Page 28 of Studious
Oh God.
I already knew he was pretty, but close up, he’s devastating. Dark brown eyes beneath long lashes. A strong, square jaw and pouty lips. He has a dimple in his chin. He hasn’t shaved yet, so his cheeks and throat are covered with stubble, and he’s a little rumpled and a little sleepy-looking. His bare chest has a light layer of hair all over it, and he’s not lean but not big, either. Just… tasty.
I’ve never seen anyone sexier, and I’m very conscious of how my body is reacting to being near him. I concentrate on my plate so I don’t stare, but I’m still hyperaware of his presence.
What’s more, I revel in it. I’m enjoying having a man in my life—even for one morning. One to talk to and have a meal with. I don’t feel so much like a loser.
I bet he has people over all the time. I bet he has no shortage of things to talk about with them, too, unlike me.
“Is this a common thing for you?” I ask.
He takes a bite of eggs. “Bringing a drunk guy home? No. I don’t bring my hookups here.”
I’m surprised. “Why not?”
“Because I always go to their place.”
I hum, thinking about it. Would I be scared going to some strange man’s house? I couldn’t bring him to my mom’s house.
But I have to start sometime. I’m never going to change if I don’t try something new.
“You’re good at getting guys in bed, aren’t you?”
Danny shrugs, then grins. “Yeah.”
“I wish I could do that. I wish I were different.”
“How so? I like the way you are.”
The warm feeling in my chest is just from drinking coffee, right? I ignore his question and straighten my shoulders, deciding I can be brave. After all, for some reason, I’m not inarticulate around Danny anymore. Maybe it’s because it’s morning and we’re sitting here in our sleep clothes. Maybe it’s because it feels like we’re equal when he’s made me breakfast and seen me at my worst. So I decide to go for it. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.” His eyes are soft and interested.
“I kind of already knew that you were good at… you know. Even before the whole thing with Earl. Shelby told me that you’re the king of one-night stands.”
He sputters.
“Sorry,” I add hastily. “Not that we were… talking about you.” I cringe, since we were. “It’s just that you came up in a discussion about One. And he thought you could help me. So I wanted to know if you could give me some tips.”
“Tips? What do you need tips for?”
“Because I’m… Well, look at me.”
He rakes his eyes over me, and I shiver. I like having his attention on me. “I don’t understand. You’re a cute guy.”
“I— What?” I shake my head, trying to make sense of his words. “Most people think I’m an awkward geek.”
“Geeks aren’t necessarily unattractive. You have great bone structure.” He reaches out a finger and runs it down my cheekbone, which raises the hairs on the back of my neck. “And your eyes are gorgeous. And that tight body?” He blows out a breath. “Yeah, you’re beautiful.”
“Well, you’re the first to say that.”
Danny looks genuinely surprised. “Really? Do people not have eyes?”
I shrug.
“I mean, if I’m being honest, while your clothes are fine, they don’t fit you well. It’s all in the cut. And I dig your hair, but it could be tamed a bit.”
“See,” I say. “I don’t know these things.”
