And hopefully, encounter a more cheerful Hannah.
I couldn't remember a single thing I’d read in the library. I barely remembered my lectures. Worry pooled in my gut as I walked, my focus still elsewhere. I’d never struggled like this in school before. I’d never had an issue paying attention, or working ahead, or acing my classes. But even reading ahead hadn’t prepared me for how much I’d really fallen behind by not being in classes yesterday. I couldn't recall a single fact.
I was much too distracted with something else.
“Evening, Bambi.”
My head shot up and my eyes locked in front of me. As I emerged from the doors of the library, the sight that held my gaze made me smile like a goofy little kid. There he was, leaning against his bike, his arms folded over his chest and his stare piercing straight into my soul.
“Got a few texts from you today. Sorry I never got back. Been busy.”
I skipped down the steps toward him. “You look good.”
He winked. “Always.”
I giggled. “I mean, physically. You look like you’re well. You know, better.”
He nodded. “I feel a bit better, after some rest.”
“How are your ribs? I’m sure riding your bike doesn’t feel the greatest.”
“Well, they feel well enough to do this.”
He reached out for me and I squealed with delight as he whipped me around, pinning me against his bike. My butt had barely touched the leather of his seat before his knee pressed between my legs. His hand ran through my hair while the other softly slid down my torso and over my waist, finally settling on my hip.
I was trapped between the warm metal of his bike and the warm strength of his body.
“Glad to see you’re getting your strength back, handsome.”
He grinned. “Please tell me you’re done studying for the night. I’ve been out here for a while.”
“How did you know I was here?”
He shrugged. “I have my sources.”
I narrowed my eyes playfully. “You saw Hannah at the dorm, didn’t you?”
“I may or may not have ran into your very cranky roommate as she was coming out of the building.”
“I’m surprised she told you where I was.”
“You two okay?”
I shrugged. “Nothing I can’t handle. She’ll just have to be okay with the fact that she doesn’t control my life.”
He quirked an eyebrow. “You two have a falling out or something?”
I waved my hand in the air. “It’s not important.”
“It’s always important between friends.”
“Well, it’s not important now.”
“Dani.”
I blinked. “What?”
“Friends are always important, no matter what.”