Page 20 of Wrecked Rose

Max mimics my stance, bracing himself with his hands and staring down. The outward appearance with our backs to the room likely makes it look like we’re skimming through the papers.

I wet my lower lip before flicking my gaze in his direction but then back to the newspaper in front of me.

He whispers softly, “What are we doing, Griff?”

I give a furtive glance back at the classroom before clearing my throat and loudly saying, “See? I think this is the direction you should take with your article.” I tap my finger to a random ad on the page.

Max frowns, peering down at what I’ve pointed out, then over his shoulder. He nods his understanding of what I’m doing.

I’m fairly certain Mr. Branson is observing us from across the room.Ugh.I haven’t quite figured out what to say, but I definitely don’t want anyone paying attention as I struggle through it.

Just when I think I’m going to chicken out and say forget it, I glance quickly at him, back to the paper, then murmur, “New Year’s Eve? That kiss…”

His brows raise a fraction. “What about it?” He looks intrigued that I’d bring it up. At least, that’s how I’m reading him.

I take a deep breath. “I’d been drinking. I want to make sure you—”

“You want to make sure I know it didn’t mean anything.” He laughs softly. “You know, Griff, it’s not likeyouhauled off and kissedme. I accept total responsibility. I’m not sure why you’re even bringing it up.”

My eye is practically twitching, my jaw is locked tightly closed, and I’m pretty sure if I keep it up, I’m going to grind my molars to dust.

He pats my arm, probably seeking to reassure me. “I get it. You don’t swing that way. It’s okay.” He winks, giving me his signature cheeky grin. “It’s really too bad. You have soft, delicious lips.”

My heart does a deep dive into my stomach, and mysoft,deliciouslips part as I slowly turn my head from the article I’ve been fake reading to look at him out of the corner of my eye. He— I—What?

I’m internally dying, having his hot stare focused on me in this way, his gaze flicking down to my mouth and back up, meeting my eyes. I feel like I’m about to have a coronary. He looks like he’d give anything to put his mouth right back on mine. And for a split second, I wonder what it would feel like to taste his lips, inhale his breath, feel his body against mine. My breathing goes ragged as we stare at each other.

With a sigh, he gives me a kind smile, pats my shoulder and murmurs softly, “I hope that’s not why you ran off during the movie marathon. Did you think I was going to try to kiss you again?” He pauses, sneaking another look at me when he hears my quick inhale. “Stop freaking out, Griff. I’m fucking around. I’m a one dude kind of guy, and we both know you’re too much of a player for me—even if youdidbat for the other team.”

My brow hitches up. For a moment, I can’t respond, don’t know what to say. This guy, who obviously knows I’m freaking out, is trying his best to make me feel better about it. “Is that so?”

“Are you going to deny that you’ve enjoyed more than a handful of the ladies at this school?”

“No. Not denying it.” My lips twist into a smile.

“We good?” he asks, his head cocked to the side, staring at me intently.

I nod. “Yeah, man. I didn’t want a misunderstanding between us. And I meant what I said at the party. I’m glad to have a new whiskey-drinking buddy.”

“One hundred percent. I’m down with that anytime you want or need. Just say the word.” He winks at me and backs away, returning to his seat.

Chapter 14

Griff

“Hey, Griff.” Small hands grip my shoulders, fingers firmly kneading into the sore muscles. “Where have you been hiding?”

“Not hiding,” I say gruffly, glancing over my shoulder at Aubrey. “I’ve been around.”

“Why didn’t you show up to Stacia’s Taco Tuesday thing yesterday? You got the invite, right?”

“I was busy with my brother. Sorry.” I try to shrug away from her grip, but she holds on tightly, then wraps her arms around my neck, pressing her body to my back.

I like Aubrey, but sometimes she’s a little too energetic and crazy for me. But she always smells good, and her body is banging. And at the moment, her perfect tits are smashed up against my back as she drops a few open-mouthed kisses to my neck before moving to capture my earlobe with her teeth. She gives a little tug with a growl. “How about we find somewhere we can fool around?”

“I can’t—I’ve got this assignment due tomorrow, and I need to start on it.”

“But you’re a fucking whiz. You’ll finish it in no time.”

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