The Billionaire’s Burden(31)

I was a failure at casual conversation, it had never been more apparent. I'd forced that poor, poor man to stand in my company over and over again today as I fumbled over words and appeared to stalk him all over campus. I was sure I'd start seeing posters of my face everywhere, 'Avoid this girl! Considered to be awkward and dangerous!'

Burying my face in my hands, I walked into the kitchen, digging through the counter in search of a bottle of red wine. If there was a day when I needed a glass of the bubbly to pick me up, it was today.

Seconds later, just as I finally dug out a green bottle from the depths of our kitchen, a knock lightly resounded on my door.

A glance at the clock on the wall informed me it was almost time for Lucy to be home, had she forgotten her keys again? She was constantly leaving them on the coffee table, since I left after her and locked the door then.

I walked quickly to the door, pulling it open.

"Luce, I'm going to glue your keys to your fore...head..." I trailed off, lost in the dizzying golden depths of Eli's eyes.

Had he come over to personally inform me of the restraining order?

Eli cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable as he ran his hand through his shaggy gold locks.

"Jade, right?" He began, nervously shifting his feet.

Wait. Eli Hunter, gorgeous, fit, beautiful Eli Hunter, was nervous in my presence? Or perhaps he was just nervous that I was going to hogtie him and carry him into my bedroom like a caveman.

I could only nod, staring up at him in confusion.

"Jade, I wanted to thank you for getting that book." He said, eyes meeting mine before dropping to his feet, "I'd be dead without it. Big test Friday."

"Of course." I said quietly, afraid if I spoke too loudly it would make Eli go scurrying away.

He was like a frightened little baby deer or something. I had this strange urge to pet his head like at a petting zoo.

"...Can I take you for coffee or something?" He finally sighed, "To say thanks?"

Coffee. Real coffee, not Lucy's coffee, not cheap college cafe coffee. Coffee, coffee. The stuff dreams and miracles are made of.

"Yes!" I said, practically leaping up onto the balls of my feet in excitement.

Eli jerked back slightly, startled by my sudden movement as I planted my feet back solidly on the ground, forcing my face into seriousness.

"Yes." I repeated calmly, "Let me just grab my purse."

With a resolute nod, I slung my bag over my shoulder, prancing after him towards his red jeep, glowing warm under the rays of the sun.

I hopped in the passenger side, gleefully taking in the sights. My car was tiny and super low to the ground, I kind of felt like the king of the jungle way up in the Jeep.

"This is a cool car." I said, still doing my best to keep utterly casual.

Jeep was one of the only makes of cars that I could recognize with ease.

Eli nodded silently, putting in his key as he revved the engine.

"You alright?" I asked, as we pulled down the road. The silence was heavy, almost unbearable.

The wind gusted through the open windows of the jeep, blowing my hair all over my face. I felt like I was flying. Eli remained stiff and uncomfortable beside me, as though he would never relax.

"To be honest," The sexy blond murmured, voice barely audible over the blowing of the wind, "I'm not too much of a people person."

"Oh." I said quietly, frowning at him, "We can just get the coffee to go." I suggested slowly.

I didn’t want him to be uncomfortable. Maybe he had some severe social anxiety or something. I was going to be a psychologist one day, I should be practicing my empathy.

He shook his head, casting half a grin over his shoulder at me, "Nah," He smirked, "I figure with all the staring you've done today, I owe you a good conversation."

A blush bit my cheeks viciously as I stared intently out the window, frowning.

"Hey, now." Eli teased, playfully jabbing at my ribs with his elbow as I pouted petulantly, "I'm buying you coffee, you have to be nice to me."

I laughed, rolling my eyes as I looked back at him.

The sun shone in through the dashboard, illuminating the golden flecks of his eyes and the long, dark eyelashes that framed them. His nose was strong, jaw square, shoulders broad and firm. His tan skin melted into the leather of his seat. His fingers gripped the black steering wheel so tight that they blanched white.

He was still nervous. It was so crazy to perceive that I made him so uncomfortable. Me, little miss plain Jane, made such a gorgeous hunk of man nervous.

Wait.

Was this a date?

Violently, I shook my head, only to receive another frown from the man beside me.

"Are you okay?" It was his turn to ask in concern.

"Wonderful." I replied, smiling at him as though I were the most un-awkward person in the entire world.