Free A Different Side (University Park #4) by CM Doporto Page A

even longer to think about what to text. I knew my spelling and grammar needed to be correct — she’d be checking. I deleted and rewrote my message about five times before giving up and settling on something simple.
    Me: Lexi, it’s Raven. I need your help. Can we meet tonight?
    My finger hovered over the send button and my throat tightened. I took a few deep breaths. The message was fine — no errors and to the point. It was legitimate business, no flirting or inappropriate comments. What was the worst that could happen? She could get mad that I texted and refuse to help me. Maybe even refuse to work with me anymore. More than likely, that wouldn’t happen. Not based on the vibe I felt Tuesday. No, she’d be willing to help me.
    With baited breath, I pressed the key and placed a death grip on my phone. I stared at the screen, my heart pounding like it was the last play of the game and it was up to me to throw the winning touchdown. Why the hell was I getting so nervous? What was up with that?
    Lexi: How did you get my number?
    I cringed and lowered in my chair, almost hearing the irritation in her voice. She was not happy.
    Shit.
    My fingers trembled and my mind went blank. A few seconds later, raucous thoughts invaded me and the voices started. I ignored them, determined to reply to her comment. What would I say? Should I apologize? Maybe I shouldn’t respond. She didn’t want to help me. I was the biggest idiot on this earth.
    Tossing the phone on the table, I got up and paced the room. I shouldn’t have messaged her. With my hands on my head, I yelled. This shouldn’t be that difficult. Why was I making such a big deal out of it? She was my tutor and I needed her help. If she didn’t want to help me, fine. No harm in asking. I grabbed my phone and told myself to quit being a dumbass.
    Me: I got it from Dr. Phillips. I hope that’s okay because I REALLY need your help. I have a paper due tomorrow that I forgot about.
    I hit send and fell to the chair. If Lexi refused to help me, I guess I could call on Beth. All though she was a history major, I’m sure she could help in more ways than one. I shook my head. I didn’t want Beth’s help. I wanted Lexi’s. I buried my face in my hands and sighed. This totally sucked.
    The table vibrated as a text message came through my phone. I lowered my hands and sat up. I peered over my books and laptop, trying to catch a glimpse of the screen. Distinguishing the voice telling me I was a chicken shit, I grabbed the phone and looked at it.
    Lexi: I guess. Can we meet at five?
    Hell yeah! I slapped the table and quickly replied. All the nervousness was a waste of energy. I thought about telling her that we could meet at my apartment, but opted to let her decide. It would be too tempting if I had her here.
    Me: That’s fine. Where do you want to meet?
    Me: You choose.
    It took a minute or so before she responded.
    Lexi: Yes, The Raven. The sexy football player.
    I did a double take. The message was a little confusing, but was obviously clear. She’d referred to me as sexy . I lifted my eyes from the screen, a huge grin spreading across my face. Lexi Thompson, my tutor, called me sexy.
    Oh yeah, baby!
    Dirty thoughts about all the things I’d like to do with her invaded my mind. I shook my head, reminding myself not to screw this up. I wasn’t going after her. Even though I wanted to get to know her, I didn’t want the tutoring relationship to end. I needed to back off and just take things one-step at a time. If things progressed, great. If they didn’t, okay. As long as she tutored me, I was good. But I figured it was okay to let her know what I thought.
    My fingers rolled across the keyboard, not thinking twice. I bit back the huge smile emerging and hit send.
    Me: Thanks. I’m glad you think I’m sexy.
    A moment later, my phone buzzed.
    Lexi: Sorry. You weren’t supposed to see that.
    I laughed. She was totally talking to someone about me. And there was only one