Page 56 of The Devastation You Reap

He leans in, his breath tickling over my ear and down my neck. "Paradise, baby."

All the air rushes out of my lungs in shock. "You did not just say that," I mutter, although something tells me it's true. He's had enough experience after all.

"Go and get your stuff. I'll wait by the entrance."

"Aren't you in the middle of something?" I ask, assuming he’s actually here for a reason.

"Nothing that can't wait."

I look back again knowing that my study group is going to expect me to come back and participate, but even if I turn down Leon's offer, I know I'm not going to be able to focus.

"On one condition."

"Name it and it's yours," he says with a smile.

"I want pizza and ice cream."

"Done. Go and get your stuff."

"Okay." I take off with renewed excitement for what the rest of the day might hold.

"Are you feeling better?" Wyatt asks the second I approach the group.

"Um… no. I think it's actually better if I call it a night."

"But we're about to move onto this week's assignment planning next," Sasha says from beside him, looking completely perplexed as to why I'd turn down wanting to discuss that. Clearly, she doesn't have someone like Leon to entertain her.

Christ, I'm turning into one of those girls.

"It's okay. I already know what I'm doing." It's a big fat lie, but for possibly the first time ever, I don't actually care.

They all watch me as I gather up my things

"Okay, well… I'll see you guys later," I say, turning on my heel and leaving them to it. A rush of adrenaline surges through me at my rebellious behavior. Okay, so blowing off a study session isn't all that wild in the grand scheme of things, but for me, it's kinda crazy.

Even more so knowing I'm blowing it off for something I really shouldn't be this excited about. Another date with a football player.

Butterflies riot in my belly by the time I get back to where Leon is waiting for me.

He's leaning back against the wall by the staircase with one foot propped up and his hands deep in his pockets.

His jersey fits him like a second skin, showing off the sculpted body I'm sure he's rocking beneath. I run my eyes over his torso, wondering just what he might look like without the jersey on.

"I can read your thoughts, Red," he says, when I get close enough to hear, making my cheeks burn red hot. "And I have to say I approve."

"Oh my God."

"Fuck," he growls, taking my chin in his hand and tilting my face so I have no choice but to look at him. "I love it when you blush." His thumb brushes over my cheek before he ducks down for a quick kiss."Let's get out of here. I'm ready to get you alone," he whispers against my lips.

"Okay," I breathe, completely on board with his plan.

"Come on." He takes my stack of books from my arm and I can't help but swoon hard. "What?" he asks when I don't immediately fall into line beside him.

"N-nothing."

He continues to look at me until I spill.

"I think you might have been right," I confess.