Gem in the Rough

Chapter 21

The next week flies by in a blur. It's filled with shifts at the tech office, tutoring some of my students, and spending as much time with Kieran and Alice as I can. I'm starting to get a routine down and I think everything is falling into place like I needed it to. I was afraid that my grades would slip since adding Kieran into my life, but they've stayed where they were previously. It makes me wonder why it took me so long to live a little.

I'm currently at my desk at Tech Support, arriving a few minutes later than usual because my afternoon class ran long.

"Sorry I'm late!" I rush out as I drop my book bag on the floor. Anthony is at his part of the desk, looking through his filing cabinet.

"Yeah, yeah," he waves me off, seeming to not care.

I sigh in relief and sit down, trying to slow my breathing. Jogging across campus is no joke, especially not with my extra weight. I brush my jeans off and straighten my WSU t-shirt, starting up my computer.

I jump when a hand slams down on the counter above my desk. My palm flies to my chest, "Jesus."

I look up and see Kieran there, his eyes sparkling with amusement, "It's okay, you can just call me Kieran." I try to slap his hand, but he moves it too quickly, resulting in me hitting the counter instead.

"Ow."

He begins full-on laughing at me now and I can't help but notice a dimple forming on his cheek. I roll my eyes and ask what he wants.

"I just wanted to see you. And ask what you're doing this weekend," he winks and leans against the counter.

"Someone is getting a little too confident." Anthony chimes in, walking the few feet over to me. He leans over with his hand on my shoulder and says, "but it's pretty hot, right?"

I laugh and nod. Kieran's face heats and he runs a hand through his hair. I guess calling him out on his confidence doesn't make him very confident. I smirk to myself. How ironic.

I push Anthony away from my side, shooing him back to his seat and then look up. "I have a shift here on Saturday morning and am tutoring someone on Sunday. Why? What's up?"

"Can you get someone to cover you on Saturday and reschedule tutoring on Sunday? I want to take you somewhere."

"For the whole weekend?" I stare at him, unsure of what I'd be getting myself in to.

"Yes, the whole weekend." He leans over again, getting close to my face, but not close enough. "Why? You scared to be alone with me for that long?" His breath hits my lips and I shiver.

"You wish."

He backs away and says, "Great! So, you get the time off and I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning!" He's out of the door and into the tech room before I can say anything else.

I turn to Anthony, a question in my eyes.

"Fine, I'll cover for you tomorrow. You two are so cute it makes me sick." He makes a gagging noise and I cackle.

I wonder what Kieran has planned, because I must admit, I'm very intrigued.

--

After texting Zack that I'm going to be unavailable for tutoring on Sunday, I start packing a bag for my weekend with Kieran. I received a text back almost immediately.

Zack James: Awh, man. Who am I supposed to charm with my good looks on Sunday if you aren't around? Lol.

I blush, feeling guilty that Zack is flirting with me. I don't want to hurt his feelings or make things awkward, because I really need the money from tutoring, but I need to stop this before it gets too far.