Chapter 6
I'm still laying on the bench on the quad when I feel my phone buzz in my pocket. It's Peter.
"Come back".
I lay the phone against my chest and squeeze my eyes shut. I feel sick to my stomach, but of course, I'm going to go back.
I couldn't stay away if I tried.
---
I take a deep breath and push open our room door. Peter jumps off the bed, and for the first time, looks a little shocked that I did what he said.
I lock the door behind me and clear my throat, "Hey."
"Hey." He says softly, taking a few steps toward me.
We just lock eyes and take each other in for a few seconds. His brown eyes are softer, and his hair is askew. He looks at me like he genuinely cares.
He takes another step closer, a foot away from me now.
"I'm sorry," he whispers.
I dip my head down and then he's there, wrapping his arms around me and bringing my head into his chest.
"I'm sorry I was being a dick. That wasn't fair. I just needed to think."
I look up at him and he runs his hands through my hair before he sets his chin on top of my head, pulling me close. We stand there like this for what feels like forever, my arms finally wrapping around him.
Finally, he pulls away, his hands resting on my shoulders. "I didn't expect this... but you're doing something to me, Conner".
I laugh and nod because I know exactly how he feels.
I look back up at him, "me too".
He stares at me for a while longer before cupping my face and bringing his lips to mine. This kiss is softer than any that has come before. He presents himself to me and waits for me to offer my bottom lip. I sink into it.
I end up with my back against the wall and my hands in his hair, ever so slightly sucking on his tongue as it slips into my mouth. I could stay here like this forever.
I'm running my hand up his back, under his shirt, when he pulls away. I groan, instantly missing his weight against me.
"Let's go out." He says, taking a deep breath and a step back.
I raise my eyebrow, "Like on a date?"
"Yep." He nods, reaching for my hand.
I follow after him like a puppy.
---
I'm a little uneasy walking through campus holding hands with Peter, but he's grinning and I realize that is all I care about in this moment.
He leads me to the edge of campus and we walk into town. I don't even bother asking where we are going.
We're silent as we walk, but I catch him stealing glances at me and I can't keep my eyes off of him. It's like I'm looking at him in a new light. His confidence isn't arrogance, he's just sure and strong.
Eventually, we get to a Greek restaurant that every student knows well. It's incredible.
He opens the door for me and leads me to a small booth in the back. I slide in, across from him and rest my head against the booth, taking him in.
He's wearing his usual button-down shirt, tonight's in a deep blue color that looks amazing on him. I'm less nervous than I would have expected. I actually feel like I was made to sit in this booth and stare at this gorgeous man.
Elena, an older woman who has worked here forever, comes up to take our orders. "Ahh hello, boys! What will we have tonight?"
"Can we start with a pitcher of Mythos and some spanakopita?" Peter says. I nod my head in agreement.
Elena leaves to get our drinks and Peter grins at me. "What are you thinking?" He asks.
I laugh. "Honestly... I never thought I would be on a date with you."
"Why is that?"
I shrug my shoulders. "I don't know, I didn't like you all that much."
Peter's eyes narrow, hurt.
"I don't feel like that now, though," I say, pressing my knee to his. "I'm happy we're here."
He smiles, "So am I."
Peter orders my dinner for me, at my request, and we spend the rest of the night getting to know each other more than we have the entire semester. He tells me about his dreams of being a journalist, which I can totally see happening. I tell him about my family and how I'd also like to be a writer, but maybe fiction. I'm not sold on political science. He makes me feel like maybe that is a worthwhile goal.
After a few pitchers of beer, we're loose and grinning and laughing at each other like idiots. I clear my throat, "So have you had a boyfriend before?"
He purses his lips. "No. Not exactly."
I look at him quizzically.