The school was alive with students bustling between classes, walking through buildings, along pathways, and visiting the cafe. As I walked to my car, I noticed distinct traits among the freshmen; some were asking for directions to various buildings, others clutched file jackets, and a few dressed either too formally or ostentatiously. It was 4:00 PM, and I had just finished my last class; my head throbbed from trying to concentrate during the lecture while also pondering how to initiate a conversation with Annabel. I couldn't wait to grab an iced Americano, so I drove to my go-to place, Jen's cafe, which was predictably crowded after class hours. I could see her dorm in the distance, I wondered if she would be back by now.
I walked inside and waited a few minutes before placing my order. After sipping my iced Americano in my car and taking a deep breath, I drove off to her dorm with determination to establish clear, unyielding boundaries today.
I found Annabel's door ajar. She was wrestling with a huge textbook on a shelf, struggling a bit with its weight. She didn't notice me until I cleared my throat.
"Nicholas," she said, managing a small, tentative smile. I told myself that smile wouldn't sway me; I was here for a reason and needed to brush off the warmth it sparked in me.
"Hi. Thank you. For everything… umm, yesterday," she replied, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"It wasn't necessary," I responded, my tone flat, though I aimed the words more at myself than at her. "Are you doing okay?" I asked, giving her a quick scan. She wore a white sweatshirt with "SMU" printed on it, so I figured she had completed her registration. Her hair looked messy, likely from trying to settle into her new space. I fought the urge to let my gaze linger on her exposed legs, as her black shorts were nearly hidden by the sweatshirt. Come on, Nic, don't stare too much.
"A little fuzzy, but yes," she replied, her hands busy stacking a few books together, a slight frown of concentration creasing her brow.
"Good." I stepped inside, my gaze roaming the room. The lilac prints she'd chosen added a charming touch, a hint of her personality visible in every corner.
"We need to talk about something, Annabel."
She crossed her arms defensively. "Is it about the door code? I was planning to set it up today."
"You will do it now," I insisted, my voice steady and unyielding. "Immediately. Safety isn't up for discussion."
"I've already called security about it. They'll get back to me," she retorted, a trace of defiance in her tone.
"Your father and I spoke," I continued, pressing on.
"What did he say?" she asked, her expression darkening at the mention of her dad, an undeniable tension hanging in the air.
"I'll make sure you adapt to the academic environment here," I said, my tone firm. "I expect you to concentrate on what you came here for and nothing else. This isn't a social arrangement, Annabel. It's a professional obligation to your family."
"I understand," she replied, placing her books on the shelf as if my words were nothing more than a passing breeze. "And you don't need to worry about me being a distraction to your studies, Nicholas."
"I don't have to worry about that," I interrupted her, feeling a surge of irritation. She turned to face me, her expression unreadable.
"I know my dad is intense, and I don't know what deal you struck with him, but I'm capable of taking care of myself," she said, shrugging it off. There was an air of indifference about her, and Axel might have been right, I was overthinking this. But control was my game, and I played to win.
"That didn't seem to be the case on Saturday," I said, meeting her gaze with unwavering intensity. Her expression flickered at the mention of the incident, a hint of shyness creeping in. It was oddly cute.
"Yeah, well, thank you for that. I'll make sure to learn from my mistakes," she said, attempting to brush it off.
"You don't need to thank me," I shot back.
She blinked at me, her brow furrowing slightly. "Okay, I'll just cross 'thank you' off my to-do list then."
I didn't smile at her attempt at humor, it wasn't a time to joke around.
"Look, all I'm saying is that you don't have to worry about me interrupting your school life. I'm sure you've got plenty going on," she gestured animatedly, but before she could turn away, I interjected, halting her movement.
"Just… don't be so careless next time." The last thing I wanted to see was the back view of those smooth legs of hers. Dammit, Nic, it's time to leave this place.
"Of course," I replied.
I nodded stiffly, then made my way to the stairs and headed to my car. 'You don't have to worry about me interrupting your school life,' I recalled her own words. Yeah, right!
Frustration surged through me as I slammed my hand against the steering wheel. The thought of her almost turning around consumed me, stirring a deep longing that coursed through my body. I could vividly picture how stunning her legs must have looked, and the anticipation made my heart race. I found myself imagining the feel of my hands gliding along her thighs, the warmth and softness drawing me in even more. I cursed in frustration at the hardness that had settled uncomfortably between my legs.
No, I have to avoid her at all costs. She can take care of herself, she made that clear. I owe nothing to Mr. Berkeley, and I hope he doesn't bother me about Annabel anymore.