Page 118 of His Hungry Wolf

He softened the intensity of his gaze.

“I’m not smart about anything that matters,” he said before continuing his walk.

I caught up to him.

“I don’t think that’s true. In fact, I’ll bet you’re pretty smart at Intro to Childhood Education. I bet you’re at the top of the class.”

Quin looked at me when I said that.

“You are, aren’t you?”

Quin looked away.

“I’ll be damned. Okay. Then that will make the next thing I say less awkward. It turns out that I need this class to stay eligible for football and ultimately, the NFL draft. And, since I haven’t been attending classes, I’m a little behind. I kind of need a tutor. The football program is willing to pay you for your time.”

“I can’t tutor you,” he said dismissively.

“Why not?”

“I just can’t. Sorry.”

“Okay. Then how about if I make the pot a little sweeter?”

“What do you mean?”

“When we were at the party you said that you weren’t good at being social, which I don’t understand because you seemed perfectly comfortable with it.”

“I was only comfortable because…”

“Because of what?” I asked hoping he would say because of me.

“Nothing.”

“Well, if you’re willing to tutor me in what you’re good at, I can tutor you on what I’m good at.”

“You mean being a football star that everyone wants a piece of.”

“First of all, ouch. Second of all, there’s a little more to me than that.”

“I know. I’m sorry. See, I’m not good at this,” Quin exclaimed.

I took his hand as casually as I could. I tried to pretend like this was just something I did when I talked to people, but the truth was I had been dying to hold it.

“You are good at this. At least, you can be. Let me help you. I know I can help you with this. And once you’re done, you’ll be a star football player who everyone wants a piece of like I am,” I said with a smirk.

Quin laughed. I tingled so much I thought my teeth would fall out.

“So, what do you say?”

Quin stared at me considering it. As he did something weird happened. It felt like his eyes gained depth and then pierced through me.

It felt like he was searching my soul. As he did, something in me lit up. I can’t explain what was going on.

Was he feeling it too? Was he doing it to me? What was going on between us?

Whatever it was it took my breath away. When he finally relaxed his gaze, I inhaled desperately. Quin pulled his hand from mine. He wasn’t subtle about it. I think he was trying to send a message about boundaries. Fair enough, I could respect that.

“Okay,” Quin said with a smile.