Page 13 of Face Me Off

I’m about to hit the science building when my phone buzzes. Fishing my phone from the front pocket, I glance at the screen and smile at the text from Maddy’s roommate, Amanda.

Amanda: We on for Captain’s Cup later?

Meeting for coffee during the first week of school became our tradition after we kept having multiple classes together freshman year. She’s pre-med, and I’m on track to become a physical therapist. We were in the same labs together. When I couldn’t get an experiment to work, she stayed after class to help. We’ve remained friends ever since. Amanda has this uniqueness about her that I find intriguing. She’s a good person. She works hard and doesn’t depend on daddy handouts.

But I’m not dumb. I’ve heard the rumors. The ones where they think we’ve hooked up or because we’re such good friends, they think there’s something romantic between us. That couldn’t be further from the truth. She’s a knockout, sure. Smoking hot. But she’s also like the sister I never had. There just isn’t any sexual chemistry between us.

As for her roommate… My dick twitches at the thought of driving into Maddy. That girl has always drawn my attention from the first time I noticed her in the hallways of Stewart Academy. One look at those dark, auburn curls and a sprinkle of freckles splattered across her cheeks, I was a goner.

Too bad she hates me.

Me: Of course. You free at one o’clock? I have a late class at three.

Amanda: Yes! Meet you then.

It’ll be good to catch up with my friend since we’ve barely talked over the summer, but my curiosity has been piqued. Iwant to know if Madison mentioned me at all. I haven’t run into her at all this week. Not sure how I’ll handle seeing her when I do.

Slipping the phone into my pocket, I scale the steps. With only a few minutes before class starts, I need to hurry. The last thing I want to do is piss off Mr. Whitman on the first day of class.

Reaching the classroom, I groan. A closed door can only mean one thing—I’m fucked.

Sucking in a breath, I walk through the doorway as if I own the damn place. I didn’t make it this far to be stopped.

“Mr. Sorenson. So glad you can make it.” Whitman’s keen gaze slices through me. “Please take a seat before you interrupt us further.”

I nod, biting the retort on my tongue, and scan the room for an empty chair. My eyes lock onto the only vacant spot next to a familiar head of wild, auburn curls.

Well, well, well. If this class sinks me, at least I’ll drown a happy man.

I work my way to the last spot and smile at the girl on my right. “Hello, Maddy.”

CHAPTER SIX

MADISON

What gods didI anger so badly that warrants getting stuck with Ryan Sorenson? I’ve followed the rules. I don’t treat people bad.Ask anyone, and they’ll say I was a good person. I did one selfish thing, and the higher beings decided to punish me for life.

“May I sit here?”

My lips form a tight smile as I acknowledge my partner with a nod. “It’s not as if there’s much choice.”

His gaze holds mine as he slides into the seat but then dips. A hint of desire flashes in those eyes as they linger on my body. I bite my lower lip to contain the urge to squirm. Why does that gesture knock me off balance? I should be appalled, not turned on.

Get it together, Madds.

I turn forward and create a curtain with my hair. If I can’t see him, I should be okay, right?

Wrong.

As Professor Whitman goes over the syllabus and introduces the teacher’s assistant, I sit there and try to concentrate. Butmy mind keeps getting drawn back to Ryan. His presence is like a bad knee injury that won’t quit throbbing and demanding attention.

He’s not trying to get my attention purposely. But his manspreading knee comes dangerously close to mine.

And did he scoot his chair closer?

I don’t need this stress.

An elbow nudges my side. My cheeks blaze hot as I turn to face my distractor.

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