Page 71 of Pretty Mess

He laughs. “Fuck, no. That wouldn’t have been edible. I’m a terrible cook.”

My interest flares, and I want to ask the hundred questions flooding my brain. He only has to open the door a tiny way, and I’m ready to kick it open. He obviously senses that because he puts up a defensive hand. “No, to whatever you’re going to ask me.” I subside, and a smile hovers on his lips. “So obedient,” he drawls mockingly.

I straighten up. “And now sex. I’mraringto go now I’ve recharged my batteries.”

He gets to his feet and grabs his jacket from the back of the chair. “Let’s leave them on charge. You’re going to need them.”

“What?” I gape at him as he steers me out of the kitchen. “Why?”

“Finals are a test of your endurance as much as your knowledge.”

Immediately, my situation comes flooding back to me in all its grisly glory, and I dig in my heels, making us both stop walking. “I’m going to be revising all night,” I say, glancing at my folders.

“Wes, I took my finals too. It may have been a while ago, but I still remember certain things.”

“What things?”

“Well, I can safely say that anything you revise now will not stay in your head tomorrow. Because you’re panicking.”

“I am not panicking.”

“Of course not. That note of hysteria in your voice is just foreplay. I get it.”

I sag. “I actually am panicking.” I look up at him pitifully. “I need a cuddle,” I say and blanch. “I’m pretty sure that’s not on Julian’s list of things that are okay. I’m so sorry. Ignore me.”

He shakes his head, and I gasp as he draws me into his arms. His body is hard and warm against mine, the smell of his cologne and fabric softener somehow the most comforting scent I’ve ever smelled, and when he pulls me tight and rests his head on mine, I give a long sigh and feel my body finally relax. It’s as if he can hold back the world with those arms of his. I wonder how long it has been since someone has simply hugged me. I’d forgotten how nice it is.

“This is lovely,” I say, hugging him tighter.

He sighs in an aggravated fashion that makes me want to laugh. “Someday, I must sit down and discuss these rules Julian gave you. Tell me, is he a very optimistic person?”

“Not so I’ve noticed.”

“Then how on earth did he ever expect someone like you to follow them, my little rulebreaker?”

His voice sounds almost affectionate, and I have to see his face. I pull back slightly, but his expression is as inscrutable as ever. “Thank you,” I whisper.

His mouth pulls into a half smile that’s very wry. “Please don’t mention it.”

“Do you really think it’s not worth revising tonight?”

He cups my face in his hands and examines it as intently as if he can see my future there. “In my opinion, yes. How long have you been revising for this?”

“Oh god, at least two months on and off.”

“Then you should be fine.”

His calm reply makes me raise my eyebrows. “Just like that?”

“Wes, you’re incredibly bright. I knew that from the second I clapped eyes on you. You’re quick and canny.” He taps my forehead. “Everything you need is in there.” He steps back, and I immediately miss his embrace, but one glance at his set expression tells me not to mention it. “But at the end of the day, it’s up to you,” he says briskly. “You’re your own boss. Do you want to revise some more?”

I consider that and then shake my head. “No, I think you’re right. Nothing that I read is staying in my brain anymore.”

“That’s because your brain is already full.” He gestures at me. “Come along. You can get into bed.”

I find myself obeying him without thought, taking off my towel and handing it to him. His mouth quirks for some reason, but he folds the towel neatly and puts it on the chair. I slide under the cool sheets and give an involuntary sigh of pleasure. He goes to move away, and I grab his hand before I can think better of it. “Where are you going? Don’t go.” He stares down at me, and I offer him a cajoling smile. “Stay for a bit.”

“You’ll be asleep in a minute.”