Your Tutor

Chapter Seven

Send me a pic of y'all getting along — Loml <3

I chuckle at the text. I can hear the threatening tone she would speak if I was with her. I tilt my phone camera up to the distracted boy in front of me. "Smile, Brooks," I tell him.

His eyes flicker to mine before he sees the camera. He flashes a small grin, and I snap the picture. "Who was that for?" he asks, toying with the straw in his milkshake.

"Cameron," I respond, sending the picture with a tiny smile on my lips. He looks awfully perfect in this picture. Chiseled jawline, glistening eyes. If I didn't hate the idea of us, I would go as far to say that he's my type.

"I'm attractive aren't I?" I look up to meet his gaze. It's like he read my mind. "No, it's okay. I can see it on your face. I know." He gives me a smug smirk, the cockiness lacing his words like venom.

I shake my head, chuckling and sipping my lemonade. "I wouldn't even think about it. Let's not flatter ourselves, this is just for Cameron."

"Okay," Brooks laughs. "But what if it wasn't?"

"But it is," I counter.

"If it wasn't?"
I hesitate for a moment, studying his face. "Mm," I hum, nodding slightly. "Fine. I would be better dressed." I gesture to my leggings and sweatshirt.

He tilts his head in question. "I think you look cute."

"Cute," I repeat, snickering softly. "Thanks."

"Mhmm." He slides out the booth, my eyes staying on him as he does. "You done?" he asks, and I nod. With that, he extends his hand to me, palm up. I glance up at him then back down to his hand before slipping my fingers into his hold.

Brooks helps me out of the booth with a small smile on his lips.

"What?" I question the look on his face.

He shakes his head. "Nothing"

"No — what is it?"

He pushes the door open for me and nudges me through with his other hand on my lower back. "I just find it funny, ya' know? You thinking this is for Cameron."

Is it not?

My phone buzzes before I can speak my thoughts. I take it out my pocket and look at the newest text from Cameron.

together pls — Loml <3

I stop relatively close to his car and he stops behind me.

"What?" he asks, standing beside me.

"Come see," I say.

Brooks gets the hint and moves into the frame of the camera. I give a soft smile and he does too. But just as I go to press the button, his hand grabs my jaw and turns my head to his. And just like that, his lips are on mine.

My arm has fallen to my side by the time he pulls away. I stand, almost frozen in shock, as I look at him.

"Still about Cameron?" A smirk covers his face.

I glance down to my phone when it buzzes again.

now — Loml <3

The text is a banner on the screen, covering just a portion of the picture plastered across my phone. I stare at the image. Brooks lips on my own, hand clamped on my jaw. I must've still pressed the button. Honestly, It's not a half bad picture.

"This wasn't about her... was it?"

"What do you think, Peaches?" He steps over and opens the passenger door to his Jeep. "C'mon," he says. "Let me return you back to Cameron before she kills me."