Page 53 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 1
She knew how clumsy I was, so she seemed to accept that answer. "Why didn't you tell me you had a date with him?"
"I don't know. I didn't want to jinx it I guess. He's way out of my league, Melissa."
"Don't be ridiculous. You know that you're a catch. You probably made him drool in the dress you were wearing."
"Thanks, Melissa."
"So, where did he take you on your first date?"
"To this country club. It was at least half an hour from here."
"Well that's super fancy. I can see why you think he's wealthy. I don't know any other students who are members of a country club."
I didn't want her to assume he was a student. I wanted her to think that he was always busy so that she wouldn't be hurt if she didn't get to meet him. "He's actually not a student."
"So what does he do?"
"He founded some tech company."
"Impressive." She thought about that for a moment before adding, "How old did you say he was?"
"27," I said quietly. I shrugged like it was no big deal. My stomach was still in a knot from not confessing my age to Professor Hunter in the car.
"I thought you said he was only a little older than you. Penny, that's like...eight years."
It was time to take Professor Hunter's advice. "Melissa, you don't even understand how sexy he is. I can't even think straight when I'm around him."
She laughed. "Okay, I need some sleep. Next time text me back so I don't have to worry all night."
"Sorry about that, Melissa. I was distracted."
"I bet," she said and turned off the light.
I was too tired to go get ready for bed, so instead I lay down and pulled the covers on top of me.
"Poor Tyler," Melissa mumbled. I heard her turn in her bed.
I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.
Temptation - Chapter 30
Monday
It was going to be so awkward to see Tyler. I hadn't spoken to him since he had walked out on me at the dining hall. I had encouraged him to see other people because I cared about him. He had become a really good friend. But he was probably never going to talk to me again. And I had basically molested his abs, which definitely gave him the wrong message. The cold shoulder would make me feel horrible, but at the same time I would be kind of relieved. I was sick of lying to him. Maybe it was better for both of us if he pretended I didn't exist.
When I walked into the room I was surprised to see that Tyler was already sitting in his usual spot. I had been expecting him to be seated on the opposite side of the room.
"Hey, Penny," he said as I approached.
"Is this from you?" I picked up the single red rose that was on my desk.
"Yes. Look, I'm really sorry about Saturday. I acted like an idiot."
I sat down and smelled the sweet aroma from the rose.Why can't he just give me the cold shoulder instead?He was so sweet.
"I'm sorry too, I..."
"You don't need to be. You've made it perfectly clear that you just want to be my friend. I just can't seem to resist making a fool of myself around you. But I'm going to try to start acting like your friend. No more hidden agendas. If that's really what you want. Because I just enjoy being around you."
