I’ve wanted this offer since the minute I laid eyes on her at the beginning of the semester. Standing so close to her, touching her chin, and being alone with her, there’s nothing else I’ve been able to think about other than what it would be like to sleep with her. Even tonight, in her apartment earlier, it felt right being alone with Lark, but not taking advantage of the situation.

Now, she’s rolling out the red carpet for me and offering me a golden ticket inside her world, and maybe even her bed. My fingers tighten around the steering wheel as I mentally kick my own ass for what I’m about to do. “It’s been a nice night, and although I’d like to go in . . .” Her gaze is locked on mine, but rejection doesn’t taint it. “I should probably get going and let you study.”

A gentle nod rocks her head as she reaches for the handle. “You’re right. Anyway, we always have class tomorrow. Thank you for dinner.”

“You’re welcome, but you still owe me.”

She grins. “Don’t worry, I’ll pay up.” Opening the door, she steps out before I have time to get out and run around the car to do it for her. I stop on the sidewalk, though, after making my best effort. She says, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Harbor.”

I raise my hand. “Yeah, tomorrow.” I wait as she lets herself in, only looking back to give a quick wave of her hand before she’s inside.

There’s nothing but a quiet apartment to rush back to but I decide to follow her lead and study. It would make my parents proud to hear about this. Not that I’ll send them an alert or anything, but it’s always a good hand to hold in my back pocket for the next time I get into trouble.

Not fifteen minutes later, I’m tossing my keys onto the kitchen counter, listening to them slide across the slick surface as I walk straight to the bedroom. Yanking off my sweater, I toss it in the closet. It lands on a shelf before it falls to the floor. I unbutton the shirt and then tug the undershirt off, tossing both in a hamper.

After I’ve stripped down to my boxers, I head back into the living room and tap my keyboard, bringing my computer to life. I need my thoughts to detour to anything other than the woman I just drove away from. I’m a fucking idiot for turning down her offer. If I don’t get engrossed in something else, I’ll end up getting dressed and heading right back over there.

My dick is hard and in need of some relief. I return to the bedroom and cross through to the bathroom to start the shower. I should turn the cold water on so I can get on with my night, but every time I think of Lark, I can’t concentrate on anything other than the way the candle flickering reflected in her eyes when she looked at me with a smile, the little bow at the top of her lips, and the tiny mark on her chin that she didn’t bother covering. I’m starting to believe it’s the culprit that brought us together.