“Later.” He smirks before walking away.
* * *
I walkto the University Center after class to find him. Nervous knots have taken up residence in my stomach as I walk into the building. I’m instantly overwhelmed by the size and the number of students milling around. I have never had a reason to come in here, so the layout of the area is foreign.
I didn’t mention to Caleb that I had never been inside the University Center. My lack of a social circle made visiting this building pointless. Hoping I found the correct area he mentioned to meet him, I take a seat. Pulling out my trusty e-reader, I settle on a couch.
“Hello again.” I hear his voice.
I look up as Caleb takes a step before sitting next to me. A couple of guys and a girl follow him and sit on the empty chairs and couch around me.
“Hey,” I respond and look around at his friends while clutching my e-reader tightly.
“This is Jason, Wes, and Emily,” he says as each nod and smile when introduced, “and this is Sophia.” Caleb sits back and places him arm around me.
“Hi,” I give a small wave, feeling more uncomfortable as the seconds go by, especially with Emily sending me weird looks. I look down at my e-reader again, trying to not look as uncomfortable as I feel. They begin talking around me, so I stare at the screen as I listen intently.
Jason pops up. “I need something to get me through my next class. Anyone want anything?”
In unison each guy announces some sort of snack.
“Then get your asses up and buy your own.” He laughs and walks away.
Caleb turns to me. “Want anything?”
“Diet Coke.” I grab into my bag for a couple of dollars.
“Got it. Be right back.” He gives me a quick peck before getting up and walking quickly to catch up with his friends.
I look toward Emily, scrambling to think of what to say, when I notice her scowl.
“YES?” I blurt out, brain-to-mouth filter too slow to catch my outburst.
“Nothing,” she huffs and gets up and walks in the opposite direction the guys went.
The boys return and take their seats.
“Where’s Emily?” Caleb asks.
I shrug my shoulders. “She just got up and walked away.”
The guys continue talking, eating, and joking, drawing me into their conversation until it’s time for them to go to class. Just as we exit the building, Caleb motions for the guys to keep going and grabs my upper arm to stop me.
“I’ll call you tonight.” He leans down and meets his lips with mine as his hand slides down my arm, coming to rest at my hip. He pulls away and smiles.
“Okay.” I grin and move to walk away, but his hand grips my hip tighter. I look back at him, and he has one brow cocked mischievously.
“Another for the road.” He grabs my other hip and brings me flush against his body. He kisses me more sensually than I am comfortable with in public, invading my mouth with his tongue. He pulls away, and I place my forehead on his chest to catch my breath. I am equally turned on and embarrassed at the same time.
He places his hand under my chin and lifts my head. “Sorry, couldn’t help myself.”
I smile shyly, not having a response.
“Later!” He turns walking away.
3
Later in theweek I decide to check out the student recreation center. I read it is an amazing facility with workout classes, free weights, machines, and cardio equipment. As I walk in, my phone chimes.