I hesitated a minute before answering. I wanted to go back to touching Abbie, but something about the stiff set of her shoulders told me that wasn’t going to happen now.

Her body eventually sagged against the bookcase, and she dragged in several long, deep breaths before she moved back to the printer. She didn’t look at me, and a slice of pain stabbed at my heart.

Anybody could have walked in on us. I needed to be better aware of the risks, not just for me, but for her. It wasn’t exactly a good idea to get caught making out with a professor’s brother.

“Yeah, I’m on campus, just headed to come and see you. Wanted to ask you about something actually.”

I hung up with Xander and turned my attention to Abbie. Her back was still to me. “Did I push you too far?”

She whirled to face me, and though her face was flush, her eyes were clear and vibrant. “No. It was…” Her voice trailed as she blinked rapidly. “No. I just—I think I lost my head for a minute—again.”

“And that’s a bad thing?”

She sighed. “It’s a confusing thing. Clearly we, um, have some chemistry.”

My body jerked as if she’d caressed me. Ready for action, dying to touch her again. “You can say that again.”

“I’m just not in a good place at all. But every time I see you, it’s hard to remember that I’m supposed to be more careful.”

I wasn’t sure what she meant by that, but I liked her open and vulnerable, not shuttered. “I won’t hurt you.”

Her smile was weak. “I’ve heard that before. You should go.”

Damn it. I didn’t want to leave things like this. “Look. I need to deal with Xander. I should have known he’d see my car. I’ll call you as soon as I’m done with him.”

She didn’t respond.

Stepping up behind her, I gently brushed her braids off the back of her neck and planted a soft kiss at her nape. “I’m sorry I have to go, but can I call you?” I kissed her softly.

She hesitated. “Alexi…I…” Her voice trailed and something cold settled in my gut.

Shit. She was going to say no. Fuck that. I was keeping her. Even if she didn't know it yet. Don’t be an asshole. Give her space and she’ll be yours.

And if that didn’t work, I wasn't above using every dirty trick in the world. Her body wanted me even if her headspace wasn’t ready. I could be patient.