Page 146 of Collide
“I’m dropping by the dean’s office after my debate meeting. Just thought I’d do a good deed so you two can say your goodbyes.” Hisgood deedis as transparent as plexi.
I jog to my truck, passing the guys. “Think you guys can hitch another ride?”
They exchange looks. “Yeah, no problem. Is everything okay?” asks Eli.
“It will be.” Before they can ask more questions, I’m speeding out of the lot. On the drive to the administrative center, I realize I am so embarrassingly in love with my girl that I’m certain if she knew the things running through my mind, she would laugh at me. It’s the kind of love that makes you do shit like run straight to her dorm after an exhausting ninety-minute game or power down an entire house full of people. Illogical and impulsive.
Now, I’m on my way to do another illogical and impulsive thing, or at least that’s how she would see it.
I barrel inside the administrative center, straight to the front desk. “I’d like to speak with Dean Hutchins,” I say, startling the secretary.
She assesses me. “I’m sorry, we can’t—”
“It’s about the break-in.” I cut her off.
Hesitantly, she calls to ask about a last-minute meeting and then looks at me. “You have five minutes.”
50 | SUMMER
THE FIRST FEW weeks after spring break are my favorite. My professors are relaxed, the students are off Adderall, and the sun is out. Except this year, three weeks in, and I’m losing my hair.
It doesn’t help that Aiden is miles away playing hockey every weekend and practicing on weekdays. On top of that, the school is investigating the break-in after Dean Hutchins received the email about Langston’s professor-student relationship.
Now, lying in bed while Amara is out and the guys are coming back from a tournament, I can’t sleep. However, my lucky stars must be aligned because when my phone rings, it’s Aiden.
I answer his video call, seeing the tired smile on his lips. “Hey. I tried to keep up with Kian’s short vlogs, but they were cut short.”
“We advanced. And Kilner confiscated Kian’s phone when he tried to make him do a dance.”
I chuckle, feeling lighter with just Aiden’s voice in my ears. “Weren’t you supposed to get back earlier?”
“We did, but I had something to do first,” he says quickly. “Are you coming over?”
“Do I look like a booty call to you, Crawford?”
“Depends. What are you wearing?” He smiles innocently. “We can even extend the booty call and get breakfast in the morning.”
“How thoughtful,” I say dryly. “But I’m a bit tired tonight.” There is too much on my mind, but I can’t tell Aiden about the break-in until it’s resolved, or he’ll try to run into action mode.
“Want me to come over instead?”
“You look exhausted, you’ll probably fall asleep at the wheel.”
“Then come to me. I can send you an Uber.” When I don't answer, he sighs. “Come on, Summer. I’m tired, and I missed you all weekend. I just want you in my bed tonight, please.”
Guilt bites at me. “I’ll be over tomorrow, I promise.”
“You’d tell me if something was wrong, wouldn’t you?”
That stings. “Of course. Nothing you need to worry about.”
The look on his face is thoughtful. “You don’t have to deal with everything alone, Summer. I’m here. For you. No other reason. I'd like to prove it to you some time.”
I do what I can without breaking down; I nod.
He scans my face before smiling. “So, my booty call canceled. How about we stay on video?”
This is dangerous territory. If we keep talking, he will pry everything out of my head. But Aiden doesn't need more stress with their final game coming up.
