Page 31 of Afterglow
“Are you good to work on weekends? I can probably do Sunday,”
“Only if you’re sure. I can change shifts at the cafe for it to suit you better,”
“You don’t have to do that. Thursday and Sunday will be fine,”
He seems stuck in his ways. That is another reason why we clash—both as stubborn as the other. Nonetheless, I agree.
“What time suits you best?”
“Thursday, I have classes all morning. Can we meet at half past three?”
“Sounds good. Where do you want to do it? Mine or yours?” I ask.
The glint in Theo’s eyes makes me regret saying anything. “Don’t answer that. We will meet at yours,” I say sternly.
Theodore can’t seem to stop grinning as the talking from all the students dies down. I roll my shoulders back, sinking further into the chair. The professor discusses the main topics we need to cover in the project and goes over the marking criteria.
The weighting of this assessment is fifty percent of my grade for the class, so it is crucial I get a top mark. Cooper and Byrd are one of the companies receiving our paper meaning there is the potential to earn an internship. Theodore won’t be the worst partner as it seems he will actually participate, unlike other partners I’ve had over the past couple years.
My classmates’ voices bring me back to the present, where everyone is filing out of the room. Quickly, I place my iPad and stationary items into my bag and leave Theodore behind as I make my way to Strong Beans.
The lunch rush is minutes away from starting when I enter the cafe. After taking a deep breath, I call out to Brandon—he leaves when I arrive for the lunch shift—and assume my place behind the counter.
Chapter 14
Theodore Knight
Hectic is the only word I have to describe the past four days.
The football season is in full swing with the seasons fading into each other as the warmth of summer is overtaken by the chill fall air. Training sessions are intense. Everyone on the team has sore, aching bodies as we continue to build our match fitness.
The responsibilities of captain in combination with my academic schedule is stressful. Thursday is mybusiest day with the inclusion of the research project I am doing with Jazmine.
My last class finished ten minutes ago; however, I decided to make a pit stop for caffeine. I exit my car and place my bag that is full of textbooks and my laptop, over my shoulder. In order to lock my car, I put the two coffees I brought onto the hood of my car.
As I approach my front door, I see a figure standing outside my door. Jazmine is tapping her foot rapidly with her hands on her hips. A scowl has formed on her lips and I force myself to push down a laugh. Honestly, I think that is her default expression when she sees me.
But what can I say? I’m a masochist.
My gaze flicks down her figure to her tight skinny jeans that hug her curves, leaving nothing to my imagination. Jazmine’s top has curled up, showing her lower belly, while her tits are highlighted by the v-neckline. I inch closer and her scent fuses into me, vanilla and coconut—like the candles my mum used to burn around the house.
“You’re late,” she snipes. Her eyes fall to the coffees in my hand. “Is one of those for me? If so, I might consider forgiving you.”
“Who knew, Jazmine Allen’s downfall was caffeine. If you’re this agreeable with coffee, I might have to start bribing my way to your good side.”
I pass her the drink. Jazmine squints, caution filling her green eyes, but nonetheless, she takes a sip from the straw. Her eyebrows pull together—a tell that her mind is warming up.
“Is this an iced caramel latte?” Jazmine takes another sip. “On almond milk?”
I laugh at her surprise.
“How did you know it was my favourite?”
The truth is I begged Athena to tell me. If I want to be in Jazmine's good books, I need to show her that I care. And knowing her coffee order is the bare minimum.
Jazmine's eyes soften and lips curve into a thankful smile. Fuck. My heart surges with happiness. The fact that doing such a small thing for Jazmine rewards me with a genuine smile, is more than I could ask for.
I clear my throat. “Lucky guess. Should we get started?”
