Page 73 of I Don't Need Your Romance

He continues doing quiet work. I sense something off with him, but I don’t know what it is.

“Is everything okay?” I ask him.

“Yep.”

“Okay, but you seem tense.”

“Not tense.”

My phone beeps with another text. When I read it, I smile. “He’s asking me what to wear to the party. Aw, so cute.” He sent a picture of himself holding two shirt options. I text back, telling him which one I like best.

Damian watches me. “Look, it’s okay for you to skip a session. I understood everything we learned in class, so it’s cool. Go hang out with your guy.”

“Are you sure?”

“I won’t tattle to my mom.”

“I know. But I feel bad.”

He waves his hand. “Don’t feel bad. I don’t need your services today. Go have fun.”

I hesitate. “What are your plans for tonight?”

“Probably going to draw or watch TV.”

I nod slowly. “Are you sure you don’t mind if I leave?”

“Not in the slightest.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it.” I pass a paper over to him. “But please answer these questions over the weekend so I know you’re all caught up and understand the material.”

He frowns at the homework. “Really?”

“Well, it’s up to you if you want to do it.”

He nods, and as he takes it from me, his finger brushes mine and a tingle shoots down my back. Not again!

His eyes lift to mine and he stares into them. I look into his before jerking them away and packing up my things. “I hope you have fun tonight with your drawing and your movies.”

“Same with you and Axel.”

“Thanks.”

I give him a quick nod and a smile before leaving the library. I don’t like that touching him keeps confusing my body. Seriously. Why can’t it cooperate?

My friends are waiting in Addie and Carly’s room to help me pick out a cute outfit. I want to blow Axel’s socks off, so we pick out one of the prettiest dresses Addie owns.

My eyes pop out as I stare at my reflection. “Are you guys sure about this? It’s just a party.”

“Maybe it’s just a party, but you’re with the man of your dreams,” Addie says. “A romance book character come to life.”

I smile as I gaze at myself. “He really is. He kept texting me how every little thing reminded him of me. Like the sunshine and the birds chirping. Aw, I’m so happy I don’t know what to do with myself.”

They smile.

“When are you going to tell your parents about him?”

I turn from side to side, inspecting myself in the mirror. “Maybe next week. I still want to keep things private, you know? Just between us. My parents will want to meet him and I don’t want to overwhelm him.”