She purses her lips in thought. “I guess I’d wear more open-toed shoes.”

That surprises a laugh out of me. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.” Holly returns to her studying with a smile.

I’m able to watch my movie now, easily ignoring my arm when I have a set of warm feet resting in my lap.

HOLLY

“We’ve finished tallying up the money from the fundraiser, and we’ve ended up getting seventy dollars more than we hoped for. Great job, everybody.”

Clapping fills the room, and pride swells in my chest. I debated on whether or not I should hand over the reins of the club this year, what with the surgery coming up. Even though Dr. Williams said it’d be fine for me to be back in classes by spring semester, she made it clear that traveling to New Orleans for the spring break Habitat for Humanity build was out of the question.

What kind of club president doesn’t go on the biggest trip of the year?

But I decided to stick with it, and instead, I used my bossy organization skills to make sure everyone who could go was paying as little out of pocket as possible. This last fundraiser did just that.

Who knew that selling slices of pizza to drunk college students would be so lucrative? I don’t mind taking advantage of their inebriated states when it’s in pursuit of a good cause.

There are only a few more points on the agenda before we can wrap up our last meeting of the semester. Somehow, I’m able to make it through them all without stumbling even though a set of green eyes in the back of the room has my pulse stepping up its rhythm.

Ben decided he wanted to be more active in student organizations, apparently starting with Habitat for Humanity. He’s lounging in his seat, a notebook on the desk in front of him, like he’s actually writing down what I’m saying when I’m sure he’s just doodling his random, perfect pictures. He’s got a silly smirk on his face as he watches me speak. No glasses today and looking edible in his black thermal and fitted jeans. I’m not the only admirer Ben has. From my vantage point, I notice some of the female members casually turning in their chairs, attempting to check him out.

Normally, I’m a peaceful leader, preferring to solve problems with calm discussions. But, tonight, I’m about to challenge these girls to a street fight if they don’t get their eyes off my man.

But is he mine?

I don’t know, and that makes my skin itch.

Am I really going to be the one who brings up commitment first?

That’s so out of character.

Then, I meet Ben’s eyes, and he shoots me a wink.

Who gives a flying monkey’s butt if it’s out of character?

This is the fourth day in a row that we’ve hung out, and I’m speeding through my list just so I can go talk to him.