Leave it Unread

Chapter 15

When I wake up, the feeling in the pit of my stomach is undeniably warm, filled to the brim with a promise I don't even know my body is making. All I can think about is the way Ben's fingers lingered on my jaw, the way his eyes screamed amusement at the response my body gave him whenever he inched closer and closer.

Does Ben like me? Well, that's still debatable. The guy is acting like a complete fuckboy, and if there's one thing I need to admit, the way he's acting with me behind closed doors is disrespectful to Kathleen. We both know that. 

Kathleen thinks she's secured the most sought after guy on campus, if not the entire state of Iowa. 

But I just can't understand it. There's something missing in the way he talks to me and talks to Kathleen. There's something unspoken between us that reveals his motives, but I can't put my finger on it. 

"Did he text back?" Kathleen asks, her face buried in the pillow as I reach for my phone. I had forced myself to fall asleep, even when the only thing on my mind was Ben's response. When I unlock my phone and go to the texting app, a smirk inevitably rises on my lips.

Ben Jacobs:

A double? Now we're talking. Can't wait. 

I read it and read it again before I hop out of bed, clasping my hands together before I grab some clothes to get ready for today's class. "Yeah, he did. Looks like you and him are going on a date with Adam and I." Before I can hear her response, I dart to the door, running down the hall towards the showers with a stupid smile on my face.

***

By the time I made it back to the dorm, Kathleen was already gone for whatever class she was inevitably filling her time with. She hadn't bothered to send a text asking me to keep up with Ben, given the fact that she knew him and I had class today. That, or she's finally realizing how damn weird it is texting Ben as her when we both know he isn't revealing much.

As my feet move me towards the coffee cart, the coffee cart, I attempt to turn around before I see Ben's gaze following my movements. I freeze in my spot before he cocks his head sideways, throwing me a gracious wave. There's a smirk on his face, one that screams "I-know-something-you-don't," and I can guarantee it's about the date tonight. He thinks I don't know "Kathleen" roped him into a double.

I shake off my nerves as my jaw tingles, a spark following along from last night's movement of Ben's fingers along it. I roll my eyes and curse under my breath before I make my way to the coffee cart, seeing the barista smiling as I approach him.

"Can I-"

"She'll have an iced caramel macchiato. My treat." Ben smiles and the barista nods firmly, taking the crisp five-dollar bill from Ben before he turns to me. He's wearing a forest green t-shirt with grey sweatpants, looking so casual yet so put together before he bites his bottom lip to draw me back to his attention. 

"I don't need you to pay for my coffee." 

"You see, you say that now, but when I tell you what Kathleen and I have planned tonight, you might just thank me for the caffeine boost." He laughs softly before the barista hands me my drink, his eyes amused at Ben's dazzling smile thrown his way. I roll my eyes at the affect he has on people, the way one smile can send a sea of warmth to everyone around him.

"Oh," I act curious, taking a sip and thanking Ben silently for the coolness of the drink. "What's that you have planned, so to speak?"

He watches me slowly, his eyes darkening as I take another sip with my eyes deadset on his. I watch him take a deep breath before he looks up at the sky briefly, crossing his hands across his chest. "We're going to have a fantastic night with you and Adam tonight."