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I bat his hands away as I walk into the bathroom to take a quick shower and brush my teeth. He’s waiting at the door when I come out, jeans on without his shirt. All of that skin is so distracting, but his touch is even more so.

He tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear and really looks at me, like he can see the awkward version of myself that I keep hidden away most of the time. It’s the insecure part—the one I’ve had to beat into submission for most of my life.

“You okay, Sofia?”

I nod, gripping my towel as the only barrier between us.

He frowns a little. “Are you sure?”

Taking a deep breath, I nod again. “Just a little unprepared for this part, I guess.”

“You? Unprepared for something? I must have really caught you by surprise, then.” He nuzzles my neck. “I thought I’d been pretty clear about my intentions from the get go.”

That has me laughing a little. “Yes. You were transparent.”

“But you’re still going to run away on me, aren’t you?” The vibration of his low voice against my damp skin is too much for me.

I place my hand on his chest and slip past him. “Right this second? Probably. Yes.”

A little of the happiness glowing in his eyes dims, and I turn to get dressed, packing away my things as he watches me. I’d had most of it all set to go last night. Like he said, I do like to be prepared, and we have to check out before we go to the studio this morning.

God, and what if someone heard us last night? What if they’ll be able to tell what happened when they see us?

Orion is behind me again as I place my things by the door, trapping me against it. “Hey. Wait.”

I suck in a shaky breath, then another, before I turn in his arms and look into those clear blue eyes.

He searches me for a moment before he kisses me again. It’s slow and sweet and full of emotion that I’m not quite ready for. “I don’t want this to end once we’re home.”

He doesn’t? I open my mouth, but words fail me. I can’t voice all of the problems that could cause for him, especially with his past. It will paint this in such a negative light, even if he’s notmyprofessor.

“I know. But just…” Those nimble fingers smooth through my hair, and the move has so much care in it that I break a little bit inside. “Just think about it.”

He’s still so near, so warm and comfortable and right. I kiss him, letting my attraction to him drive me. As dangerous as this is, I will think about it, and I try to make sure he knows.

Orion doesn’t look so worried when I pull back, simply nodding as I press myself against the door.

I point at him. “Behave yourself.”

His laugh eases some of the tension in my shoulders before I shoo him back and take a peek out the peephole. When I see that it’s clear, I grab my things and slip out, going down early to help everyone set up their luggage to be packed into the bus and hand in their room keys.

Breakfast and the half-day on set are a blur. It’s difficult to act normal around everyone else. Orion keeps drawing my gaze, and he’s not so subtle about staring at me.

Leann is sour but quiet, glaring at me, Orion, and the director. She’s even quiet on the ride home, which bothers me more than it should. I want to believe she’s learned a little humility, but I have a bad feeling this isn’t the case.

When we arrive back at the university, I oversee the luggage being taken off the bus and wish each of them a good night before I grab my own.

I even smile at Leann as I hand over her bags. “Have a good night, Leann.”

She huffs and rolls her eyes. “Yeah. Whatever.”

And then, the girl is stomping off to a waiting car. I’m relieved when she’s finally gone. It’s hard to nail down, but I have an inkling that she’s going to be causing trouble before long.

Orion lingers on the sidewalk with me, and once everyone’s gone, he steps nearer. “Can I give you a ride home?”

I smile at him, glad to be back on mostly normal footing. “No. I’ve got one.”

As if on cue, Dad’s car pulls into the spot beside the bus.