“We need to talk.”

Wow, just what every guy wants to hear five minutes into his new fake relationship. “Are you breaking up with me? And just when I thought we were having a real breakthrough.”

Those full lips of hers twitch, even as she rolls her eyes, but she stays silent as she steers me over to the corner of the lecture hall, her arm still linked with mine, and waits until we’re out of earshot of others to whisper, “We have to come up with a game plan.”

“I think what you meant to say was thank you, Ethan. You’re my hero.”

She blinks up at me and lets go of my arm, crossing her arms over her chest. She’s got this shapeless black hoodie on, the same as last night, but her face is clear of the heavy makeup today, her hazel eyes filled with annoyance.

“Thank you,” she mutters. I don’t doubt her sincerity, but I still can’t help teasing her a little all the same.

“Was that painful? You looked like you were in pain saying that.”

Her mouth tilts up at the corners for the briefest moment before she stops herself. “I’m being serious here. I really am grateful. I just don’t… I don’t like being in anyone’s debt.” She looks down, the smallest bit of vulnerability seeping through before she clears her throat, looking back up at me. “How about I tutor you so we’re even?”

Tutor me? She honestly thinks I’m a meathead. I shrug, inwardly grinning. I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she finds out the truth. “Sure. I never turn down free help.”

“So how do you want to play this?”

“For being your fake boyfriend during the study?”

She nods, gaze darting about.

“Do you not trust me to keep my mouth shut around others?” I ask.

She releases a sigh. “I’m just double-checking.”

“Why’d you pick me?”

She blinks up at me, caught off guard. “You were right there.”

Fair enough. “So you don’t have anyone else you’d rather do this with?”

Her gaze narrows slightly. “If you’re trying to ask if I’m seeing anyone, the answer is no.”

Guess that was kind of obvious. “And you need the money because you’re not making enough tips at the bar?”

“How do you—” She cuts herself off. “Oh, my Dad.” She drums her fingers against her arm. “Yeah. Listen, I get that I put you in a tough spot. I’m…” She looks down at her crossed arms. “I’m sorry. If you don’t want to go through with it, I understand.”

My fingers twitch to reach out to her, but she’d probably karate chop my hands away. “I said I’d be the love of your life, didn’t I?”

The small smile she gives in response is worth continuing with… whatever this is we’re doing.