Four Years Later by Monica Murphy Read Free Book Online Page A

you.” Chelsea smiles, her voice soft, her eyes filled with this sparkly glow that’s pretty damn mesmerizing.
    “I know. You are. Can you help me more, though? Like with the portfolio and stuff? Maybe I can see you more than just twice a week?”
    She blinks, looking at me as though I’ve lost my mind for making the suggestion. “I don’t know …”
    “I’ll pay you,” I interrupt.
    “Of course you’ll pay me,” she retorts, making me smile. Okay, my tutor is a little feisty. Good. I was hoping she had a backbone. “It’s just that I have a pretty packed schedule.”
    “Tutoring around the clock, huh?” I lean back in my chair, curious to hear what’s keeping her so busy.
    “Well, no. Not exactly.”
    “Heavy class load?” I suggest.
    “Definitely that.” She nods.
    “Your social calendar is jammed with upcoming events.” I don’t even know where I’m coming up with this crap. “I’m guessing you’re part of a sorority, right?”
    She laughs, scrunching her nose. “Not quite. And no, I’m definitely not in a sorority.”
    “Steady boyfriend who never lets you out of his sight?” Okay. I threw that last one out because I had to fucking hear it. Does she have someone? Even a casual someone? I’d like to know. Why, I’m not exactly sure, because I don’t have plans on ever doing anything with this girl, but I’m curious.
    Her cheeks turn this rosy pink as she drops her head, studying my open file with rapt attention. I know it can’t be that interesting. “No. No boyfriend.”
    Relief surges through me, which is absolutely ridiculous. I should not care.
    “How about you?” she asks. “Do you have a girlfriend?” Her voice shakes on the last word and I stare at her, willing her to look up, but she doesn’t.
    “Nope. No girlfriend,” I mimic her answer. She lifts her head at that and I find myself momentarily lost in her gaze. Stupid. “Why do you ask? Hoping for a chance?” I smirk at her like the asshole I am, because I can’t help myself.
    She grimaces. “Yeah, right.”
    Ouch
. I bet she looks at me and sees a dumb jock, which is kind of true. She probably likes brainy, skinny dudes who study all day and never make a sexual move on her. They probably make her feel safe.
    I am the farthest thing from safe for her, especially when I look at her and all I can think about is what she looks like naked.
    Fucking get over it, Maguire. This chick is not your type.
    “I have another job, I’m taking sixteen units this semester, and my tutoring schedule is the heaviest I’ve ever had,” she explains. “So it’s going to be sort of hard to fit you in for extra help. I’m sure you’re busy, too.”
    I am. But not at the moment, what with my reduced work schedule and my temporary suspension from the football team. “Not as busy as I was last week, that’s for sure. Listen.” Leaning forward, I rest my forearms on the table, trying to get close to her so I can get my point across. “I’ve got to accelerate these tutoring sessions. I need to get back onto the team. I—”
    “Why?”
    I lean back. “What?”
    “Why do you need to get back on the team?”
    Because I want to get in my sister’s good graces again. I don’t want Fable mad at me anymore. And maybe if I’m too busy, Mom will eventually give up and stop hassling me.
That last one is pure bullshit. In my dreams Mom will stop coming by and begging for money. “They need me.”
    She studies me closely and I’m tempted to look away, but I hold my ground. I have the distinct feeling she doesn’t believe me, but what do I care? “Then write about that.”
    “What?” I ask again like I’m stuck on repeat.
    “Write about how much your team needs you. There’s your first piece for your portfolio.” Chelsea smiles, looking awfully pleased with herself. “And you’re welcome.”
Chelsea
    He is
waaay
too good-looking. Sitting this close, asking me super-uncomfortable questions like whether I have a boyfriend. I