Chapter 60

I’m barely holding on with all my commitments as they are, and I won’t be soft and carry him because of how I feel. I’ve been too soft and stupid in that way for so long.

I hear him blow out air and move around in his seat like he is having an internal war. After a couple of minutes of obvious sighing and shifting, he leans in so he’s close to my ear. Startling me with the heat and presence and giving me instant goosebumps.

“Fine, but don’t get stroppy when I steal your spot as the class brainbox. I’ve been doing you a favor all these years and letting you shine.” He ruffles my hair the way you would a cute kid and then sits back, leaving me alone, and despite myself, I smile and then cough it away. Smoothing away the mess he made with my fingers.

“I doubt it.” I point out and then pass him back the worksheets Elisa lays before me before returning to her seat. Picking mine up, I flick through the outline of the work for this term. Pretending to be absorbed when, really