Page 48 of His Reckless Freshman

I shake my head, still too surprised to form words.

He wants to take me out for a milkshake?

At Eat Your Faves? One of the most popular diners in town?

I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t actually been there yet.

“Perfect.” Ben grins. “I’ll get to be the guy to introduce you to the best milkshake you’ve ever had. Are you free right now? I’ve got about an hour before my basketball practice.”

“Oh. Are you…?” I blink and tuck my hair behind my ear again. “Are you sure?”

What are you doing? Just say no!

I can’t. It’d be impolite!

“Of course I’m sure. And it’s my treat.” He grins and tips his head. “Come on.”

I fall into step beside him, and he starts telling me about his day. He’s so easy and warm, his voice a sweet balm to my raw nerves as he describes one of his classes and how fascinating he finds it. There’s no tension today. He’s unguarded, obviously not worried about what I might write. He trusts me now. I proved myself, and maybe that’s why I’m starting to relax.

When we get to the diner and he opens the door for me, then advises me on what I should order, I start to wonder if maybe I trust him too.

Or at least maybe trust could build between us.

He doesn’t seem to mind that I’m a dorky little freshman.

He’s treating me like a friend.

Wow. Maybe he could be my first male friend.

Maybe he could be more?

No! Don’t you dare go there and ruin it. You’re friends. That’s it.

Besides, he’d never fall for the likes of me, and I’m not about to get swept up like I did last week. Just because he’s being kind doesn’t mean he’s going to fall in love with me.

I will my insides to calm down and just accept what this is: Two young adults sliding into a diner booth and talking about their days.

Just the way I’d do with my girlfriends.

Ben just happens to be a guy. That’s the only difference.

You know that’s not true.

Just shut up and treat him like a friend already. Stop overthinking this and just be in the moment.

Sucking in a big, internal breath that he hopefully won’t notice, I tuck my hands under my legs and try to act like a normal person.

I wish it wasn’t so hard to do.

16

BEN

Jolie’s slowly starting to relax.

It’s taken maximum effort to get her there. She was a deer in headlights when she first saw me jogging toward her on campus, but now she’s smiling at me like she means it. She even laughed at my story before. I told her how my sisters used to dress me up like a doll and we’d do fashion shows for my parents. She thought that was super cute, and I enjoyed her giggle.

We’ve been here for over half an hour now, and she’s had most of her milkshake and we’ve nearly finished the slice of cherry pie we’re sharing. I’m letting her have most of it. I’m not supposed to be filling my body with fatty, sugary shit like this anyway. But damn, it tastes good.