Page 23 of From Now On

He’s really asking.

Professor Hayden might be the one person on campus who has no idea that we won a national championship. He’s not oblivious, just selective with what he focuses on. He’s like Hart with hockey, except he’s dedicated his life to being a political science professor. No wife, no kids. He does sabbaticals around the world every few years, researching ancient Roman and Greek civilizations and assessing the origins of democracy and empires.

“You have until the fifteenth to decide, but we should really discuss your options sooner.”

“I know. I’ll make an appointment after break. I promise.”

Hayden nods. “Very well. Do you have exciting plans?”

“For break?” I fidget with the strap of my backpack. “Uh, not really. I’m visiting California with some friends. What about you?”

He gives me a small smile. “I’m visiting my brother. He lives in Vancouver.”

“Okay, well…” I’m as uninspired by small talk as he is. “Have a good break.”

“You too.”

I nod, then turn to leave.

“And, Hunter?”

I glance back.

Hayden smiles. The widest one I’ve ever seen from him. “Congratulations.”

I smile back. “Thanks.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

EVE

Ipeek out the curtains for the tenth time in two minutes. Drop the blue fabric like it burned me when I see the street is still empty. Glance at the clock, and then resume my anxious pacing.

Hunter isn’t supposed to be here for another five minutes. Anxiety is stretching each second to feel like hours. I’m wired from the three cups of coffee I had this morning to combat the mere four hours of sleep I managed, the stress of worrying about running into Ben on campus, and the nerves about this drive with Hunter.

I haven’t spoken to him since the awkward encounter outside La Bella Napoli’s bathrooms. Harlow arranged everything related to me joining her spring break plans—I’m guessing because she thought I’d try to back out otherwise.

A valid concern.

I turn into the kitchen at the end of my next lap, pouring a glass of water to keep my hands busy. I’ve drained half the contents before it occurs to me that gulping water right before a nine-hour road trip isn’t the wisest choice.

I dump the rest of the water into a succulent, then hustle down the hallway toward the bathroom.

Halfway there, I hear a knock on the front door.

Fuck. He’s early.

I spin back around, toward the front door, then complete the turn and jog into my room. I glance into the mirror above my dresser to assess my appearance—not great, but not awful either—apply some lip balm, and then sprint back to the entryway.

I’m already breathing heavily, my heart rate a wild staccato in my ears, when I open the door.

The sight of Hunter makes my vitals even more irregular.

He’s his usual gorgeous self, wearing a navy waffle-knit shirt that shows off the broadness of his shoulders and the impressive bulge of his biceps. The darker shade makes his eyes pop. And when he smiles… Shit. Even the lingering chill in the spring air isn’t affecting me. And I’malwayscold, like a lizard. The climate is the one thing I miss about living in Arizona.

“Hey, Eve.”

“Hi, Hunter.” I sound like I just ran a marathon. Hopefully he’ll think I was training with Harlow earlier or something. Except…he knows Harlow left yesterday, so probably not. “Thank you for doing this. You know, uh, driving me. It’s really nice of you.”

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