Page 14 of Tutored By the Smart Girl

“Since you what?”

“Oh, nothing.”

I really don’t want to get into my health limitations with my heart. No one wants to hear about that, I’m sure.

“Not nothing. What were you going to say?”

I sigh. “Fine.” I take another lick from my ice cream cone. “I have a heart condition, so I run to keep my heart strong and healthy, and I have to watch my diet.”

“A heart condition? I’m sorry to hear that, Adison.”

My stomach flutters and I smile. “Well, thank you, but I’ve had it all my life, so I’m used to my restrictions.”

“All your life?”

“A genetic defect.”

“Have you ever had surgery? My cousin had surgery when she was less than a year old.”

“I’ve had two surgeries—one when I was a year old and a second surgery when I was thirteen.”

“That’s rough.” Rush’s brown orbs hold my gaze until I’m practically squirming in my seat. “Will you need additional surgeries in the future?”

It’s hard to believe Rush is so compassionate about my heart condition. My mom was always loving and supportive, but my father was a different story.

He nibbles on his ice cream cone. “How far do you run?”

“I try to run ten miles a week. I can’t go more than about two miles each day. So, some weeks when I’m super busy, I don’t get in my ten. But I sure try.”

Rush scoots closer to me on the bench and puts his arm behind me. I swore I’d never get involved with one of the students I tutor.

Especially not a cocky football player like Rush.

There’s something this guy does to me. Not that I have a ton of experience with guys. I’m a college sophomore still holding her v-card. Sure, I’ve dated on occasion, but school has been my focus. Guys played second. They don’t often like that.

We finish our ice cream and Rush doesn’t make any attempt to remove his arm from behind me. His arm now rests gently against my back.

He turns to me. “Adison, look at me.”

I turn to him, and his teddy bear eyes are bright, his face only inches away from mine— just like the night at the party.

“Since I got chocolate chip and you got vanilla, I think those make a good combination.”

And with that, Rush Radcliffe kisses me. Right on the park bench on my campus.

When his tongue tickles my lips, I allow him entry.

Every nerve ending in my body bursts into flames. His kiss is firm, yet gentle. He nips my bottom lip with his teeth, and we break the kiss.

He licks his lip. "I’ve been wanting to do that since the first time I saw you.”

I laugh softly. “The first time you saw me, I was in your lap with two empty cups.”

He nods. “No, thefirsttime I saw you, you were across the living room laughing with your friends and when I caught you staring at me, you looked away.” He reminds me and the warmth of a blush saturates my cheeks.

“Guilty.” I shrug. “I had no idea I was going to end up in your lap.”

“I still can’t believe I didn’t recognize you sooner. You looked different that night.”

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