Page 65 of The Check Down

I examine his features for things left unsaid.

But in true Griffin fashion, he doesn’t make me guess. He shares his thoughts with no evasion, no hesitation. “Professor, I don’t want to gotherewhile you’re recovering from this shit show of a day. I don’t want a hangover or messages from a jackass to taint something momentous for us. I just want to comfort you.” Throat bobbing, he brushes a lock of hair behind my ear. “So I’m going to make you a cup of tea, and we’re going to watch a movie—your choice.”

“My choice?”

“Even if it’sHow to Train Your Dragon.”

A soft smile pulls at my lips as his warm look tugs at my heartstrings. “First of all, that movie is a heartwarming delight.”

He nods his agreement.

“But,” I say, “I think I need some Jane tonight. Fair warning, though. It’s a historical romance.”

“Whatever you need.” His words are a promise, and then he alters my whole world when he leans in and presses a soft kiss to my forehead.

Holy. Hell.

“You get the movie ready, and I’ll get your tea. It’s the weekend, so I’m assuming black tea is fine?”

I nod, my chest clenching. This man remembers a throwaway comment I made weeks ago? A simple mention of how I save black tea for weekend nights, since its caffeine content is higher than green tea?

After I trade my jeans for flannel pajama pants, I sink into the soft leather couch in the spot I prefer on the rare nights we watch TV or play video games together. A moment later, Griffin appears and carefully hands me a piping hot mug of tea. Then he settles in his favorite corner.

I start the movie and sip my tea, savoring its mellow tannins. I’ve finally settled in and have lost myself in the plot when my roommate heaves a put-upon sigh.

I’m about to remind him that he letmechoose the movie, when he grates out, “Yeah, this isn’t working for me.”

Without moving from his spot, he plucks the mug from my hands and puts it on the end table. Then he leans across the cushion between us and gathers me in his arms. He drags me across the leather and plonks me right next to him. If I were any closer, I’d be in his lap. Within seconds, the mug is back in my hands and Griffin’s arm is wrapped around me.

“Much better,” he mumbles.

Me? I snuggle deeper into his side.

When I’ve finished my tea, he sets the mug on the table again, then tightens his hold on me.

I point to a fresh-faced Anne Hathaway on the screen. “Jane is the reason I’m an English lit not-a-professor, by the way.”

“Is she?”

“Yep. Sophomore year of high school, I readSense and Sensibility, and I fell in love with Marianne and Elinor. They’re dual sides of my soul—Elinor’s practicality and Marianne’s passion. And Colonel Brandonis so dreamy.”

The real-life dreamboat at my side snorts. “You know what this movie needs?”

I elbow him. “Nothing. It’s perfect.”

“Nah.” He jostles me. “Could use some dragons.”

The laugh that erupts from me is accompanied by a snort. “Well, I did find one under the bananas this morning.”

“Really? So. Weird.” He’s silent for several beats, and his frame tenses. “After the Charlotte game on Sunday, we have our bye.”

When he doesn’t elaborate, I nod.

“I promised Mom I’d spend the weekend on the farm.” He shifts my way and stuffs his free hand into the pocket of his hoodie. “I, uh, was wondering if you’d like to come with me.”

“To Holly Holler?” I tilt my head so I can study him.

“To Holly Holler,” he confirms.

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