Page 16 of Under His Protection
I have an electronic copy on my tablet, of course, but sometimes it’s nice to read a well-loved physical copy. There’s something comforting about holding a library book.
I’m back in my room when Philip texts me to tell me he’s on his way up. Fortunately, I have the room to myself right now. Melissa is at a dinner for the track team, and she said she probably wouldn’t return until around eight.
When there’s a knock on my door, I jump up to open it, excited to see Philip again. I know I just saw him Saturday, but that feels like ages ago.
I open the door and blurt out, “Hi!”
“That’s quite an enthusiastic welcome.”
My stomach drops. “Mark? What are you doing here?”
“I looked up your dorm room number in the student directory.” He peers past me into the room. “Is your roommate in?”
“No, she—”
“Great,” he says. “Are you in the mood for some company?”
I’m blocking the doorway, otherwise, I think he’d already be inside my room. “I’m sorry, but—”
“Hey, babe,” Philip says as he appears out of nowhere. He’s standing behind Mark, a full head taller, looming over him like an avenger.
Relief rushes through me as I meet his gaze. “Philip, hi.”
“I don’t think we’ve met,” Philip says to Mark. “I’m Haley’s boyfriend.”
For a long, uncomfortable moment, Mark just stares at Philip. Then he turns to me and smiles. “I’ll catch up with you later, Haley. We should find time to go over Wednesday’s lab assignment.” He smiles coldly at Philip. “I’m Haley’s chemistry lab partner.”
Philip pats Mark on the shoulder. “Lucky for you, then. At least you’ll be guaranteed to get an A.”
“I’ll see you later, Haley,” Mark says. His expression sours as he walks away.
“Who was that?” Philips asks when Mark is out of hearing range.
“My chemistry lab partner.”
Philip frowns. “I know, but why is he at your door?”
“I’m not sure. He’s a bit pushy, though. I’ll give him that.”
Philip watches until Mark steps into an elevator. “If he causes you any trouble, let me know. I’ll have a friendly chat with him.”
I chuckle. There’s nothing about Philip right now that looks friendly. I reach for his hand. “I’m glad you’re here. Your timing is impeccable.”
Now that I really have a chance to look at him, my belly does a fluttery somersault. The ends of his hair are damp, which means he took a shower before coming over. He’s wearing nice jeans, no tears; a dark blue, button-down shirt; and a pair of new boots. I detect a faint whiff of Polo, the popular men’s cologne I gave him for Christmas.
“You look awfully dressed up,” I say as I step back so he can enter.
“This?” He gestures to himself. “Nah. It’s what I always wear.” But his grin gives him away.He did dress up for me.
I gesture at my jean shorts, a university logo T-shirt, and bare feet. “You should have told me you were dressing up. Now I’m seriously underdressed.”
Philip closes the door behind him and turns the deadbolt. He paces toward me like a prowling tiger, and I laugh as I step back, and back, and back, until I hit the wall.
He swoops in and nuzzles the crook of my neck until I’m giggling.
“That tickles!” I push ineffectively at his broad chest. When that doesn’t work, I grasp his upper arms, but I’m distracted by how hard his biceps are. They’re like large, smooth stones beneath human flesh.
He glances around the room. “Melissa’s not here?”
