I woke up hours later feeling groggy and disoriented. Moonlight filtered in through the blinds as I picked up my phone to check the time, knowing it had to be late. Temporarily blinded by the screen, I squinted my eyes to adjust. Midnight? Shit, I really passed out, I thought, tossing my legs over the edge of the bed and shifting my weight to my feet.

I slid off my shirt and exchanged my jeans for a pair of pajama pants before leaving my room and heading for the stairs. When I reached the foyer, I noticed a light on in the kitchen, and heard muffled voices echoing through the darkened hallway. The light grew brighter as I crossed the threshold into the kitchen and saw my parents talking, standing on either side of the oversized island. My mother raised her head as I entered the room and gleamed at me with a sleepy smile, "Bo, sweetie! I thought you were at Clif's since it was so quiet when I got home. What are you doing up?"

"I fell asleep right after he dropped me off from class this afternoon. I just woke up and happened to hear you guys," I yawned, opening the refrigerator without thinking. I grabbed the orange juice and poured myself a glass before sitting on a cold, metal stool next to my parents.

"How's school going so far, kiddo?" my dad asked, meticulously wiping his smudged lenses before setting them back on his nose.

"It's fine, I guess," I shrugged. "My classes seem pretty interesting this semester."

"Have you made any new friends?" my mom probed, twirling a strand of chestnut hair with her fingers. "I know you and Clif probably don't see as much of each other as you'd like to since he's in a different program, but I'm sure there are a lot of other nice kids to hang out with, right?"

"Mom, ugh, please don't start with this," I grimaced, bracing for a well-meaning lecture on the importance of proper socialization. "If it will make you stop, yes, I made a new friend this week. It's not a big deal."

"Oh, honey! That makes me happy. Alright, I won't force you to overshare, but you know I'm here if you ever want to talk," she said in her kind, sing-song voice. "How are things going with Addie? She should be coming home soon, right?"

"Mom, I don't want to talk about Addie," I grunted, hoping she'd take the hint.

"Alright then," she frowned, "but let me know if you change your mind. She's a sweet girl, Bo. I'm not telling you what to do, but don't be a jerk, okay? I didn't raise you that way."

"Yes, Mom, I know," I said with finality as I got up to put my glass in the sink. "I'm going back to bed. I'm leaving to study in the morning and I have plans tomorrow night, but I told Clif he could come over for dinner on Sunday."

"Oh, good! I have been missing that sweet boy. You tell him not to bring anything, okay?"

"Sure, Mom. Night," I mumbled, quickly turning to leave.

"Goodnight," my parents said in unison.

As I walked back to my room, it suddenly hit me that I was supposed to text Connor before bed. Damn, I wonder if he's still awake.

Me: Ugh, I fell asleep when I got home this afternoon. Sorry for texting so late.

I tossed the phone on my bed, assuming that it would be morning before I'd get a response, but to my surprise, the screen lit up after only a couple of minutes.

Connor Wells: I forgive you. ;)

Me: What are you doing up so late, hm?

Connor Wells: Friend of mine convinced me to come out tonight. He wanted to try a new bar in town. Kind of wish I'd just stayed home, honestly. So what are we doing tomorrow--I mean, today?

Me: Still thinking. Pick me up at 6? I'd meet you somewhere, but my car is in the shop. I'll send you the address.

Connor Wells: That works for me. Sleep tight, Mr. Collins.

Me: Night. :)

* * *

The next morning, I struggled to pull myself out of the warmth of my lush down comforter, which had perfectly molded itself to my body. I unlocked my phone to see that it was already close to noon, so I decided to get a shower before heading out to study. I opened my closet to assess the day's possibilities, but ultimately struggled to pick an outfit. After trying on numerous items in a myriad of combinations, I settled on a simple v-neck t-shirt, layered with a vintage velvet blazer, and threw on my jeans from the day before. I brushed my teeth and ran my hands through my slightly damp curls before collecting my books and descending the stairs.

"Mom, I'm borrowing the car!" I shouted, hoping she would hear me.

"Sounds good, babe! Have fun studying!"

I grabbed the keys off the hook and put on my coat, double checking my bag to make sure I had everything I needed. I stepped into the garage, shutting the door behind me, and went to get in my mom's brand new BMW. I carefully backed out of the driveway, happy to be behind the wheel again, and started toward the library.

I spent a few hours reading and working on assignments before I realized what time it was. Shit, I can't believe it's already 5, I thought as I rushed through the exterior doors, bracing myself for the bitter cold. I stumbled into the car, shivering, and sped off in the direction of my parents' house. What should we do tonight? I guess we can grab dinner or something. Is that too boring? I mean, it's not like this is a date, right? Is it a date if I'm technically still in a relationship with someone else? I felt guilty for a minute since hanging out with Connor was, in fact, probably, definitely a date. I knew I could justify it a million different ways, but it didn't change the fact that I was going out alone with someone I had intentions of pursuing. You're breaking up with her tomorrow. Just keep your legs closed for one night and you're good. Wait, did I just assume that I would be the one spreading his legs? Shit, I'm not ready to think about that yet. I shook my head, attempting to suppress the intrusive, vulgar thoughts flooding my mind, when I finally pulled the car back into the garage.

After unloading my books and chatting with my mom, I settled into my room thinking I might relax for a bit. I had been sprawled out on my bed for all of five minutes when I heard the doorbell ring. Fuck. Why didn't he just text me? Mom is never going to let us leave.

I sprinted down the stairs, slid on my coat, and opened the door to see Connor beaming at me. Holy shit, he looks good. My eyes slowly drifted up and down his body more than once before he interrupted my gawking with a deep chuckle, "Like what you see?"

I blinked a few times and forced my gaping mouth closed before stuttering, "I-I, uh, actually, yeah." Smooth, jackass. "I'm ready, so let's go before my mom traps us here."

"I'm not going to trap you here, silly," my mom laughed as she walked up behind me. "Were you going to introduce me to your friend?"

Goddamnit. "Mom, this is Connor Wells. Connor, this is my mom," I muttered quickly. "I'll be back later, don't wait up."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Collins," Connor said, a wide grin on his face.

"The pleasure is mine, dear! As much as I love Clif, I'm thrilled to see my baby meeting new people. You boys have a lovely evening, okay? Make sure to lock up when you get home, Bo."

"Will do." I stepped outside, the wind nipping at my nose, and raised my head to look out past the perfectly manicured yard. Parked on the street in front of my parents' house sat a slightly used Volvo SUV, which somehow perfectly suited Connor. His long legs outpaced me, and before I could reach it, the passenger door was opened for me by my extremely handsome date. I nestled into the warm space and looked coyly through my lashes as I expressed my gratitude, "Thank you, sir."

"Of course," he said, shutting the door before walking around to his side of the car. Connor hopped in next to me and buckled his seatbelt, but he remained still for a moment, hesitating to put us in motion. His steel blue eyes focused on me, something clearly weighing on his mind. "Bo, before we leave, I just want to talk for a minute. Listen, I'm well aware that you technically have a girlfriend right now, and the last thing I want is for you to think of me as a sleazy guy who doesn't respect others' relationships. Having said that, I do genuinely like you. Not only do I find you incredibly attractive, you...fuck, I don't know how to put it into words. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you intrigue me. I won't lie, this is a date to me, and it may be shitty given the circumstances, but I hope you consider it to be a date as well."

Connor's brow was furrowed, a serious look on his face as I processed what he had just told me. His scent overwhelmed me in the enclosed space, and I found myself breathing in deeply. Fuck, he smells good. Before I could get distracted again, I tilted my head up to meet Connor's gaze and said in a low, husky voice, "I do. Consider it a date, I mean. Thank you for saying all of that, Connor."

His expression softened and the corners of his eyes crinkled in that adorable way as he peered at me affectionately. "Alright then, since that's settled, how would you feel about grabbing something to eat?"

"That sounds perfect."