Chapter 4 #2
The smuggest smile I had ever seen spread across his face.
As I paid, Oliver beckoned to his security guard, who approached and leaned his head in as Oliver spoke. “Faxon, change of plans. We’re going to Intimo for dinner.”
Faxon nodded. “Yes, sir.” He pulled his phone from his pocket, typing quickly before putting it away again.
As we said our goodbyes to Enid and exited Whispering Words, Oliver led me to the curb, where yet another man clad in all black opened the door to a large SUV.
The man inclined his head toward Oliver. “Sir.”
“Jackson,” Oliver answered, placing his hand on my back to guide me into the vehicle.
Oliver slid in after me before Jackson closed the door and made his way around the car to the driver’s seat.
It was still mind-boggling to me that Oliver lived his life with security and drivers and God knew who else every day.
He buckled his seatbelt, then paused. “Do you like Italian food? I should have asked before I just decided.”
My stomach growled and I felt my face grow hot. I could just climb out of the car and disappear, right? Oliver threw back his head in laughter. “Shall I take that as a yes?”
I grinned sheepishly. “I love Italian food.”
The button on my jeans was definitely about to burst open. I was so full after bruschetta, salad, cacio e pepe, and two glasses of Chardonnay.
“Dessert for the lovely couple?” our server asked through a heavy Italian accent.
“Oh, we’re not a couple,” I said at the same moment that Oliver said, “I’d love a tiramisu.”
“Right away, Your Highness.” The man bowed and left through the door that led from the private dining area into the rest of the restaurant.
Oliver twirled the stem of his wine glass with his pointer and thumb.
I watched him, noticing the slight furrow in his brows. “You look like you have something on your mind.”
He looked up, meeting my eyes. “You were awfully quick to let him know that we aren’t a couple.”
“Well, we’re not. I’m your tutor; you’re my student,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“Right.” He took a slow sip of the wine.
“We’re just friends,” I added, trying to hide the hesitation in my voice.
“Of course. Just friends.” He smiled.
I started to fiddle with my own wine glass. “Do you not think we’re friends?”
He shook his head. “No, we are. I enjoy hanging out with you. You’re a great tutor and a good friend.”
It was hard not to feel like there wasn’t more that he wanted to say. But instead of pressing him, I decided to take him at his word. After all, he was agreeing with me, so shouldn’t that be enough?
Oliver cleared his throat. “Since we’re both in town for spring break, could we get some extra studying in?” he asked.
“Sure, just text me and let me know when you’d like to get together.”
“Your tiramisu, sir.” I could have kissed the server for interrupting what had become a decidedly awkward conversation as he set the plate of dessert in front of Oliver.
“Thank you.” Oliver smiled at the man before turning back to me. “Adelaide, you have to try this, it’s amazing. Not too sweet.”
I laughed. “I don’t know if I have any room left!”
“Just one bite, I promise you won’t regret it.”
“Okay, fine.” I reached down for a fork, forgetting that the staff had already cleared the dirty dishes from my side.
“Here.” Oliver cut a bite of the tiramisu with his fork, holding it out to me.
I looked into his steel-gray eyes. They reminded me of storm clouds, the kind you love to see on a hot summer day. Looking into his eyes was like getting caught in a summer storm; you knew you shouldn’t be out in the lightning but loved the way it made your body feel. Electric.
“It’s just a small, friendly bite.” He winked.
Yeah, this was anything but just friendly.
Oliver and I spent at least an hour studying together every day that week. We switched off between his flat and the library’s study room since the campus was mostly empty. He convinced me to go to another trivia night with his friends, and once again, we walked away with first place.
Seeing him around his friends again reminded me of how much more down to Earth he was than I had previously believed.
Now, on the final night of break, I was a little sad to see it end. I had planned on laying low and living on tea and takeout, but Oliver had turned the week into something truly enjoyable.
I knocked on his front door and was met with the aroma of an array of foods as he swung the door open.
“Hi.” He grinned at me. “Come on in.”
As we entered the kitchen, I scanned the food containers arranged on the counter. In the living room, the TV was on and paused.
I glanced at Oliver, my face flushing. “Did I get the time wrong? Am I interrupting a date or something?”
“What? No! I thought since we’ve studied hard all week, we could have a relaxing night in.”
“Oh. Okay,” I answered.
He chuckled. “Just friends, remember? Nothing crazy going on here.”
I rolled my eyes as he took my bag from me. He continued, “I wasn’t sure what your favorite takeout was, so I ordered a little bit of everything. There’s fried rice and stir fry, street tacos with chips and salsa, pizza, and gyro bowls are there at the end.”
“Wow, you really did think of it all, huh?”
“I tried.” He ran his hand over his head and down to his neck.
We both made ourselves plates and he led me to the living room.
“What movie do you have on?” I asked as I sat beside him on the couch, tucking my feet up underneath me.
“Well, since this still is technically a study date, I thought we could combine my love of music and your knowledge of Spanish and watch the 1997 classic, Selena.”
“Amazing choice. We could even put the Spanish dub on.”
“Whoa.” He held up one of his hands in a placating gesture. “I don’t think I’m there just yet.”
I couldn’t contain the laugh that bubbled out of me.
This felt so natural: sitting here on the couch with Oliver, watching a movie and enjoying a casual night in.
It took everything in me not to lean over and snuggle up against him.
I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn’t a date and we weren’t a couple.
But maybe, once the semester was over, we could be.