Page 40 of Tempting Rowan (Trace + Olivia 3)

Looking into his eyes, I knew a part of him—a big part—believed I’d be gone when he got back for his winter break.

I’d have to prove him wrong.

chapter eight

I’d gone a whole week without seeing Trenton. I thought I might be relieved to have him gone—instead I felt slightly empty inside and I…I missed him. Man, that was hard to admit, even to myself. I missed the way he always seemed to pop up when I least expected him and how his smile made butterflies flutter in my tummy.

I startled when someone’s arm draped over my shoulders as I walked across campus. For a second there I dared to hope it was Trent, but when I looked over a laughing Jude met me. “Did I scare you?”

“You know you did,” I shrugged off his shoulder. “That wasn’t nice,” I clutched my books tightly against my chest as I headed across campus toward my last class of the day.

“Are you sure I really scared you or were you hoping I was someone else?” He raised a brow as he fell into step beside me.

I frowned, looking down at my black ballet flats.

“I knew it!” He threw a fist in the air. “You really like him! And here I was beginning to think that no guy would ever strike your fancy. I’m relieved to know that your ovaries do indeed work.”

I rolled my eyes, reaching up to adjust the hat on my head that was protecting me from the frigid air. “Trust me, my ovaries work just fine.”

Jude jogged ahead of me and grabbed the door, holding it open for me. I stepped inside the warm building. “Thanks…that was rather gentlemanly of you,” I noted, unwinding my scarf from around my neck.

“That’s me. Jude the Gentleman,” he grinned easily as we headed into class together. Since we were both studying the same thing, we shared most of our classes. Sitting down beside me, Jude asked, “Are you studying tonight?”

I gave him a ‘duh’ look.

He chuckled, rubbing his jaw. “At the library?”

I nodded. “What’s with all the questions?”

He shrugged. “I was wondering if I could join you. My roommate is always playing this heavy metal shit and I can’t think straight. Plus, you’re smart, so you can help me.”

I rolled my eyes. “Jude, we both know you’re way smarter than me, so flattery will get you nowhere. But if you’d like to join me, that’s fine.”

He smiled widely. “Thanks.”

“What are you up to?” I narrowed my eyes on him.

“Nothing,” he smiled innocently, crossing his arms behind his head.

“Jude,” I warned.

He smirked. “I heard some pretty hot girls hangout at the library. I was thinking of branching out.”

“Have you banged all the sluts you can handle? Moving onto the good girls now?” I mocked. “I’ve got news for you, smart girls won’t fall for your charms. It looks like you might have to give it up, unless you want to fuck the same girl twice,” I patted his shoulder in mock sympathy.

Jude laughed at my words. “Oh, Row, you don’t know me at all. I can charm any girl I want out of her pants.”

“Not me,” I snorted, searching my bag for a pencil and my notes.

“Trust me, I could if I wanted to,” he assured me. “I’ve never released my powers on you.”

I eyed him doubtfully. “Is that supposed to hurt my feelings? Or should I be proud that you like me enough not to ruin our friendship with sex?”

“Proud,” he nodded, fighting a smile, “definitely proud.”

I rolled my eyes, focusing on the professor as he strode into the room and began the lesson. Now wasn’t the time to be thinking about Jude’s sex life.

???

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