Page 28 of Pinch

My stomach tickles, and I almost laugh. “It’s not a competition. It’s inspiration. These are all beautiful, successful women who are also scientists.”

“I’m just messing with you. One day you’ll be on that poster with them.”

I can’t stop a smile as a mixture of pride and hope tightens my stomach. “I hope so.”

“Hey, Haddy.” Timothy walks up to where we’re talking, an annoyed expression on his face. “Are we still getting drinks?”

“Yes! Although, ahh…” I glance up at my hunky helper. “I was going to invite Gav to join us, since he’s helping me and all. As sort-of a thank you.”

Timothy’s brow lowers, and he blinks from me to Gav and back. “Hockey player?” I nod. “Those guys are used to hard work. He’ll be okay.”

“Don’t be grumpy, Tim.” Gav puts a hand on Timothy’s narrow shoulder, giving it a playful shake.

Timothy shrugs him off. “It’s Timothy.”

“My bad.”

I’m not sure, but I think Gav is intentionally giving my lab mate a hard time.

Then he puts his hand on my lower back, leaning down to speak in my ear and sending heat swirling through my stomach. “Should we get the rest?”

I glance up at his cocky grin and my breath catches. Which is silly.

“Yes.” I turn to Timothy. “Last trip and we can go.”

Timothy is not happy, but he didn’t say I couldn’t bring a friend.

“A private tutor.”Gavin says the punch line loudly over the bar music, and I’m clearly feeling my frozen margarita.

I’ve only had one and that was a total Dad-joke, but I almost do a spit-take.

“Private tutor!” I cry, holding my nose.

“Hilarious.” Timothy grumbles, finishing his beer.

His sour grapes response makes me want to laugh more, but I swallow it, clearing my throat instead. I can’t help it. He’s just so sulky in his baggy pants holding his Trader Joe’s tote bag with a baby-blue Labubu attached to the strap.

At five-foot-eleven, he’s the exact opposite of Gavin, who’s leaning his muscled forearms on the high-top table across from me, watching me with that panty-melting grin. The dimple in his left cheek deepens, and his blue eyes sparkle like he’s winning this round.

“I’ve got plenty more where that came from, Princess.” He reaches across the table to hook my pinky finger with his, and Timothy puts his empty bottle down on the wooden surface a little too hard.

“I’m gonna get going.” His voice is not breezy. “See you next week, Haddy.”

“You’re leaving?” I frown at Gav, and he gives me a wink. “But it’s so early.”

“It’s too crowded for my taste.”

The small off campus bar is only half-full, but I’m not going to argue with him. “I’ll see you in the lab next week.”

Reaching out, I give his arm a friendly squeeze, and his eyes travel over my head to Gavin. “Maybe we can try again another night.”

“Maybe.” I keep my tone bright, not overly encouraging, and he looks at me once more before heading to the door.

Once he’s gone, I slowly turn to face my roommate-helper who’s wearing a smug grin.

My eyes narrow, and I poke his rock-hard bicep. “You did that on purpose.”

“You arenotinterested in that guy. He is way too Luke Skywalker.”