Page 7 of Lessons in Chemistry

“The chapter is an introduction to the four cardiorespiratory systems. Do you know what they are?”

“Um, the heart, veins, arteries, and capillaries.”

“Right.”

He divides his page and puts each of those as headings at the top of each quarter.

We spend the next hour or so going over the chapter. I read a subsection at a time and then give him a shortened version that he can write notes on. It’s not that he couldn’t read and understand it by himself, far from it. It’s just I know he finds it hard to concentrate when he’s tired.

“Thanks for this, Em,” he says when we’ve reached the end of the chapter. “I’ll read over these notes again before my lecture tomorrow.”

“You don’t have pool time tomorrow, do you?”

“No, but I do have two hours of strength and conditioning training first thing.”

I grimace. ‘First thing’ in Casey’s world is being at the pool or gym for six thirty. It’s not good for him to burn the candle at both ends, but he doesn’t have a choice on double swimming days.

“You’d better get some sleep.”

He smiles. He has the most gorgeous smile, all white teeth and sparkling eyes. “Thanks for looking out for me.”

“What are friends for?”

He collects his things. “Thanks.”

“It was nothing. I enjoy learning, you know that.”

I also enjoy cuddling and spending time with him because I’m a masochist. I know it’ll never lead anywhere. Our cuddles don’t mean anything to him other than comfort after an exhausting day. But it feels so nice when he’s pressed up against me. Too nice.

He nudges my shoulder. “I know. But you should get some sleep too. No staying up late helping strange guys.”

“I hate to tell you this, but I’ve already stayed up late helping you.”

“Hey. I’m not strange.” He pouts adorably, but it quickly fades into a grimace. “Sorry for keeping you up.”

“Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t tired anyway.”

“Are you going to finish the essay guide?”

I purse my lips. “Not tonight. I’ll do it in the morning.”

“You’re a good friend.”

“He’s not my friend.”

Casey smiles. “Not yet.”

“I told you—”

“He’s one of the cool kids. That doesn’t mean anything outside of films.” He stifles a yawn. “I need to sleep.”

I do a Scout salute. “Night, Casey.” Stay. Cuddle me all night.

“Night, Em.” He hugs his things to his chest and leaves my room, shutting the door behind him. It’s a sure sign he won’t be coming back.

I flop onto my back and stare at the ceiling. Why do I keep lusting after a guy I can’t have? Because he’s gorgeous, although I’m convinced he doesn’t realise how beautiful he is. Plus, he has a sexy swimmer’s body, which makes my knees weak. Oh, and he looks hot in Speedos. They’re knee-length, skin-tight, and leave nothing to the imagination. He makes my heart quiver whenever we’re in the same room. And he’s my best friend and the person I trust most in the world. I can’t imagine my life without him.

I close my eyes, only to end up seeing Casey in his Speedos. I bite my lip as my cock plumps up. No. No. I can’t whack off to thoughts of my best friend. I need to fantasise about someone else. Someone who doesn’t have the same ‘boy next door vibes’ as Casey. Someone with ‘cool kid’ vibes.