Summer Breeze Kisses - Addison Moore Page 0,288

onto the table in front of me. “You here for a free meal?”

I can’t help but chuckle. “I don’t need a handout, sweetie. And no, I’m not here for food. I’m here for you.”

Her eyes widen and those brilliant emeralds she sees the world through pin themselves on me, sending that flash of fire pulsing through my body once again. Crap. I can’t help but laugh a little while blinking all thoughts of Serena as a sexual being out of my head. I will get laid tonight even if it’s by my own hand. I get it. The drought must end. But first, I need to deal with the psychotic princess.

“How’s the app going?”

“I’ve given up.” She stalks off toward the bar, and I’m quick to follow.

“You can’t give up. It’s your assignment. Besides, you swore you could do it. What happened to all that girl power rage you were shooting at me a few weeks ago?”

“I’m not nerdy enough,” she admits while wiping down the granite counter dotted with beers. “And if I can’t get my nerdy head in the game, it’s game over.”

“So get an app developer.”

“Believe me, I’ve tried. But every geek and Greek on The Row has gone to Europe for the summer, or the Bahamas, or Hawaii.” She tosses the towel over her shoulder and looks up at me with those evergreen eyes. “Or to visit their grandparents in West Virginia. Face it, I’m basically screwed.”

Eli comes up behind her and nods over at me before patting her on the shoulder. “Why are you screwed?”

She inhales a quick breath of surprise and lunges at him with a firm embrace, and something about the sight makes me uneasy. Why the hell is Eli here, anyway? This is my turf. Serena is my student. And then, just as quick as the rage came, it starts to dissipate. It’s a bar, not a classroom. Eli and Serena are about the same age. They practically live together on campus. I’m sure Serena has a lot of friends that are not girls, and Eli happens to be one of them. Still infuriated, though. And that right there should prove to me that I think of Serena as nothing more than a little sister. I’m protective over her just the way I would be about my own baby sister, Teagan. It makes sense.

“So, what do you need, my queen?” He gives a playful peck to her temple, and she jumps and titters as if he were a rock god.

Not amused. Not laughing. I glare over at Eli for dispensing the cheesy one-liner. I’ll have to pull him aside later and tell him to cool it. There are plenty of other girls on campus who I’m sure would be interested in his rambunctious attention. Like say, Teagan perhaps. And just like that, my eyes spring wide. Holy hell, Teagan is my little sister. What the hell is happening to me?

“There’s nothing you can help with,” I’m quick to assure him. “She needs to build an app and all the pros are off for the summer.” I shift my gaze to her. “Don’t worry about it. That was extra credit, and you won’t need it. You’re still working on something else, right?”

Her mouth falls open to answer, and my eyes zero in on those cherry red lips, but Eli cuts her off at the pass.

“I’m a pro.” He taps his chest with pride. “Building apps is what I do. Don’t sweat it. Let’s hook up and we’ll knock this out.” He wraps his arm around her casually and offers another quick embrace. I can’t help but note his hand lands dangerously close to second base.

“All right, all right.” I break up the impromptu dance party, and Eli nods up at me.

“I’ll catch you next week.” He looks to Serena. “I’m shooting pool in the back with Seth and Grant. I meant what I said. The app is no problem. Just lay it all out for me. I’ll get her done.”

I bet if she lays it all out for him he’ll get her done. Who knew Eli was such a damn pervert? I can’t help but frown as I watch him take off for the next room. And let’s hook up? Don’t think I don’t know what that’s code for. Serena here has a real problem on her hands. I might need to talk to him sooner than later.

“Earth to Shepherd Pie?” She waves her hand over my face, and the scent of sweet