Page 29 of I Don't Need Your Romance

“No. Like I said, it was life or death.”

“Uh huh.”

She sticks out her tongue. “This was a one-time thing. Don’t count on me breaking into any more buildings with you.”

I tilt my head from right to left. “Too bad. I was hoping we’d crash the library next. Maybe find some more books for you.”

She waves her hand. “That library doesn’t have the books I’m looking for. They’re, like, two months behind the new releases. So lame.”

“Okay. Let’s hit the bookstore.”

“Careful, someone might think you’re actually serious.”

“I am.”

She gives me her “yeah right,” face.

“We’ve spent like two days together and you think you know me?” I ask.

“No, of course not. I just know you’re not the bad boy you make everyone believe you are.”

I stuff some more food into my mouth, not liking her trying to analyze me at all. “Didn’t know you’re a shrink, too.”

“I’m not. I’m just observant.”

“Hmm. And what do you think—?”

“Shh!” She places her finger on her lips. “You heard that?”

We’re quiet as we strain our ears. I’m about to tell her I don’t hear anything, but stop when I hear footsteps in the distance.

“The guard?” I whisper. “He’s here.”

Her eyes nearly pop out of her face. We sit here frozen, unsure what to do. I’m about to grab her hand and make a runfor it, but stop when the footsteps halt. It looks like he went into a side room that students are not allowed to go into.

Sophie and I just stare at each other, not sure what’s going on. But then we hear the sound of a woman. She’s giggling.

Our eyebrows furrow as we exchange a glance. What in the world?

Sophie laughs lightly. “He’s secretly meeting a girl here,” she whispers. “They’re probably making out in there because he doesn’t have time to spend with her. That’s so cute.”

“Cute? We’d better get our butts out of here before he’s done kissing his girlfriend and catches us.”

She holds up her finger, shutting me up. “Hear that? He’s telling her how much he loves her. Aw.”

I grab disposable containers from the kitchen and pack away some food. We put the rest of them back, grab the containers, and leave the dining hall. The guard and the woman don’t leave.

“Is no one guarding the place now?” Sophie whispers as we head for the door.

I open it a drop and stick my head out, scanning around. “Place looks clear. Looks like we’re not the only ones breaking the rules.”

We slip out and use the bushes for cover as we go back to the dorms. Before she leaves the last bush, Sophie turns to me. “Thanks. And good night.”

I dip my head. “You, too.”

She smiles. “You good with one more distraction?”

I nod and throw a rock in the opposite direction. The guard outside her dorm rushes to check it out.