Page 49 of Devious Love

“Yup.”

She rolls her eyes. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

Laughing, I head to the coffeepot. “Want a cup?”

“Sure,” she says. Her eyes burn into my back, but I don’t turn to look at her.

“Milk? Sugar?” I ask as I pour.

“No, just black.”

I set the mug in front of her and climb onto a stool. Sitting this close was a mistake. She’s gorgeous. This morning, the only makeup she’s wearing is mascara, and she’s got small silver hoops in her ears.

She cups her mug. “Why are you being so nice?”

I wiggle my eyebrows. “Because I am nice.”

“Right.” Without looking away, she brings her coffee to her lips and takes a slow sip.

“Look,” I say, letting out a sigh. “What I said about your ex was out of line. It’s none of my business who you’re friends with. As you so kindly pointed out, it was hypocritical of me.”

Her face lights up, her lips curling into a cute smile. “Wow. That wasn’t actually an apology, but it was close. I’d say you’re making progress.” She takes another bite of her toast and wipes her mouth with a napkin. “Keep it up, and I might believe you’ve grown into an actual adult.”

I lean back, assessing her. “Out of curiosity, what would it take for you to believe it? An essay in MLA format? Or maybe a presentation? I aced those kinds of projects in college.”

Her shoulders tremble as she laughs. “I might need to see both. It’d at least prove you’re putting in effort.”

God knows why, but I don’t want her to think I’m a total asshole. I hate that she thinks I’m a douche who strings his ex along so he can have sex whenever he wants. Or maybe I want to prove to myself I’m not that guy, that I’m responsible, dependable. That I won’t make reckless decisions that risk my future. That I won’t let my friends take the blame for my mistakes like I did with Miles. Or maybe it’s all of that at once.

Or maybe I really am just an asshole, and I should come to terms with that.

With a low hum, I lower my focus from her face to her chest. “I can think of an effective way.”

“Yeah?”

“I could just…show you.”

“Show me?”

“You want proof I’m an adult? I have a few ideas you might like.” I rest my elbows on the cool countertop and lean toward her. “Just tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

The way her jaw clenches brings a smile to my face. And that pinkish hue on her cheeks? The fucking best.

She shakes her head. “You’re so full of yourself.”

“And yet you’re still here.”

She lifts her mug, half hiding behind it, eyeing me warily. Then, her expression smoothing out, she glances at her watch and climbs off the stool.

“I better get going. I don’t want to be late.”

I get to my feet as well and collect her plate and mug. “Go get your stuff. I’ll give you a ride.”

“Why?”

With a shrug, I put the dishes in the sink then go back for my mug. “Why not? I’m headed to work now anyway. Would you prefer to take the bus?”

“Not really, but campus isn’t on your way.”