Page 33 of Hate to Love You

Her lips lift a fraction. My eyes drop briefly to them as the memory of what her mouth felt like when mine slid over it flashes through my head. The urge to kiss her again pounds through me.

Can’t say I see that happening anytime soon. If Natalie has her way, it’ll never happen again.

“I appreciate what you did for me Saturday night with Reed,” she begins again. “I really do. You didn’t have to involve yourself.” Her gaze slides over the bruised skin around my eye. “But I don’t think it’s necessary for us to pretend we’re involved. Honestly, I think that will only stir the pot. All the gossip that’s circulating will eventually blow over.” She shrugs. “You know what it’s like around here.”

Of course, I do. But still…

I’m not ready for this to be over. Not by a long shot.

Stalling for time, I lift my glass to my lips and take a big gulp of water. My eyes never release hers. Natalie threads and rethreads her fingers as if she’s nervous. Which is strange. She’s not the fidgety kind. Certainly not around me. Setting the glass down, I lean forward, resting my elbows on the Formica table.

“I think we should stick it out for a few weeks,” I say.

Looking adamant, she shakes her head. “Why would we bother doing that?’

“Because it’s advantageous for both of us.”

She arches a brow. “How so? I’ve already told you that I don’t care if people talk.”

“Well,” I drawl, trying to come up with a few reasons on the fly why it would be in her best interest to date me. I really should have given this more thought, but I wasn’t expecting her to try ditching me so quickly. In hindsight, I should have. “For one,” I improvise, “everyone on campus already thinks we’re dating.”

“It’ll blow over,” she repeats. “It has to.”

I raise a dubious brow. “Will it?” Before she can respond, I add, “Because I’m not exactly known for my relationships. And maybe you noticed, but that’s all anyone could talk about since I announced it Saturday night.”

Her expression sours. “Yeah, I’m aware of that, which is part of the problem. Just walking across campus, I was bombarded with people trying to talk to me or give me free coffee.”

I quirk a brow. “And that’s a problem for you?” Because it certainly wouldn’t be for most girls.

She shrugs. “I don’t like all the attention. It’s weird. People who don’t even know me are stopping and talking to me or waving at me.”

I sit back and snicker. “Welcome to my world, baby. Pull up a chair and stay awhile.”

“Yeah…the thing about that is that I never asked to be dragged into your world.”

“You do realize that if we part ways now—two days later—you’ll be even more newsworthy than you were before.” Because I sense that I’m losing her, I say, “Coupled with what Reed said at the party…” Words trailing off, I allow her to draw her own conclusions.

Maybe I’m a shit for bringing up that sensitive topic, but it can’t be helped. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Her eyes lower to the table. Christ…I really am a bastard. Even if she doesn’t want to admit it, part of her realizes the truth of my words.

“The only reason people aren’t talking about that right now is because we’re together.” I point to my blackened eye. “No one is going to say shit about you while we’re a couple. If we break up, it’ll be open season. You’ll be all anyone can talk about.”

Whatever color had been filling her cheeks, drains. It may be hard to hear, but Natalie needs to see reason. Sure, at the moment, people are focused on our dating situation. This is breaking news for a guy who’s never been tied down before. We end things now, before they ever had a chance to heat up, and there will be a shit ton of speculation as to the reasons behind it. Reed’s words will be resurrected.

“Hey,” I say carefully. “This doesn’t have to be a big deal. We make a few public appearances. We hang out a bit.” A thought occurs to me. One that doesn’t sit well. “Is there someone else in the picture? Is that the issue?”

Let’s face it, Natalie’s a hot girl. Prickly to be sure, but smoking hot nonetheless. A guy would have to be blind and stupid not to want her. My pulse kicks waiting for her response. For some reason, I never considered the possibility of there being another guy before. Maybe I should have.

After what feels like an indeterminable amount of time, she shakes her head. “No. I’ve got too much going on with school to worry about a relationship.” She fiddles with the wrapper of her straw. Her brows furrow. “Why are you doing this?”

When I remain silent, she glances up, her eyes locking on mine. Suspicion laces her voice. “What’s in it for you, McKinnon?”

I shrug, trying to downplay the situation. “It hurts that you think I’m looking for something in return. I’m just trying to look out for a friend.”

Her eyes narrow and she tilts her head. “When have we ever been friends?”

I laugh. “Come on, Davies. We’re friends. Have been for years.”

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