Touch me gently, break me slow

ty parking lot, earning more than a few curious stares. S

eople already think I'm your personal assist

nglasses down. "Let them stare.

ttered, clutching her bac

irst-heels clicking, hair perfect, perfume soft but expensive. She adjusted he

ackpack slung lazily across one shoulder. The contrast b

e girl she alway

replied. "The

used to it. Instead, she leaned closer to J

e, I'll tell the driver to drop

king her head. "Y

ion-irre

gh groups of students chatting by the steps. The air smell

tice board. "I'll go check the schedul

one. "Dad wants me to meet someone later today.

A setup. Defin

ot ready for marriage interviews. I have a

gly enough to sca

rough her messages. "But you know what? If he

her, wide-eyed

ed grin. "Relax, I'

ed her eye

l rang from the administration buil

e. Come on before Professo

leaming beneath their steps. The chatter of students

o her usual seat near the middle row while Jasmine, ever the

ater, carrying a stack of paper

son, I have an announcement. The university will be hosting a corpora

ppled acro

. Some of you might even get internship offers. S

smine, who whispered, "Bet my

y. "If they need

THAT

The scent of roasted beans and caramel syrup filled the air as c

es with practiced ease. Her apron was dusted with coffee grounds, and her

er boss - Mrs. Holt, a woman whose voice could

back, flashing her p

ver the door chimed-a soft, cheerful sound that nor

e Whitmore had

her frame, and her heels clicked confidently on the floor. She looked entirely out of pl

dened slightly. "Ca

miling charmingly. "Actually, I'm here for one of

linked. "Bo

smine continued smoothly. "E

ickly wiped her hands on her apron and rushed toward Jasmine, whi

voice. "I know, I know. But

e you said that, we ended up cl

e it's di

erent

, who was watching suspiciously. "

t," she said carefully, "my friend just need

"Five minutes, Bennett. And don't think I didn't see

dragging Jasmine toward a qu

deep breath. "Okay. So. My dad set

other heir who probably thin

t's why I nee

inked.

he only one who can help me. Dad will kill me if I skip again.

"You're un

e said sweetly.

he corners of her lips twitched. "And why

tly. "You won't get swept up or say something dumb. Just sit ther

arms. "You're ou

only hope. You're my height, my hair col

, th

r arm. "One dinner. I'll tell Dad he

spoiled heir and a table too expensive to breathe near. But the way Jasm

s this gu

nking. "I don't know

. "Thorne? That alrea

with a company and a comb-over. My father doesn't care if I m

ad in disbelief.

n't keep pretending I'm okay with this. But I can't sa

e to go on a fake dinner date with

her tone softening. "Bu

s drumming against her arm. "Y

t up instantly. "

is guy's creepy, I'm out the

rms around her. "You're the best, Eva Be

aid that las

, and turned toward the door. "I'll come pick y

tanding there, apron in hand, wondering w