. Now, I know he’s nervous. “What was it?”
“If you tell the professor the problem, they should be able to work around it. It’s up to them to decide what to do. Turns out they’re pretty lax on the fucking thing if you’re honest about it.”
Zach tries to cover a wince.
I step closer. “But it’s entirely up to you if you want to go there.”
His gaze flicks to mine. “I … I—”
“You don’t need to make a decision right now. If you ever did want to take that next step, I’m all for it. But I won’t pressure you, and I’d never make you do something you don’t want to do.”
I don’t want to flat-out tell him I overheard him, but I need him to understand that I mean every word coming out of my mouth.
He licks his bottom lip.
“Think about it.” I lean in and whisper, “Just know I’ll make it good for you.”
I force myself to walk away before I offer to take him right here and now.
I think I scared Zach off. And maybe I was a little too forward.
Is tact something you can learn? I might need some of that.
Nuance 101. I’d take that class.
By Thursday, I’m ready to turn up on his doorstep and ask him, but I promised myself I wouldn’t push. My laundry is piling up, so I make the decision to go home to wash my clothes so my weekend is open in case a certain nerd decides he’s free.
Only, when I get home and push my way through the door, I find my brother in front of the TV.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
He lifts his head and looks at me. “Could ask you the same.”
I hold up my bag of laundry.
“You’re gonna have to wait in line. Mine’s in there right now.” He waves a finger between us. “Weird voodoo twin thing.”
“If we want to get technical, the deal was you do my laundry if I watch out for