Page 32 of Let You Love Me

I wince, then proceed to cower behind Gabby’s petite frame like I can hide from him, even though he’s obviously already spotted me.

“Is it the insanely good-looking blond we’re avoiding?” Gabby asks, her tone awed.

I nod, unwilling to glance up at him to confirm his proximity.

Gabby, however, has no problem staring. Her mouth curls as she checks him out.

“Stop that,” I hiss-whisper. “Don’t let him see me.”

“For the love of all that is holy, that man isfire. Please tell me this is Teagan.”

“Lane,” the voice calls out again, only this time he’s closer and slightly out of breath from his jaunt across campus to reach us.

I swallow. Hiding is useless, and when I lift my head, it’s to the sight of his beautiful face.

He’s even more handsome than I remembered, and it’s as if my mind blocked out the memory as a means of self-preservation.

His blond hair is a mess of waves, trimmed neatly on the sides and back. I only saw him two days ago, yet it looks like he’s gotten a haircut since then, and I hate that my first thought is how good it looks. How goodhelooks.

Ugh. What is it with men and freshly cut hair? Why is a well-groomed and put together man so sexy? I can’t even remember the last time I had a haircut. Maybe a year ago?

When you have more responsibilities than time, you tend to let yourself slip. I’m not even sure I know the meaning of the term self-care.

Manicure? Pfft. My four-year-old does my nails now, which has the added benefit of painting the entire fingertip.

Pedicure? Ha! Haven’t had one since my sixteenth birthday when Dad booked a spa day for me and Mom as a gift.

Don’t even get me started on facials. I’m lucky to muster the time and energy to wash my face at night.

I run a hand self-consciously through my locks.

I bet he smells good, too.

I barely resist the urge to sniff him when I ask, “What are you doing here?”

“Uh, I go to school here, remember?” He stares down at me, a grin curving his mouth while he squints, his eyes crinkling in the corners.

“Right. I knew that.” I shake my head, slightly flustered.

Of course I knew he went to school here. What a dumb question.

“What I meant to ask is why you’re flagging me down after my father gave a clear warning to stay away from me and I told you to lose my number?”

Beside me, Gabby chokes on a sip of coffee.

Teagan turns toward her while I shoot her a glare and sticks a hand out. “I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Teagan Nichols.”

Gabby beams at him as she shakes his hand a little too enthusiastically. “Gabby Gonzolez. Lane’s best friend.” She grins. “You’re hot.”

“Gabby!” I croak.

Teagan chuckles and his dimples take that moment to make their appearance.

I want to smooth them out with my fingers, make them disappear. They’re too fucking cute for their own good.

“Hey, Teagan!” Two long-legged brunettes call out as they pass.

He offers them a head nod while I fight a spike of irritation.