Tutoring the Player (Campus Wallflowers #1)(22)

She hasn’t stopped blushing since she walked in late. Today she’s wearing jeans and this oversized sweatshirt that hangs off one shoulder. It’s even sexier to see her like this, knowing what she looks like all dressed up.

Tapping my pencil on the paper, I redirect my gaze to the table. She’s never going to ask if I keep staring at her. And I need her to ask. Then the two of them can go out, just like they both want, and I can stop thinking about her.

The number of times I looked at her in that red dress is too many to count.

“Jordan?”

My head pops up at my name, and Liam’s eyes narrow in confusion. “Everything okay?”

“Yep. Great.”

“Can you read the next step then?”

I clear my throat and adjust the hat on my head. “Right.”

For the rest of the class, I focus only on the handout in front of me. Well, that and Daisy’s soft voice as she and Liam talk through their work. I’m no help at all. I have visions of drunk Daisy in that sexy, red dress and an irrational burn in my chest to stop her from asking out Liam and ask her out myself.

“I think that’s it,” Daisy says.

“We’re a good team.” Liam holds up his hand, and she presses her much smaller palm against it lightly.

I pack up quickly and wait for Liam. He’s still chatting with Daisy, taking his sweet time. We don’t have class together after this, so I don’t need to wait for him, but I want to see if Daisy works up the courage to ask him out. He’s obviously not going to. Which is why I told her she should ask him.

I wasn’t lying. He won’t say no. I don’t know if he’s hesitated because of what I said, or maybe he’s just taking his damn time, but I decided to give them a little push.

I’m seriously regretting that now as she fiddles with the straps of her backpack. This is fucking painful.

“What time are you done with classes and everything today?” she asks him. It’s her in. I can see the breadcrumbs she’s laying out and smile to myself.

“This is my last class.”

“Where are you headed next?”

“Probably just head back to the dorm. You?”

“I’m done for the day, too.”

The three of us walk out of class, her and Liam leading the way.

She glances over at him, still clutching onto the straps of her backpack like a lifeline. “I was thinking about going to University Hall and getting coffee or something.”

“Cool.” He bobs his head. “I love the hot mocha.”

Jesus, man, take a hint.

We continue another few steps before she summons the courage. I can see it, and I hold my breath.

Her shoulders lift and, even in profile, I can see how nervous she is. “Would you want—”

One big step puts me directly between them. “Hey, Daisy, can I talk to you for a minute?”

I take her by the elbow, and a rush of pure pleasure shoots up from my fingertips.

“Y-yeah.” Her voice quivers, but I swear I see relief wash over her.

“I’ll see you back at the dorm,” I tell Liam, effectively dismissing him.

“Sounds good.” He gives me a salute. “Later, Daisy.”

“Bye,” she calls after him.

I step back to give her room. The two of us stand in place. My heart is hammering like a drum in my chest.

“Is everything okay?” she asks. “You look nervous or something.”

“Yeah, everything’s fine. I just have a favor.”

Her blue eyes bore into mine like she can see into my soul. I’m waiting for her to call me on my bullshit, but instead she asks, “A favor?”

“Mhmm.” I shove my hands in my front pockets.

She buys it. Of course she does. In what world would I interrupt her and say I need a favor when I don’t? Fuck my life.

“Are you going to ask me, or am I supposed to guess?”

Right. Uhh. Well, crap. I scroll through options quickly and blurt out the first thing that doesn’t sound totally ludicrous. “I need you to tutor me.”

She hesitates. Her pink lips part and then press into a thin line. “Favors are usually posed as questions.”

“Right. Can you tutor me?”

“In physics?”

“And statistics.” My throat is dry, and I clear it.

“I didn’t realize you were struggling.”

I don’t say anything. Outright lying feels shitty, though so is asking someone to tutor you when you don’t need it.

“I’ve never tutored anyone before. I’m not sure that I’d be any good at it.”

I should give her the out. I’ve successfully stopped her from asking out Liam. At least for now. Was that the plan? Fuck, I don’t know what I’m doing.

“How’s tomorrow night?”

She thinks for a second. “Fine, I think. I’m done with classes at two. I could meet you at the library right after.”

The fact that she’s so accommodating just makes me feel worse for not really needing a tutor.

“Great.” I start to walk off, then stop. “Oh, fuck. I have film review tomorrow night.” I should have asked her to borrow a damn pen or something. “How about you give me your number, and I’ll text you when I’m done?”