Page 23 of With This Mask
His eyes flick to my shoes, and I blush so damn hard when I see something long and cylinder shaped tucked into one of my shoes.
“Alec,” I gape as I cover my mouth with my hand, knowing I’m beet red.
He just sniggers and I snatch the shoes off the table and tuck them away underneath me.
I shake my head in disbelief, but with the clock ticking, I know we need to focus. “You’ll be the death of my grade.”
“Didn’t take you as being so distractible,” he taunts, even as he pulls out his own supplies.
“Next time don’t bring a dildo to class,” I snark at him, even if I’m fighting a smile.
“No promises.”
We dive into the project, our heads bent close together as we go over our presentation. It's strange how easy it is to work with him now, despite how much we used to butt heads. There's an unspoken understanding between us, a mutual respect that wasn't there before.
Alec's fingers brush against mine as we reach for the same papers, and I can't help but steal a glance at him. His blond hair falls across his forehead, framing those intense blue eyes that seem to see right through me. For a moment, I have to fight the urge to lean in and taste his lips, to feel the warmth of his body pressed against mine. But that’s not the arrangement. And I shake off the thought, reminding myself that we're here to work, not indulge in fantasies.
"Are you alright?" Alec asks, noticing my momentary distraction.
"Fine," I lie, forcing a smile. "Just lost in thought for a sec."
"About the project?" he pushes, an amused glint in his eyes.
"Of course," I reply defensively. "What else would it be?"
"Nothing," he says, holding up his hands in surrender. "Just curious."
We return to our work, the air between us charged with unspoken tension. By the time students start filing in and the professor graces us with his presence, we’re finished. The project is polished and ready to be presented in a few days. There's a sense of accomplishment as we pack up our things, both aware that we've created something impressive.
Who would have guessed Salem Winters and Alec Vanderholt could create a powerhouse project together?
Later that day, my phone buzzes with an invitation from Isabella and Josh to join them for a night out. I can't help but feel a pang of guilt as I make up an excuse about needing to study. The truth is, I'm headed to Alec's apartment, and the excitement coursing through me makes it impossible to consider any other plans.
Sorry, guys. I have to cram. Rain check?
Sure thing. Good luck with the studying.
Thanks, see you tomorrow.
I hit send and shove my phone back into my pocket, silently promising to make it up to them soon.
Fuck, what am I doing?
As I approach Alec's apartment building, my heart races with anticipation. The familiar scent of the city fills my nostrils, mingling with the faint aroma of his cologne still lingering on my skin from simply sitting beside him during class. It's intoxicating and maddening all at once.
"Come in!" Alec calls out when I knock on his door. My hand trembles as I turn the knob and step inside.
The living room and kitchen are empty when I walk in. I follow the sound of clicking keys until I find him in his office. The sight of him hunched over his desk, working intently, sends a shiver down my spine. There's something undeniably sexy about the way his brow furrows in concentration, his strong fingers tapping away at the keyboard.
"Hey," I greet him, trying to sound casual. "What are you working on?"
He glances up, a hint of surprise flickering across his face before he composes himself. "Just some... business stuff."
"Business stuff?" I raise an eyebrow, crossing the plush carpet to stand behind him. "Is it that top secret project?"
"Something like that."
I watch Alec's fingers fly across the keyboard, and I can't help but feel a pang of curiosity. "Come on," I prod, leaning against his desk. "I think you know by now that you can trust me. What is this big project you’ve been working on?"