Playing Hard to Get(26)

“Like what?” I sit up straighter, anticipating what she might say.

Her expression is solemn. “I need you to always be truthful with me, Knox. If you’re having trouble, struggling with an essay or the reading, tell me. I want to help you. That’s why I’m doing this. It’s my job. And I specialize in reading disabilities. I have the skill set to help you. So let me help you.”

It’s never been easy for me to admit I’m not good at something, when almost everything I do comes naturally. Except for this. Reading. Comprehension. Writing.

“Okay,” I agree with a nod.

The agreement was worth it, thanks to that bright smile on her face. She ducks her head, tapping away on her iPad, bringing up a calendar. “I think we should meet two days a week at first. That’s how often you have English class, right?”

“Yeah.” I bring up my own calendar app, frowning as I scrutinize my schedule. It’s packed already. Fitting in meeting with Jo Jo twice a week might be tough, but I’m going to try to swing it.

“Does this time work?” She lifts her head, her dark gaze meeting mine, and I’m caught up in her eyes for a moment, realizing they remind me of chocolate cake.

Which is lame and horrible and I can never use that line on her because she’d laugh me right out of the room. And I’d deserve it.

“Why don’t we meet Tuesday and Thursday at two o’clock? I can reserve this room for the rest of the semester.” She starts tapping on her screen again.

“That should work for me.” I have this break between classes, so yeah, it will totally work.

“Perfect. And you already understand the cost?”

“Yeah.” I put in my credit card info last night.

“Great. Oh, there are a few more things we should discuss.”

I frown. “What?”

“You can’t be late. I mean, I know things happen, and it can’t be helped every once in a while, but my time is just as valuable as yours,” she says, her voice firm.

“Got it.” I salute her, which makes her roll her eyes. She’s a stickler for timeliness. I suppose there could be worse things.

“And just know, whatever happens in this room, stays in this room. I won’t discuss any of your issues with anyone. The tutor program honors everyone’s privacy, so you have nothing to worry about.” She sets her iPad on the table, resting her clutched hands on top of it. “There will be no gossip spread about Knox Maguire needing help with English. Or that he’s vowed to be celibate for the rest of the semester.”

I burst out laughing. “That rumor has already started, sweetheart. I’m guessing they’ve got me joining the monastery by now.”

Her cheeks flush prettily and I wonder if it has anything to do with me calling her sweetheart. It just came out of my mouth, as if I had no control over it.

“I’m sure it won’t deter anyone from making a go at you.”

My brows shoot up. “I think it stopped you.”

Her mouth drops open and she blinks at me once. Twice. “Uh…”

“See?” My heart starts to race.

She snaps her lips shut, going quiet.

I’m quiet too. Watching her. Enjoying how uncomfortable she seems. How she shifts in her seat and won’t look at me, giving me ample time to keep staring at her.

A nervous titter leaves her and she shakes her head, her gaze still aimed downward. “I guess I’m just—more respectful of your wishes.”

“Ah, is that what we’re calling it?” I glance over at the neglected book lying on the table, remembering her suggestion. I decide to take it easy on her and change the subject. “By the way, I am going to buy the audiobook tonight.”

The relief on her face when her gaze returns to mine is clear. “Oh good. I think that’s a great idea. It’ll be easier to read it and comprehend what the author’s message is. It really is a wonderful story.”

“Did you have to read it in class your freshman year?”

She shakes her head, seemingly embarrassed again. “I read it in high school—because I wanted to.”

Well, there’s a foreign concept for me. “I’ve never liked reading.”

“It’s actually wonderful. Reading takes you to another world. Teaches you things. I love it.” Her cheeks turn red again. She’s cute when she blushes. “I’m rambling about things you don’t care about.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I ramble about football to anyone who’ll listen, and most of the time, they hate it.”

Joanna wrinkles her nose. “I don’t love it.”

“Right. You don’t even go to the games.” I shake my head. “A disgrace.”

“You have enough fans. I don’t think you need one more.”

My gaze drifts over her face. Her shoulders. Her chest. This girl is…interesting. She’s not a football fan. Doesn’t throw herself at me when I give her the opportunity, and she likes to read. She’s smart, and I’m guessing she’s pretty ambitious too.

She’s nothing like any woman I’ve spent time with before. Not that I spend a lot of time with only one woman.

“I should probably get going.” Joanna glances at her phone, her brows drawing together. “I’m going to be late.”