You’re the Reason, стр. 37

“This morning.”

I nodded, letting the knowledge settle.

“So, what do you say, Soph? Can I take you out?”

I tipped my head, studying his face. Did he really not understand my confusion—make that frustration? “Do you plan on disappearing between now and then?”

He dragged his teeth over his bottom lip as he thought about my question.

“Because I don’t think I’m being unreasonable to just, I don’t know, expect a phone call when you’re on your way back so I at least know you’re alive.”

“Soph—”

“Look, I’m not trying to sound like a bitch. But I thought we came to an understanding Saturday night. But maybe that was just me thinking something was going on when it really wasn’t.”

He opened his mouth to respond.

“But I get it. You just got out of a relationship and you have family issues you need to tend to.”

“I—”

“No need to explain. But if you don’t mind, I’ve had a pretty shitty start to the week. Between you disappearing, Valerie ghosting me, and Chantel moving out, I really just need a break from the drama.”

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” Professor Irons said as he walked into the room.

I turned to look at him.

“Your papers were fantastic,” Professor Irons began. “The analogies you made between the two films as well as your keen eye to detail made them a pure pleasure to read. If you haven’t checked the portal yet, your grades are in.”

I pulled up the portal on my screen. I could sense Chase leaning in and looking over at my screen. Professor Irons’ remarks read: The A+ you deserved last time.

“Nice job, Soph,” Chase said, knowing I did the paper on my own after he ditched me for the second movie.

I didn’t look at him. I needed time to figure out what to say. What to think. What to feel. There were so many red flags when it came to Chase Reed, and the fact that he hadn’t apologized as soon as I walked in for his radio silence, told me he didn’t get it.

Professor Irons released us early, so I gathered my things and stood up to go.

“So, what should we do Friday?” Chase asked as he followed me out of the classroom and down the hallway to the stairwell.

“I’m not really sure doing something’s a good idea.”

“Come on, Soph. Cut me some slack.”

“Cut you some slack? Need I remind you that you just disappeared without a word for three days? And, how about our rocky start? How do I know those weren’t all warning signs telling me this is a very bad idea?” I hurried down the stairs.

“You can’t do that. You can’t throw the past in my face. How are we supposed to move forward if you do that?”

I stepped outside and stopped to glare at him. “Is that what we’re doing?”

He pulled me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me as people headed in all different directions around us. “I’m sorry.”

Needing to see if his apology was sincere, I pulled my head back and looked up.

He looked down at me. “I’ve got shit to deal with at home that I don’t talk about. It has nothing to do with you, so I try to keep that life and this life separate. Can I just ask you to be patient with me and not throw it in my face? I never meant to hurt you.”

I stared into his eyes, so earnest and thoughtful. Ugh, I hated myself for being unable to resist his damn charm. “Will you ever be able to tell me what’s going on at home?”

He nodded. “I just need time.”

I thought about what he was asking. Could I give him time? Could I not ask questions or take things personally?

“What do you say?” he asked.

Damn you, dreamy blue eyes. I didn’t want to be mad at him. But I also didn’t want him to break my heart. And everything about him told me he’d break my heart. But being a glutton for punishment, I nodded.

He leaned down and captured my lips, kissing me slow, like we had all the time in the world. I was lost in the kiss—not to mention his minty breath and rock-hard chest—when someone whistled, yanking me back to reality. We were standing in the middle of campus in between classes and people were moving all around us.

I pulled out of the kiss.

“Thank you, Soph. I won’t let you down.”

I turned and began walking.

He jogged to keep up. “Come by the frat tonight?”

“Why?”

“I missed you.”

“I guess you should’ve called.”

He laughed, knowing I wasn’t letting that one slide. “Seriously. I wanna hang out.”

“Is that right?”

He smirked, and when he smirked at me like that, I knew, come hell or high water, I’d be there.