Page 64 of I Don't Need Your Romance

Sophie

Damian notices that I’m not acting like myself during the next day’s lesson. Axel and I have our first date today and let’s just say I haven’t really been eating much or reading, which are both major crimes. But I can’t help it. I’m nervous and excited. Probably more nervous than excited because I’ve never been on a date before. Heck, I’ve hardly spoken to a guy one-on-one if you don’t count family or the students I tutor.

I changed out of my school uniform before I came to the library. Addie and Carly picked a cute dress from Addie’s closet that hugs me in all the right places. I hope I didn’t overdo it.

“Should we end this early?” Damian pulls me from my thoughts, a small grin on his face, as if he knows exactly where my head is at.

Shaking my head, I straighten up. “Of course not. We still have a lot to cover.”

He shrugs. “It’s not that important. We can skip.”

“No way.”

He bends close. “Still scared of my mom?”

“I’m not scared of her. I was tasked with helping you with your classes and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

He ponders it for a bit. “Hmm. But it’s not every day that my tutor has her first date in her life, is it?”

“How do you know it’s my first date ever?”

“Pretty obvious.”

My face feels hot.

“It’s not a bad thing,” he says. “I’m not making fun of you or anything. I’m actually glad I’m winning this challenge.”

“Wow. I’m so nervous. What do I say? Do you think this dress is too much?”

His eyebrows dip. “How should I know?” He gives me a once-over. “I mean, you look good. Pretty.”

My heart pounds all over. Did he just call me pretty?

“Carly and Addie insisted I wear it, so I’m trusting them. Gosh, I can’t believe I’m going on a date. I, the loser bookworm of the school, am going out with a nice guy who seems into me.” I sigh dreamily. “Have I ever thanked you for pushing me?”

He holds out his hands. “You don’t have to thank me, but yes, you did. When you came to my place last night.”

“Right.”

He looks into my eyes. “You’re not a loser, Sophie.”

“I know. Just kids think that I am.”

“Ignore them.”

“I do. I don’t really care what they say.”

“Good.”

The library is silent except for someone making copies at the machine.

“So let’s get back to chem,” I say.

I’m still a little off as we go over the material, but we manage to get through it and we don’t go overtime.

“Have fun with Axel,” Damian says as he throws his backpack over his shoulder.

“Thanks. Don’t forget to send me your homework tonight.”