“Probably not.” His weight shifted beside me, and a broad hand landed on my hip, skimming lower. Soft, warm lips grazed my shoulder. “But it’s definitely enough time to do something else.”

39. family affair

CHAPTER 39

FAMILY AFFAIR

Bailey

After waking up earlier than usual with Chase, I took the opportunity to head to the Callingwood Daily to get some writing done and study.

But I caught up with—and maybe did a little gossiping with—Zara and Noelle instead. I couldn’t help it; I was flying way too high to write a dry technical piece for Professional Communications.

“I haven’t seen you much lately, B.” Zara leaned over the table, eyes glinting mischievously. “Chase keeping you occupied?”

I peered up at her from over my laptop screen. “Oh, you know, I’ve been busy in general.”

“Getting busy, more like,” she said.

I dragged my attention back to the blank word processor screen, warmth spreading across my cheeks. Good thing no one else was in the office with us.

Hopefully, I didn’t have just had amazing morning sex written all over my face. Or more accurately, just had amazing night and morning sex, which I’ve been replaying in my mind for hours while thirsting to see him again and questioning my sanity because I can’t focus on anything else.

What was happening to me? I’d never felt like this before. Ever. I’d have to tame this before finals or I’d flunk out of college.

“Maybe a little.” I cleared my throat, certain my face was as red as a Falcons jersey.

Zara and Noelle exchanged grins across the table.

“What about you? How are things with your guy?”

Zara had crushed more than her fair share of fragile male egos—and hearts. This was the longest she had ever dated someone without losing interest. And she seemed really happy.

Her glossy plum lips pulled into a wide grin. “They’re great. He’s amazing.”

“Aww! I love that for you, Zar.” I nudged her playfully.

Noelle frowned at her laptop screen. “Um…Huh.” She drummed her fingers on the tabletop thoughtfully. “Professor Johnson wants you to cover the Bulldogs game tomorrow so we can move the arts feature to Saturday and fill that empty space. Sorry, I know that’s short notice. Are you okay to do that?”

Did I want to? Not really. Should I do it anyway? Probably. Even though I was supposed to watch Chase’s game that night.

“It’ll be fine,” I lied.

* * *

If anything was going to kill my Chase buzz, it was dealing with Derek.

We had hardly spoken in weeks, and when we did, things were strained. I’d tried to blow him off—again—when he texted asking to meet, but I finally relented when he insisted that it was important and promised it wasn’t Chase- or Jill-related.