For the first time, he was serious, his eyes lit with sincerity, and it was even sexier than when he was smiling. The insinuation was obvious, and he meant for it to be. His gaze held me hostage, each twinkle in his eye pulling me further into his trance.
Needing to take back some form of control, I made a point of rolling my eyes, feigning indifference. I inched even closer until the space between us was barely visible, then I stood my ground and went toe-to-toe with him in this staring contest. “You seem so sure of yourself. Better be careful that head of yours doesn’t explode.”
You want to dance? I’ll dance. I will not back away, I will not back away.
“I’m not trying to be conceited, Angel. I just have no intention of it being any other way.” Blake had no smirk now. No smile. No hint of sarcasm or sense of banter on his gorgeous features. His gaze was so fierce, I felt myself falling into him. Those hypnotic eyes weren’t sparkling now, they were glowing.
Breathe, you idiot!
He held my stare just a second longer. Then, taking note of my paralysis, he tossed the proverbial bone back again. “So what’s your major?” He relaxed back in his chair, and the air between us snapped like a rubber band.
I sucked in a deep breath, making a desperate attempt to compose myself and use the organ between my ears as I stiffly sunk back in my own chair. “Psychology. Then I’ll move on to med school to get my degree in psychiatry.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Whoa, girl. You don’t do things small, huh? No regular freshman with the undecided liberal arts major for you?” He chuckled.
I shrugged with a small smile. “I know. I set a hard line for myself, but I refuse to deviate from it.” This fucked up brain of mine decided my career goal should be psychiatry of all things. I couldn’t even help myself, yet I felt I should be helping other people? As if I were capable enough to do that. “It was on the short list of best careers for women, and I plan to be nothing less than the best. Always.”
Rolling his bottom lip between his fingers, he studied me like I was a puzzle he was trying to decipher. I couldn’t help but stare at that attention-seeking lip, and for a fleeting moment I wondered how it would taste.
What’s this guy doing to me? Get off the topic of you, damn it!
I cleared my throat. “How about you? What do you want to be when you grow up?” I laughed at my funny.
Any amusement in his eyes faded, and was replaced by a forlorn expression.
My heart might have just broken a little, and I had to restrain myself from reaching out to touch his face and smooth away the lines. Why do you care? You don’t know this guy from Adam. You’re letting him get too close!
“Er, that’s kinda complicated,” he started. “I’m majoring in criminal justice so I can eventually go to law school just like dear ol’ Dad wants me to, but it’s the last thing I want.” Blake gave a short shrug and looked out the window.
“So, tell him it’s not what you want for yourself,” I offered like it was the obvious solution. “Welcome to the modern day. Your parents no longer get to decide your future.” Problem solved. I pulled my book from my bag and placed a pen on top of it.
He let out a sarcastic laugh. “Easier said than done. You’ve never met Judge Turner. Let’s just say if I want to remain in his will and his good graces, I better get very familiar with our judicial system.”
My mouth hung agape. “He would cut you off? For not wanting to be a lawyer?”
One simple nod told me all I needed to know.
I narrowed my eyes, frowning. “Who cares then? Screw his will. Why be miserable for the rest of your life?”
He noticed my mood change, and appreciation shone in his eyes. “This is all a story for a different day. I’d rather not waste any of my minutes with you talking about my dad and his overbearing tendencies.” He raised his hand mid-sentence, never breaking eye contact with me as he called out to the front of the room, “Here.” Then back to me, his voice discreet, “These are precious minutes.” He licked his lips and his eyes gave a little twinkle.
Slick. Okay, he was better than I was at roll call. Oh no. Roll call! I missed my name!
His unrelenting stare went right through me. Unable to take it any longer, I cleared my throat and forced myself to look away. In a quiet voice, I muttered, “You know we really should be paying attention.” And I was back to biting my fingers.
A second later, a packet of salt landed on my desk, and my head snapped up to see his mischievous grin. I couldn’t stop the noise that escaped my nostrils and the back of my throat as I tried desperately to stifle the laugh behind my hand.
The professor shot a disapproving glare to the back of the room, and the entire class swiveled to see what all the fuss was about. I must have turned one hundred shades of purple as I slouched down in my seat.
“As I was saying . . .” the professor continued.