Page 15 of Tutored By the Smart Girl

Rush runs his fingers through my hair. The closeness, his aroma as the wind catches his scent, and his touch sends a shiver down my spine. “Your hair maybe? It’s straight now.”

“Yeah, my friend insisted on curling it. I normally wear it like this.”

Rush smirks. “You knew it, didn’t you?”

“Knew what?”

He drags me over so I’m sitting on his lap. “Knew me when I walked into your tutoring session that first day.”

“I did.”

He squeezes me tight, and his lips claim mine.

It’s a kiss like no other. The kind of kiss that makes my heart soar out of my chest— like it has wings.

Rush holds my hand as we make our way down the main street of town. We pass the bakery.

“They have the best donuts.”

“I didn’t know football players were allowed to eat donuts.” I pat his tight abs.

He chuckles. “We’re really not supposed to but when?—”

“Whoa.” A woman comes out the door of the bakery and almost bumps into us.

“Johnny!” The woman with beautiful long auburn hair stands in front of us. She’s wearing a yellow sundress that accentuates her lithe body. “How’ve you been?”

Rush drops my hand. His jaw tightens. “Evie.”

She reaches out and lightly touches his forearm. “You should call me sometime… you know… so we can catch up.” She gives me a sideways glance. “You’re having a great season… I never miss a game.”

Rush gives her a curt nod. “Something like that.”

“You have my number. Call me soon.” She readjusts her shopping bags and gives a little wave. “Well, it was good to see you. Take care.” She walks away and just like that, she’s gone.

“Yeah.” Rush stands frozen in place and mumbles something under his breath.

He has her number?

Rush turns to face me. “My ex-girlfriend.”

“Oh.”

He shrugs. “Last year.” He takes my hand in his and we walk. “We’re not together anymore.”

“I got that…You know… when you referred to her as your ex.” I wink.

Rush lets out a sigh. “Sorry about that.” He rubs the back of his neck. “That was weird.”

“She was… friendly.”

“She texted me a few months ago…wants to get back together.” Rush wraps his arm around me. “That’s not happening.”

“She’s pretty.”

“She cheated on me with my roommate.”

I cringe. “Ouch.”

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