Page 16 of Study Buddies

An exasperated breath escaped me. “Oh good, let’s resurrect the most sexist parts of the previous century. Good plan.”

“Thank you.” But he looked amused.

“Please take this seriously, Kyle.”

Saying his name seemed to focus his attention. “Why?” He sounded genuinely curious.

“Because it’s your grade. And my grade.”

“What?”

I sighed. “If you fail, I fail.”

From the look on his face, he hadn’t known. “Why the fuck did you agree to that?”

“I have my reasons.” My voice was stiff.

“Damn. It sucks to be you, then, Victoria.”

“Tori,” I corrected, though something deep inside me tightened at the way he said my name. “If you can’t make it on Thursday, text me.” Professor Abrams had given me his contact info, and I assumed he had mine.

“Okay. We done here,Victoria?” He cocked an eyebrow, which seemed to be his go-to expression.

I stared at him, two thoughts rattling around my brain. First, this was never going to work. And secondly… wow. Despite his attitude, he was sure nice to look at. “Yes,” I said with a sigh.

“Excellent.” He picked up the apple again, but instead of throwing it, he clutched it in both hands. He twisted it sharply, and it split into two perfect halves.

I gaped at him. I’d never seen anyone do that—hadn’t known it was possible. This guy must have hella strong hands.

He held a half out to me. “An apple for the teacher.” Sarcasm tinged his voice, but it was still a genuine offer.

“It’s half an apple.” I took it anyway, all but gawking at the way it was cut almost as cleanly as if he’d used a knife.

“Well, you’re just a tutor.” He got to his feet. “That’s like half a teacher. See you around, Victoria.”

He took a huge bite of apple and strode away before I could say anything else. Instead, I stared at his long legs as he walked away. Long, powerful legs—and a surprisingly cute ass. Then my brain kicked in. “Wait, not justaround,” I called after him. “Thursday at three!”

He nodded, but didn’t look back as he disappeared, along with—I was pretty sure—my chance to pass my English class and work at the writing center.

Crap.

8

JAYDEN

It wasdark outside the living room windows as I sat on the couch, scrolling on my phone and watching the occasional video. All was quiet, and it was well after eleven, but I couldn't go to sleep—not with the light shining from the dining room. Apparently, Tori took her studying as seriously as Lucas did, which was all well and good for their GPAs, but it wasn't so great for the guy who had to sleep on the couch.

For a while, I’d been in there with them. But I got my homework done and then stopped, like a normal person. Clearly Lucas and Tori weren’t normal.

I didn't mind giving up my bed for Tori, but it would be nice to have a little privacy. If the basement weren’t so full of junk, I’d consider carving out some space for an air mattress down there, but the washer, dryer, and an old treadmill were the only usable things down there at the moment.

Finally, I sighed and set my phone down. Might as well grab a beer since those two were still going at it. So to speak.

Both of them had their heads down, laptops in front of them, piles of papers between them. They were two peas in a pod in some ways. Only one pea was far better looking.

"Seriously, guys, you need to give it a rest. It's nearly midnight." I needed rest, quiet, and darkness. And at least a little privacy wouldn’t hurt, either.

Tori nodded, and Lucas gave no sign of hearing me. I strolled over and came up behind them, putting my hands on each of their shoulders.

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