Page 45 of Devilry

“What?”

Steadying myself, I grip the edge of the desk and explain. “That was why my phone wouldn’t stop ringing.”

“Oh my God.” Discarding his bag, he takes three long, purposeful strides toward me. “I’m so sorry, Cole, Iis she okay?” Placing his hand on my shoulder, he effortlessly shelves his personal feelings. With nothing but genuine worry written all over his face, he turns me to face him. “Areyouokay?”

It’s a simple, expected, common question. But hearing it out of his mouth dangerously tightens my chest. His concern is welcomed. Appreciated. Wanted.

Common sense tells me that anybody with a heartbeat would ask if I was okay, but with Elijah, the gentle gesture has me mentally creating a list of all the good things about him. A list deeper and more complex than his ability to kiss and suck me off.

Trying to tamp down my attraction to him, I reluctantly shrug out of his touch and take a seat, pretending to focus on the screen. “She shattered her hip in the accident. She’s in surgery now.”

With all the comfort in the world, he takes a seat on my desk and points to the open web page on my computer screen. “I guess that means you’re going to see her?”

“My sister said I didn’t need to, but I would feel better if I did. To be able to see for myself.”

“Of course. I can understand that.”

“You’d go back and fly home for your mom, wouldn’t you?”

The question must catch him off guard, because he just stares at me, his mouth opening and closing, his words a struggle. “Umm.” He scratches at his temple nervously. “Honestly, I don’t think anyone would even call me to tell me my mother was in a car accident.”

“What?” I whip my head around to face him, but he’s too busy pulling at invisible threads on his jeans. “What do you mean nobody would tell you?”

I know I have no right to ask the question, but this, coupled with his reluctance to voice his sexuality the other day, puts me on edge and makes me even more curious about him and his family.

“We’re not as close as you guys seem to be,” he supplies nonchalantly. “So, what are you going to do now?” The subject change is quick, his intention clear. “Do you want to be left alone?” His voice loses its confidence. “Is your flight soon?”

Flicking my wrist, I check the time, then look back up at him. “How inappropriate would it be if I ask you to stay a little longer?”

He mulls over my question. “Not any more inappropriate than what we’ve already done.”

“If you want to leave, you can.” Wanting to give him an out, but wanting him to stay is the hardest balancing act. “I know you didn’t want anything to ruin it.” As casually as possible, I place my hand over his forearm. “I know it felt rushed, but thank you for the note. It was kind of cute.”

A beautiful blush ascends up his neck and face. “This isn’t ruining anything.” He settles his palm on the top of my hand. “I don’t want to leave if you’re not okay.”

“It’s fine. I’m fine,” I insist. “I’ll be even better when I’m on that flight home.”

“And where’s home?”

If any other student asked, there would be no hesitation in saying where I moved here from. Everyone knows only a small percentage of students and teachers in an Ivy League University are not actually from here, but now it feels so much more than an innocent question. A risky step into unchartered territory.

Recognizing my hesitation, Elijah removes his hand off mine. “Sorry, was that overstepping?”

I blow out a loud breath, not really sure about anything between us. “It’s fine. I’m from Chicago. Where in Texas are you from?” I ask casually.

“Don’t you need to print out those tickets? Or pack your bags? You can ask me this stuff another time.”

I raise a questioning eyebrow at him, becoming well versed in his unsuccessful deferral tactics, knowing very wellanother timeisn’t really an option for us.

If things were different, I would call him on it. Instead, I face my computer and press print on my tickets. The noise from the machine fills the silence, giving us less of a chance to talk, less time for misunderstandings, and hopefully fewer reasons for Elijah to feel compelled to get up and leave.

Since the moment I met him, the idea of him walking away from me suffocates me. After tonight, I downright hate it.

Needy and unsettled, I ignore my conscience and turn my body to his. I let my hand rest on his thigh. “Maybe we can bend the rules one more time.”Cole you’re an idiot.“Start fresh when I get back from seeing my family?”

“Cole.”

The strain in his voice has me retreating.Leave him the fuck alone, Cole. Is this even the right time to be discussing this?“I’m sorry, I fucking know better. You should go.”

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