His words stunned me. My heart sped up as he spoke, and I broke out in a sweat. My pussy clenched and dripped in reaction. I could practically see sexual sparks flying between us as I turned to look at him.

“Drake,” I repeated.

“No, Alexa. You say one more word and I won’t be liable for what I do next. I’m hanging by a thread here, babe. Unless you want me to find the nearest hotel with an empty bed in it, stop saying my name like that.”

I stared at him as he drove back to campus. His chiseled jaw was clenched. There was no sign of the dimple that usually flashed when he laughed. No smiling twinkle in his eye. No softness in his gaze as he sent a heated look my way. It felt like time had become suspended, but before I knew it we were parked in front of my dorm again.

Drake cut off the engine and turned his body towards me. He unclipped his seatbelt and pocketed his keys, but he didn’t move to exit the car. His eyes had darkened to the color of melted chocolate, and a flush spread across his cheekbones. I stayed silent, trying not to push him over the edge.

“I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone before, but I know you aren’t ready to hop in between the sheets with me yet. You’re different, special. Gotta make sure I treat you right.” Drake reached across and stroked his thumb over my cheek as he held my chin in his hand. “Now isn’t the time for this. I know that in my head, but fuck if my body will listen to reason.”

A giggle bubbled up in my throat. I had a horrible tendency to laugh at the most inopportune times, usually out of nervousness. Drake’s lips tilted into a sexy grin in response.

“Something funny about that to you? ‘Cause my dick sure isn’t laughing right now.”

My giggles turned into full-out laughter, so hard that tears rolled down my cheeks. The tension broke as Drake joined in, chuckling in response to my hilarity. As we settled down, I figured it was safe for me to talk again.

“Really? Does your dick laugh often, Drake?” I asked.

He just shook his head in response. “No, babe. It doesn’t. What time’s your first class tomorrow?”

“Pretty early. I have Macroeconomics at eight a.m.” I answered.

“You gonna walk to class?” Drake asked.

I nodded my head. “Yeah, I always walk to my classes.”

Drake leaned closer to me. “I’ll meet you here before and walk you over then.”

“You gonna carry my books, too?” I quipped back.

He tilted his head down until his lips rested directly in front of mine, a whisper of space between us. “Sure, why the hell not. Never carried a girl’s books before. It’ll be a first for me.”

I licked my lips, and Drake’s tongue darted out and flicked against mine. As my lips closed, Drake’s mouth gently caressed mine. His breath was warm against my skin as he kept the kiss light. He pulled away, and I licked my lips again, tasting the chocolate flavor from his gelato.

Drake groaned and turned away from me. He climbed out of the car and opened my door. I stepped out and right into his space. Drake kept me trapped by the car for a moment as he looked down at me. I was convinced he was going to kiss me again, but he took a step backwards to let me pass by. “Go on up, and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“’Kay,” I answered as I walked past. I felt a light slap on my ass and swiveled my head to look at Drake. “Hey!” I yelped.

Drake smirked in response and nodded his head towards the dorm. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked into the dorm. As the door closed behind me, I looked back and saw Drake watching me from the car, making sure I made it inside okay. His concern for my safety warmed me inside. I felt like he wanted more from me than just sex, even though we hadn’t known each other long. If he was playing with me, he was doing a good job of sucking me into his trap. I wasn’t sure how long I’d be able to keep myself out of his bed when I melted any time he was near.

chapter 8

I found Drake waiting for me outside the dorm the next morning when I left for class. He was leaning against the wall next to the doorway, legs crossed at the ankle while he played with his phone. I paused a moment so I could drink him in before he noticed me. His hair was darker than usual, still a little damp from the shower. His athletic body was totally relaxed, a stark contrast to the tension that seemed to permeate the air whenever we were together.

As my gaze drifted across his chest and trailed back up to his face, I realized he had caught me staring. “See something you like?” he teased.

“Not much I see that I don’t like,” I retorted. “Arrogant boy.”