Just Roommates

Chapter 5

I know I shouldn't have made that call, and honestly, I didn't even realize what I was doing until it was already done. Sure, there were several other people I could have asked for help, but none of them came to mind in that moment.

For some reason, all I saw was him.

"Stephanie?" I turn toward the main doors and see a familiar head of bronze hair. Just the sight of him relaxes me a little, and I smile.

He's making his way toward me, and I don't fail to notice how every pair of female eyes is on him as he passes by. He doesn't seem aware of any of them, though; his eyes are locked with mine.

"Hey," I say to him when he stops in front of me. He looks good in another pair of his fabulous jeans and a light grey sweater, and I'm finding it hard to focus for a split second as I get caught up in the same fog as yesterday. Finally, I find my voice. "Thank you so much for coming. I'm sorry if I pulled you away from something important."

Grinning, Ian shakes his head. "Don't worry about it. I'm glad you felt you were able to take me up on my offer to call if you needed anything. Packing a few boxes seemed much more appealing than paperwork anyway," he jokes, making me laugh. "So, which room is yours?"

All I do is look at him for a moment, still kicking myself for not being completely forthright with him over the phone. "Um, before I take you there, I should probably tell you something."

Even though it probably shouldn't be possible, Ian's smile widens, his green eyes sparkling like emeralds. "Don't tell me you have a cat."

I'm momentarily confused until I remember the "no pets" stipulation in the ad I responded to. "Oh, no. It's nothing like that. It's just . . . I, um . . ." I can't seem to say what I have to.

This seems to concern Ian. "Stephanie, what is it?"

"My boyfriend," I blurt out, causing his brow to furrow in confusion. "Well, more accurately, my ex."

"Oh."

It's obvious he doesn't know what else to say, so I continue. "We broke up last week, and he's been trying to find a way to talk to me ever since. But I really have no interest in hearing anything he has to say." I take a deep breath, because I'm starting to ramble. "Well, he's supposed to be in class, but he's not. He's right outside my room."

Realization shines in Ian's bright eyes. "Ohhhh. So you wanted me to tag along because—"

"Because I'm hoping he won't air our dirty laundry in front of others. Especially not a stranger," I admit, ashamed that I'm basically asking if I can use him. I'm a terrible person. "God, I'm sorry. That sounds pretty crappy, huh?"

Ian shakes his head, almost like he understands. "Nah. It just sounds like you want to put this part of your life behind you without any drama. I get that." He's possibly even more attractive to me now; I'm so screwed.

"So, which room is yours?"

After taking a few deep breaths, I lead him back around the corner. Adam is still there, even though at least a half hour has passed since I called Ian. My step falters when he turns and sees me. It isn't until I feel a warm hand press against the small of my back that I proceed. I try to breathe normally while Ian's hand remains on me, but butterflies have taken up residence in my stomach, and my entire body feels like a crackling live wire.

Adam notices the innocent touch, and his eyes leave mine to find Ian. I'm barely able to contain an arrogant smirk when Adam's stare hardens angrily, and his hands ball into fists at his sides. He looks like he's about ready to punch something . . . or someone.