A few days ago, is what I want to say, but I don’t.
It’s quiet in the car. Tense as shit. No way can I tell him what really happened.
“She’s my tutor.” My voice is a harsh whisper. “That’s it.”
“Why didn’t you want to talk about that earlier in the bar?” Cam turns right into the vast parking lot. “Why keep that a secret?”
“I don’t want anyone else knowing I have a tutor. I feel like a dumbass.”
Not too far from the truth. Just close enough to be believable.
“You’re not a dumbass, Knox. No one thinks you are.”
“I want to keep this private.”
“All right, all right. I won’t say a word. You know you can trust me.” He pulls into his assigned parking spot and shifts the truck into park before shutting off the engine. “How’s that going anyway? The tutoring?”
Fucking fantastic. A few sessions in and I know what she sounds like when she moans while I kiss her. I’m learning a lot.
“Fine.” I shrug. “I hate English.”
“Is she helping you?”
“Yeah. She’s really smart, and she’s taught me a few tricks to help with my reading. You know, with the dyslexia and all, it’s not always easy.”
It’s embarrassing, having to admit that. Even after knowing for all of these years that I have this issue, I don’t like talking about it. Not even to my best friend.
“That’s great, man. I’m glad she’s helping out. And hey.” I lift my gaze to his. “You can trust me to keep this quiet. I don’t want to blow your cover. If you want to keep the tutoring thing to yourself, I can respect that.”
“Thanks.” I nod as I reach for the door handle. “I appreciate it.”
“Of course. And any time you need me to watch over Blair, I’ve got you. I was just giving you shit about her.”
“I know.”
“She’s got a good head on her shoulders, though. She’s not going to fall for just any jackass football player.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I need to trust her more.” I nod, knowing he’s speaking the truth.
Also knowing I won’t necessarily do it. It’s hard, letting my sister make her own decisions, especially when it comes to guys. I know what they’re like.
Me. and I’m the worst.
I can’t help that I feel so overprotective of my little sister. I know the assholes that are on our team, who I hang out with. They don’t give a damn about her feelings—just like I don’t give a damn about anyone but myself.
The guys on my team? They just want to get into a girl’s panties. They’re all looking for a hookup and that’s it.
Just like I used to. But I don’t want that anymore. All I want now is…
Joanna.
SEVENTEEN
JOANNA
I don’t knowwhat to do about Knox Maguire.
I went to the advisor who is in charge of the tutoring program first thing Monday morning and asked if I would be able to pair him with another tutor. I know it’s a cowardly thing to do, but I can’t imagine facing him in our meeting room after everything that’s happened. Not just the last time we met, but also at the bar after the game. When he followed me into the bathroom and we were interrupted by those girls walking in.